NOW HIRING:

Director of Programs and Operations

Director of Program Operations - Position Summary

The Director of Program Operations will serve as a core leader in advancing the mission of Palenke Arts by overseeing program execution, managing financial operations, and supporting organizational effectiveness. This role integrates artistic programming with administrative and fiscal systems to ensure the organization runs smoothly and sustainably. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director will provide strategic support across programming, finance, data reporting, and community engagement.

Work Location: 530 Elm Ave, Seaside, CA

Reports to: Executive Director

Key Responsibilities and Essential Duties

Operations & Administration

Program Oversight (40%)

  • Lead the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of Palenke’s multicultural arts education and public programming.

  • Collaborate with teaching artists, administrative staff, and volunteers to ensure high-quality classes and community events.

  • Develop and manage program schedules, calendars, and class logistics.

  • Support curriculum development aligned with Palenke's mission and values.

  • Coordinate with external partners, schools, and community stakeholders to deepen engagement.

Financial Operations (35%)

  • Manage day-to-day financial functions including budget tracking, expense reporting, accounts payable/receivable, and reimbursements.

  • Collaborate with the Executive Director and accountant on monthly reconciliations, audits, and financial forecasting.

  • Assist with preparation of grant budgets, invoicing, and financial reporting to funders.

  • Monitor program budgets to ensure alignment with grant and contract compliance.

Program & Grant Data Management (10%)

  • Collect, analyze, and maintain program data for evaluation and funder reporting.

  • Coordinate with staff to ensure accurate attendance, participation, and outcome tracking.

  • Prepare summaries and reports for grants, board meetings, and strategic planning sessions.

Organizational Leadership & Communication (10%)

  • Participate in leadership meetings, strategic initiatives, and board engagement efforts.

  • Support internal communication practices that promote collaboration and alignment.

  • Represent Palenke Arts at community events, funder meetings, and professional gatherings.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement (5%)

  • Foster strong relationships with community partners, local government agencies, and arts organizations.

  • Represent Palenke Arts at community events, meetings, and forums as needed.

  • Support marketing and outreach efforts to increase participation and awareness of programs.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, education, or related field.

  • Minimum 3 years of experience in program or operations management in nonprofit or arts organizations.

  • Bilingual and bi-literate in English/Spanish required.

  • Strong understanding of multicultural arts programming and community-based work.

  • Demonstrated financial literacy and experience managing program budgets.

  • Proficiency in Google Suite, Excel, and financial reporting tools (e.g., QuickBooks or similar).

  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.

  • Flexible schedule, including availability for evening and weekend events.

  • Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation.

  • Experienced working with a diverse set of community-based organizations, residents, and stakeholders 

Compensation & Benefits

  • Full-Time, 40 hours/week (includes occasional evening and weekend work). Exempt (205 days/year)

  • Salary Range: $68,640–$75,000 annually, with medical benefits and paid sick/personal leave 

    • Benefits include [health insurance, paid time off, professional development opportunities, 

  • Typically, indoor work environments with occasional loud music

  • Candidates must be open to working a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends

Physical Effort and Work Environment 

  • Physical, mental, and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position 

  • Mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions 

  •  Manual dexterity sufficient to write, and use the telephone, computer, calculator and office machines at the required speed and accuracy 

  • Vision sufficient to read handwritten and printed materials and the display screen of various office equipment and machines 

  • Hearing sufficient to communicate in person and hold telephone conversations in normal range (approximately 60 decibels) 

  • Speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversational distances on the telephone and addressing groups 

  • Physical agility to sit, stand, kneel, walk, push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead 

  • Physical stamina sufficient to sustain light physical labor for up to 8 hours, sit and/or walk for prolonged periods 

  • Physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment (office, District, school site to site) for sustained periods on hard flooring, climb slopes, stairs, and ramps, and respond to emergencies 

  • Physical strength sufficient to periodically lift and/or carry 25 pounds of materials or supplies; occasionally lift 40 or more pounds with assistance 

  • Occasionally push and/or pull a variety of tools, equipment, or objects weighing 80 or more pounds, with assistance 

  • Typically, indoor work environments with occasional loud music

To Apply

Submit your cover letter, resume, and three references as ONE PDF attachment to info@palenkearts.org. Please include “Director of Program Operations Application” in the subject line.

ABOUT PALENKE ARTS

Palenke Arts is an award-winning multicultural arts organization whose mission is to educate, inspire, and transform the community through the arts. Our organization was founded in 2016 by a committed group of artists, educators, and community members who wanted to address the lack of affordable multicultural arts programs for the youth in the city of Seaside. For the past 6+ years, we have provided high-quality multidisciplinary arts, music, and dance classes and workshops to hundreds of families who would traditionally not be able to afford them. 

In addition to our educational programs, Palenke Arts offers a yearly awe-inspiring concert series that features local and international artists, as well as community events such as our own Palenke Arts Festival presenting to over 5,000 audience members yearly. In recognition of our work, in 2019, we received the award as the Nonprofit of the Year in Arts and Culture from the Nonprofit Alliance of Monterey County. In 2022 our Executive Director obtained the Champion of the Arts Award from the Arts Council of Monterey County.

You can learn more about our organization by reading our End of Year Report

Updated 3/6/25