Visual AIDS is looking to welcome a part-time Programs Assistant (24–28 hours/week) who is dedicated and enthusiastic about using contemporary art to promote dialogues around HIV/AIDS.

Visual AIDS is a leading New York-based contemporary arts nonprofit with a growing national reach. Visual AIDS uses art to fight AIDS by provoking dialogue, supporting HIV-positive artists, and preserving the legacy of visual artists lost to AIDS. Founded in 1988, Visual AIDS is the only contemporary arts organization fully committed to HIV prevention and AIDS awareness through producing and presenting visual arts projects, while assisting artists living with HIV/AIDS. The organization is committed to preserving and honoring the work of artists with HIV/AIDS and the artistic contributions of the AIDS movement. Visual AIDS’ office is located in Chelsea, NYC in the heart of the art gallery district.

About the Opportunity:

Visual AIDS is looking for a Programs Assistant who is deeply committed to using contemporary art to develop integral dialogues around issues of HIV/AIDS and social justice. The Programs Assistant will report to Programs Director Alex Fialho and work with him to implement programs to achieve the organization’s vision, mission, and goals, and is an essential part of the organization’s staff of four.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with the development and management of new and rotating programs that work towards the organization’s mission and values.
  • Assist with all aspects of public programming, including exhibitions, events, publications, artist projects, community and artist outreach, deadlines, program budgets, press releases, and long-term planning.
  • Manage and update Visual AIDS online presence, including our website, blog, event calendar, web galleries, facebook, twitter, instagram and other social media sites.
  • Support and cultivate all aspects of the Visual AIDS Artist Registry. The Artist+ Registry is the largest database of works by artists with HIV/AIDS. It offers a unique resource to inspire and educate the public. Visual AIDS assists artists with HIV/AIDS, while preserving a visual record of their work and helping them reach new audiences. The Artist+ Registry is open to all HIV+ artists.
  • Develop relationships and work with artists, art institutions, HIV/AIDS organizations and other related groups to determine the needs of the community.
  • Maintain the organization’s culture of inclusion, openness, and respect with donors, board members, volunteers, artists, and audiences.

Job Duties:

Program Management & Coordination– The Programs Assistant supports the Programs Director in implementing new and ongoing programs, and works with existing partners while developing new relationships with artists and organizations, to help plan and execute annual exhibitions, public programs, publications, online features, and artist projects. The Visual AIDS Artist Registry serves as the core to all programming. The Programs Assistant works with the staff and organizing partners to arrange all elements of exhibitions, events, and publications including identifying and contacting artists, curators, panelists, designers, editors, printers, shippers, contract workers, and tech crew to ensure smooth and timely operations of all events and projects. Management duties also include shipping, receiving, and installation of artworks for exhibitions; arranging venues, panelists, and recording of all public events; coordinating the production of publications and printed materials; developing time-lines and efficient scheduling for programs; and completing budget reports and invoices.

Communications and Social Media - The Programs Assistant utilizes social media to communicate the vision and work of Visual AIDS. This includes but is not limited to the following platforms: Visual AIDS website, emails, blog, event calendar, web galleries, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, and Instagram. The Programs Assistant produces and coordinates content for the Visual AIDS blog including interviews, guest writers and other posts. This work also includes using social media to promote and highlight the work of artist members such as upcoming exhibitions, artist talks, and related news. The Programs Assistant works with the Programs Director to write press releases and eblasts for all programs and runs press and communications by the Executive Director to ensure that all messages are in line with Visual AIDS’ mission.

Community Relations- The Programs Assistant works to build connections between Visual AIDS and other related arts and AIDS service organizations through programming, communications, and media. The Programs Assistant supports curators, researchers, art historians, and educators conducting research in the Archive Project & Artists Registry; reaches out to Visual AIDS artist members regarding program needs, and supports the Programs Director regarding any additional needs related to the Archive Project and Artist Registry. The Programs Assistant also oversees the Materials Grant program for Artist+ Members.

Staff Management & Intern Recruitment – The Programs Assistant supports the Programs Director in the management of part-time and contract staff including interns, volunteers, project managers, curators, and crew. The Programs Assistant helps organize and schedule a rotating team of event and office volunteers, and regulates compliance with universities for student internships.

Qualifications:

The candidate must be a highly motivated individual who is a team player and enjoys the challenge of working on multiple projects simultaneously. They must be skilled at balancing long-term projects with day-to-day work, and be able to meet tight deadlines. The candidate must be flexible, highly organized, have excellent communication and writing skills, and have a track record of managing successful programs and/or events. A strong network of NYC and national artists and/or HIV activists that can be drawn into the service of Visual AIDS mission is a plus. The successful candidate will combine these qualities with a commitment to the ideas expressed by Visual AIDS mission and program structure.

Knowledge and Education:

Bachelor’s degree and 1-2 years of professional experience in related fields required

Experience within a nonprofit arts organization preferred

Background in Art History or Studio Arts preferred

Knowledge and understanding of current issues around HIV/AIDS preferred

Salary Range:

24–28 hours/week. Hourly rate between $16–18/hour commensurate with experience.

Visual AIDS Statement of Values:

In the fight against AIDS, Visual AIDS believes: effective AIDS advocacy seeks to address the underlying and related issues that contribute to and exacerbate the pandemic, such as poverty, homophobia and racism; HIV/AIDS prevention is about harm reduction that is guided by science, not ideology; Our work affirms the visibility, dignity and rights of people living with HIV and AIDS; Visual AIDS promotes art that is public, inclusive and accessible; We draw from the deep history of art activism; Art that takes risks promotes and encourages reflection, dialogue and action; Art is our weapon of choice.

A not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), Visual AIDS for the Arts is an equal opportunity employer. People with disabilities; PLWHA; people of color; women; and lesbian, gay, transgender/gender non-conforming and bisexual people are encouraged to apply.

To Apply:

Send cover letter, resume and three references to Alex Fialho, Programs Director at afialho@visualAIDS.org - subject line “Programs Assistant Application [Your name]”. Deadline to apply is July 24, 2017.