Arts and Cultural Engagement Manager in Boston, Massachusetts at Mass Convention CenterAuthority

Summary

The Arts and Cultural Engagement Manager is responsible for overseeing and further developing comprehensive arts and culture programming across all MCCA venues, including the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the MassMutual Center, the Boston Common Garage, and the Lawn on D. This role leads artist and vendor relationships; collaborates with internal teams to plan and schedule exhibits, installations, de-installations, and art receptions; and ensures dynamic, mission-driven programming that enhances the visitor experience. The Manager will also reestablish and steward a digital arts program across MCCA marquees and other digital assets, expanding opportunities for contemporary and community-based creative expression.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The Director of Communications & External Relations may designate various other activities. The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time for any reason.

Arts Programming & Curation

• Oversee the planning, scheduling, and execution of arts and cultural programming across all MCCA venues and public-facing spaces
• Develop and manage a rotating calendar of exhibits, installations, and de-installations in coordination with facilities, operations, and event services teams
• Curate programming that reflects MCCA's mission and advances equity, community representation, and cultural vitality in Boston
• Plan and execute art receptions and related public-facing events, including logistics, invitations, vendor coordination, and on-site management
• Maintain awareness of regional and national arts trends to ensure MCCA programming remains relevant and forward-looking

Artist & Vendor Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for artists, galleries, cultural institutions, and creative vendors
• Negotiate and manage contracts, licensing agreements, and vendor relationships in coordination with Legal and Procurement
• Identify and cultivate new artist and community partnerships that align with MCCA's programming goals
• Ensure artists and vendors receive timely communication, logistical support, and appropriate recognition

Digital Arts Program

• Reestablish and lead a digital arts program utilizing MCCA marquees, digital displays, and other digital assets across venues
• Develop a submission and selection process for digital art content that prioritizes contemporary and community-based creative expression
• Collaborate with the Communications & External Relations team to integrate digital art content into broader external communications and social media strategies
• Ensure digital programming infrastructure is maintained and updated in coordination with IT and facilities teams

Internal Collaboration & Administration

• Partner with internal departments including Event Services, Operations, Facilities, Legal, and Communications to coordinate programming logistics and venue readiness
• Maintain accurate records of programming schedules, contracts, artist agreements, and inventory of artwork and equipment
• Develop and manage the arts and cultural engagement budget; track expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility
• Prepare reports and presentations on programming outcomes for senior leadership and the MCCA Board of Directors as requested
• Performs other duties as assigned

Supervision Received

Supervision is received from the Director of Communications & External Relations and includes assignment of duties, inspection of work, training, coaching, and performance evaluations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Knowledge of arts administration, cultural programming, and curatorial practices, including familiarity with the Boston-area arts and cultural landscape
• Knowledge of digital media platforms and emerging technologies as they relate to public art and creative content display
• Skill in project management, including the ability to coordinate multiple concurrent programming initiatives across venues and stakeholders
• Skill in written and verbal communication, including contract correspondence, public-facing content, and executive-level reporting
• Ability to build and sustain productive relationships with artists, vendors, community organizations, and internal teams
• Ability to manage budgets and procurement processes with accuracy and accountability
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment with minimal day-to-day supervision
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with digital content management systems and scheduling tools

Minimum Entrance Requirements

• Three (3) years of experience in arts administration, cultural programming, public art, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience managing artist or vendor relationships and executing public-facing programming or events
• Demonstrated experience coordinating across multiple internal stakeholders or departments to deliver complex projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Fine Arts, Museum Studies, Cultural Studies, Communications, or a closely related field
• Five (5) or more years of experience in arts programming, cultural engagement, or a related field
• Experience developing or managing a digital arts program, including content curation for public digital displays
• Experience working in a public-sector, quasi-public, or large-venue environment
• Established network within the Boston arts and cultural community
• Experience negotiating and managing contracts and vendor agreements

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This role requires the ability to move between venues, assist with exhibit logistics, and occasionally lift or transport materials associated with installations.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Schedule

Standard business hours, with the understanding that this position’s schedule may fluctuate based upon the needs of a particular event, exhibit opening, or programming milestone, requiring the ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Travel to other MCCA facilities is required.

All positions within the MCCA are designated as on-site roles. As such, this position requires in-person attendance five days per week. Remote or hybrid work arrangements are not part of MCCA’s operational model.

Dress Code

Business formal. Employees are expected to project dignity and decorum appropriate for public-facing leadership roles through professional dress and grooming.

Employment At-Will

Employment with the MCCA is at-will. This means that either the employee or the MCCA may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to alter this at-will relationship.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome qualified applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact our Human Resources team.