Program Associate, Audience Experiences
Reporting to: Senior Manager, Experiences
With an eye for detail and a talent for creative problem-solving, the Program Associate, Audience Experiences will work closely with the Senior Manager, Experiences and the Education Program Manager to support and execute a variety of engaging events and educational experiences that foster meaningful connections with our audience and create powerful partnerships across disciplines. This role involves coordinating the logistics and production of events and audience activities from conception to completion, ensuring they align with our strategic objectives and deliver memorable experiences. The Program Associate, Audience Experiences will be pivotal in creating a seamless experience, utilizing their expertise to manage timelines, book talent, and ensure event marketing. They will also play a key role in capturing both audience data and post-event analysis to continuously improve our offerings. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with excellent organizational skills and a passion for producing high-quality events that leave a lasting impact.
RESPONSIBILITIES
With guidance from the Senior Manager, Experiences and Education Program Manager, support with the production of 10-15 live and online events annually, ranging in size from smaller “a la carte” events to larger multi-city campaigns, aimed at generating revenue, increasing public awareness of science, and sparking science curiosity
Assist with 3-4 Science Friday Live Broadcast events with the Senior Manager, in collaboration with Audio and Development teams
Maintain relationships with partner organizations, venues, and science communicators
Collaborate with the Audience team to execute marketing strategy for events
Follow timelines and procedures for executing venue contracts, partner agreements, and other contracts relating to live events
Assist with the SciFri Book Club community, including writing discussion questions, hosting community meetings, leading livestream events with authors, and interacting with members in our online community space
Assist with grant proposals with the Senior Manager, Experiences and the Development team
Work with Senior Manager, Experiences and the Director of Audience Engagement and Growth to ensure that events are strategically positioned to serve Science Friday’s mission and generate additional revenue for Science Friday
Manage the organization's merchandise operations, including overseeing our Shopify account, supporting merchandise distribution for donors and events, and coordinating the promotion of merchandise across all owned media channels
Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed for event execution
ABOUT OUR WORKPLACE and BENEFITS:
Our building has a secure lobby with a fully handicap accessible entrance and key card elevator service. We have a flexible open office with adjustable standing desks, adjustable chairs, and large external monitors; our office also includes a small recording studio, lounge area, and a handful of flexible separate offices and conference rooms.
We use headphones a lot during the work day. We are really into office plants.
We offer health, vision, and dental coverage with generous employer contributions to premiums. HSA/FSA plans and mental health support are also available. After six months of service, employees can enroll in Science Friday’s 401(k) retirement plan.
We often get great science and sci-fi books to read for free.
Science Friday takes pride in the work ethic of employees and in fostering a culture of trust in which employees are given the flexibility to take time off as personal needs dictate. The organization would like to reward that dedication with a flexible, self-managed annual leave policy. Science Friday recognizes the need to rest and enjoy time outside of work and encourages the use of this time to refresh and recharge.
We close our offices for a week in July and December for whole-staff recharge time. We do not work on Thanksgiving or the Friday after.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Science Friday is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. SciFri operates with the knowledge that journalism, science, and learning benefit from a broad range of perspectives, from all backgrounds. Diversity is essential to honest, trustworthy, accurate storytelling and promotes a healthier, happier, and more creative atmosphere. Science Friday strives for creating an institution in which all voices are encouraged, valued, and heard.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
LOCATION: Applicants based in the greater NYC or San Francisco Bay areas are preferred. Remote applicants welcome, but must be authorized to and work from within the United States. Employees are required to work 10am-4pm ET hours regardless of location.
DEADLINE: This is an immediate vacancy. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates should be prepared to participate in multiple interviews.
Additional Information
This is a full-time role that includes benefits. Science Friday offers competitive compensation with medical, dental, and vision insurance, and generous time off benefits including vacation, and sick time and parental leave.
Science Friday’s headquarters is based in New York City, but we offer considerable WFH flexibility for both local and remote employees. Science Friday’s WFH policy requires that every full-time employee, regardless of location, work from the New York City office or studio for a minimum of 24 days per year. Conferences, work-related events, off-site meetings will count towards that total. Unless otherwise indicated, travel to the office is at the expense of the employee.
We use a single application form. Applications received via LinkedIn, Indeed, or other third-party platforms will not be considered.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
1-2 years experience producing live staged events
Experience working in theater production or the performing arts a plus
Photo editing or graphic design experience a plus
Background in public media or journalism a plus
Must be eligible to work in the United States
Skills
Experience producing live staged events, preferably for a podcast or radio show
At least one year leading event production, preferably in-person or hybrid events
Demonstrated planning, management and organizational skills
A “people person” with the comfort level to be able to make new connections, serve as an organizational representative, and cultivate long-term, trusting relationships with a variety of partners and organizations, such as radio stations, sponsors, organizational partners, publicists, funders, and venues
Demonstrated effectiveness in a team-oriented environment and values working with a diverse group of colleagues
A responsive digital communicator with experience managing projects and professional correspondence with multiple stakeholders
Strong communication skills in a remote hybrid work environment
Proficiency with Google suite applications, project management software (Asana or other), and various social networking platforms