Economic Opportunity Program Manager

POSITION TITLE: Economic Opportunity Program Manager

POSITION STATUS: Full Time

SALARY: $60000 annually

REPORTS TO: Economic Opportunity Director Wone Vang

LOCATION: Saint Paul MN

PRIORITY DEADLINE: Feb 8th 2026 (Applications reviewed as received.)

ABOUT SPRINGBOARD FOR THE ARTS

Founded in 1991 Springboard for the Arts works at the intersection of arts and economic and community development helping local artists and communities thrive together. Springboard for the Arts mission is to support artists with the tools to make a living and a life and to build just and equitable communities full of meaning joy and connection. Our vision is of a world where artists are essential; local economies are vibrant and just; and the systems that surround us are human-centered. We see these three parts of our vision as interdependent.

Our work is deeply rooted in both an urban and rural context with headquarters in Saint Paul and Fergus Falls MN and we build rural-urban solidarity through shared resources that meet common needs. Springboard works nationally regionally and locally. From our home bases we deliver direct programming and in other places we share models resources consult and convene networks. Springboards work prioritizes individual artists particularly those who have been historically and systemically under-resourced: artists who identify as Black Indigenous or People of Color Native artists artists living in rural places and underinvested urban neighborhoods artists identifying as LGBTQIA and artists with disabilities.

Springboard fosters a culture of responsiveness communication and collaboration. We are recognized for our agility and ability to adapt to both immediate and future needs. The staff at Springboard are artists themselves drawing on their experience and connections to inform the organizations work in support of artists and communities. In addition to the specific responsibilities of a position all Springboard staff participate in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment in-person and virtually at Springboard spaces activities and events.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Economic Opportunity Program Manager is responsible for oversight management and implementation of programs and activities that support individual artist growth and development. These include professional development workshops and training the Artist Career Consultation program capital access and partnership development to support these programs. The Economic Opportunity Program Manager is part of the Economic Opportunity(EO) team and together they ensure inclusive accessible consistent and timely programming that supports artists in making a living and a life.

This role requires high attention to detail strong organizational skills collaboration proactive communication familiarity with managing contractors experience developing curriculum and delivering training ability to work some evenings and weekends and possibly occasional travel within the region and nationally.

KEY RESPONSIBITIES

Lead and manage

• Professional Development Programming (50%)
  • Lead design of recurring professional development workshops and panels
  • Design manage and facilitate Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists Facilitator Training
  • Maintain and update the Work of Art curriculum and workbook as needed
  • With the EO team develop new workshops and panels for artists.
  • Develop and build partnerships with guest presenters and organizations to provide workshops for Springboards audiences
  • Create workshops tailored to partner requests
  • Guide train and monitor workshop instructors to ensure the quality and consistency of workshop curriculum delivery
  • Lead and instruct Work of Art workshops panels and trainings.
  • With the Communications Team assist in marketing/outreach strategies
• Artist Career Consultation Program: (25%)
  • Manage the quality and consistency of consultations
  • Train and supervise consultation providers including contractors and staff
  • With the Program Specialist ensure timely scheduling of consultations
• Capital Access Programming (10%)
  • Lead and manage Springboard artist funding programs including Growth Fund Leslye Orr Fund for Artists with Disabilities and other similar programs
  • Develop new financial tools and capital access partnerships
• Program partnerships (10%)
  • Work with external partners to support artist cohorts

Other

• Other responsibilities and Organizational Participation (5%)
  • Assist the EO Director with the management of new initiatives and special projects
  • Participate actively in staff and cross-program activities.
  • Engage in continuous professional development opportunities.
  • Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• 3 years of experience managing programs or projects in a nonprofit or small business setting
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities.

• Track record of organizing and managing complex collaborative projects including communicating with artists partners and stakeholders creating planning timelines keeping projects on schedule and delegating tasks to others
• Clear and direct verbal and written communication skills
• Experience using event registration systems virtual platforms (Zoom) and project management tools (Google Suite Formstack Customer Relationship Managers Dropbox ClickUp).

• Ability to work well in a team and autonomously
• Willingness and ability to learn and grow to meet the changing requirements of the job
• Interest in creating and managing new programs to meet the needs of a highly innovative entrepreneurial and creative organization
• Experience in the arts community is preferred; practicing artists are encouraged to apply

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with artists and the creative community
• Experience in educational settings (formal or informal) especially with curriculum development teaching and presenting
• Experience supervising contractors
• Interest in digital and online curriculum delivery

Hours compensation and benefits

• Full-time 40 hours a week
• Salary: $60000 annually
• Benefits: 100% employer-paid health insurance options available for employees and 50% employer-paid for family members
• 100% employer-paid dental insurance for employee
• 403(b) with 5% employer contribution
• Paid time off which includes: sick and safe time vacation holidays and week-long summer and winter breaks.
• Flexible work environment based on role and priorities set with supervisor
• Professional development opportunities and allowance
• Creative artist-led work environment

NEXT STEPS

Please submit aresume and cover letter about why you are interested in this role by February 8th 2026 at 11:59PM to our application site.We want to hear from you in your own voice so please dont use AI to draft your letter. Were not evaluating for grammar or punctuation perfection we want to hear from you in your own words! Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Position is open until filled with priority given to applications received by the deadline.

A Note to Potential Candidates:

Studies have shown that women trans non-binary folks and Native Black Indigenous and People of Color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. If you see yourself in this position but feel you may not meet the full range of qualifications or would bring transferable skills in other areas please apply and tell us more about yourself.

Springboard for the Arts is an Equal Opportunity employer. We actively welcome and encourage people who identify asNative Black Indigenous and People of Color LGBTQ people and people with disabilities to apply.

Questions about this position or requests for application accommodations may be emailed to

Required Experience:

Manager