We’re Hiring: Program Coordinator

Van Alen Institute seeks a skilled and collaborative Program Coordinator to support and execute institutional programs and community design initiatives.

Reporting to the Director of Programs, this role supports project and relationship management across multiple workstreams and coordinates special events. The Program Coordinator is a strong connector and hands-on problem solver who thrives in community-centered work and engages diverse stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Project Management

• Coordinate assigned projects, including timelines, budgets, contracts, and deliverables
• Support event planning and execution, including agendas, run-of-show, and vendor coordination
• Track project progress and ensure alignment across stakeholders
• Assist in developing and implementing evaluation metrics and impact tracking

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, design professionals, public agencies, and funders
• Ensure partners are informed, aligned, and engaged throughout project lifecycles
• Support outreach and communications for programs and events

Program Support & Operations

• Provide administrative support to program staff
• Contribute across Van Alen programs, including fellowships, exhibitions, competitions, and community events
• Support internal systems and workflows to improve program efficiency

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 2–3 years of experience coordinating or participating in community-led programs or projects (design, urbanism, or related fields preferred)
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including community members, municipalities, and multidisciplinary teams
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable working in iterative environments
• Commitment to social equity and inclusive design

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience with Airtable, Asana, or similar project management tools
• Familiarity with Rhino or AutoCAD is a plus
• Familiarity with engagement platforms such as Mural, Miro, or Whimsical is a plus

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $65,000–$75,000 annually
• Employee health coverage fully paid by Van Alen; dependent coverage requires employee contribution
• 4-day work week (~32 hours, Monday–Thursday, in-person at our Brooklyn office); occasional evening and weekend work for events

Equal Opportunity Statement

Van Alen Institute is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and disabled people.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample as a single PDF to jobs@vanalen.org with the subject line: “Program Coordinator, [Name]”

Application Deadline: August 10, 2026

Expected Start Date: September 8, 2026