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  1. Program Coordinator (applications now closed)

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    About the Role

    Due to a high volume of applicants, applications for this position are now closed.

    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.

  2. Has flooding in Gowanus impacted you? Tell us your story.

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    We want to hear from you!

    Has flooding in Gowanus impacted you? We want to hear from you!

    Coming in Spring 2025, Tiffany Baker’s Dear Neighbor, project is a multi-site campaign and art showcase spotlighting the experiences of Gowanus residents impacted by flooding, depicted through experiential murals, audio recordings and abstracted portraits. The project aims to reflect how neighbors across the community care and support each other through a public, visual display of their stories.

    Sign up to share your story at recording sessions held at Van Alen Institute at the following times:

    Wednesdays, 3-6pm:
    January 15, 22, and 29

    Thursdays, 3-6pm:
    January 16 and 23

    Reserve your time here.

    Dear Neighbor, is part of our multiyear initiative Points of Promise, which creates public art and design tools that support civic engagement and foster connection among Gowanus residents in the midst of significant neighborhood redevelopment.

    Sign up to tell your story

  3. Designers: Let’s activate vacant storefronts together!

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    Designers: Let’s activate vacant storefronts together!

    Bond Street Bash, May 12, 2022. Photo: Cameron Blaylock

    Submissions are now closed.

    In Spring 2025, our Design Sprints program will partner with NYC’s Department of Small Business Services to explore the intersection between arts programming and economic development, with a focus on areas with high storefront vacancy. Design Sprints: Building Creative Capacity will help community-based development organizations (CBDOs) address storefront vacancy in creative ways by providing capacity-building, design support, and strategic planning. This program commences in late January, culminating in an activated storefront in Spring 2025.

    We’re currently seeking design advisors to assist one or more CBDO in an immediate storefront activation and/or a district-wide strategy on storefront activations. Design advisors may come from a variety of backgrounds including, but not limited to:

    • Graphic Design
    • Architecture
    • Fabrication
    • Urban Planning & Public Policy
    • Engineering
    • Lighting Design

    Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and matches will be made by the first week of February.

    Have questions? Contact Joseph Messana-Croly, Project Manager, at jmessanacroly@vanalen.org.

    Design Sprints: Building Creative Capacity is supported by the NYC Department of Small Business Services.