Overview

This position has been budgeted for $25.00 per hour and is non-negotiable. 

 

Prison Arts Collective (PAC) works to expand access to the transformative power of the arts through collaboration and mutual learning that supports the development of self-expression, reflection, communication, and empathy by providing multidisciplinary arts programming in correctional institutions. PAC currently facilitates weekly multidisciplinary arts programming in ten prisons, one youth facility, and one Naval Brig throughout California. PAC is based at San Diego State University with affiliations at California State Universities in Humboldt, Sacramento, and San Bernardino. The core PAC team is composed of 6 administrative staff members and 8 to 12 teaching staff members and works in partnership with state correctional institutions to provide programming across the state of California.

 

The Development & Partnerships Program Assistant will provide administrative and programmatic support in the areas of community partnerships, exhibitions, and grants. This position is ideal for someone with strong communication and organizational skills and a passion for the arts, community engagement, and justice. Reporting to the PAC Assistant Director, the Development & Partnerships Program Assistant will help build and sustain relationships with PAC’s partners, support in the preparatory logistics and overall presentation of the PAC archive, exhibitions and public programming, assist with grant documentation, and contribute to storytelling and impact tracking efforts.

Responsibilities

Exhibitions & Public Programs 30%

• Provide logistical and administrative support for the overall presentation of the PAC archive and exhibitions, pop-ups, and community arts events.
• Contribute to promotional materials in collaboration with the Creative marketing Lead 
• Help document public events through photo/video (as applicable), quotes, and attendee feedback
• Collaborate with the Regional Leads in the collection of artworks, artist statements, permission forms and creation of didactic panels for exhibitions
• Collaborate with the Regional Leads and Communications team to create high-quality visual assets including flyers, social media graphics, and signage for exhibitions
• Collaborate with the Communications team to maintain visual consistency across all exhibition materials in alignment with brand guidelines
• Maintain organized high-resolution, artwork files and ensure timely delivery of exhibition materials
• Maintain an organized artwork archive and record of all necessary artist permissions
• As needed, visit institutions or other locations for installation and de-installation

 

Grants & Reporting 30%

• Assist with grant administration, including tracking deliverables, deadlines, and data.
• Support the development team in gathering narratives, participant feedback, and documentation for grant reports.
• Maintain organized digital files for current and past grant materials.
• Support the PAC leadership team with compiling Arts in Corrections (AiC) monthly reports. 
• Maintain and update participant and facilitator tally trackers to monitor participant engagement across program sites.
• Help draft and proofread sections of reports or proposals, as appropriate.
• Contribute to impact storytelling by gathering quotes and data from exhibitions, events, and partnerships. 

 

Internal Support 20%

• Participate in regular team and subcommittee meetings.
• Collaborate with team members to align external communications and partnership work with PAC’s mission.
• Provide occasional support to volunteers, interns, or fellows working on related projects

 

Partnerships & Community Engagement 15%

• Support the cultivation and stewardship of PAC’s community, campus, and correctional partners.
• Help track and maintain partnership documentation, contacts, and meeting notes.
• Assist in planning and coordinating community events, info sessions, and collaborative initiatives.
• Prepare outreach materials and communications for partners, with guidance from the Assistant Director and Communications team.
• Represent PAC at community-facing events and support follow-up relationship building

 

Other Duties as Assigned 5%

Qualifications

Knowledge & Experience

• Strong interpersonal, written, and organizational skills.
• Experience with sending professionally written emails
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Drive, Calendar) and comfort using basic digital tools.
• Interest in the arts, social justice, or community-based work.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently and manage multiple priorities.

 

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 4-years of progressively responsible experience in an office or administrative environment

 

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, communications, education, or a related field.
• At least 1 - 2 years of experience in program administration, partnership coordination, or communications.
• Experience supporting arts programming, community outreach, or public exhibitions.
• Experience or interest in curatorial practice
• Familiarity with grant processes or nonprofit development.
• Experience working with system-impacted communities or restorative justice organizations.
• Basic design, media, or photo editing skills (Canva, Adobe, etc.) a plus.
• Lived experience with the justice system will be strongly considered.

 

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.