POSITION

Position Title: Program Director

Type: Part-Time
Duration: 2024-2025

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Range: $25/hour

20 to 25 hours per week

Work Schedule: Position would work remotely, but must be available and onsite as needed for certain in-person workshops and events (to be scheduled ahead of time)

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Orange County, CA

ABOUT VAALA

The Vietnamese American Arts & Letters Association (VAALA) was founded in 1991 by a group of Vietnamese American journalists, artists and friends to fill a void and provide a space for artists to express themselves as a newly resettled immigrant community. VAALA’s mission is to connect and enrich communities through Vietnamese art and culture. Over the years, VAALA has collaborated with diverse community partners to organize numerous cultural events, including art exhibitions, book signings, music recitals, plays, and annual events such as the annual Viet Book Fest and Viet Film Fest. VAALA produces community programming in Orange County through three core programs (Viet Film Fest, Viet Book Fest, Gallery Beyond Walls (exhibitions), Youth Film and Arts Programs. VAALA is guided by the following values of Community, Cross-Cultural Enrichment, Communication, and Collaboration.

POSITION OVERVIEW

VAALA is seeking a skilled team-builder and organizational leader to support the implementation of core programming in alignment with its mission and values and be a part of charting its path for future growth. The Program Director will lead program development and management of teaching artists and program teams, for the Youth in Motion Workshop for Emerging Filmmakers and the annual Exhibition. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and adept at a wide variety of management and programming responsibilities. The PM is multi-talented, flexible, adaptable, and community-oriented with a deep understanding of and familiarity with the Orange County community. The PM will have wide latitude to build the team, generate policies and programs under the supervision of the Executive Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

PROGRAM STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT

  • Work with the Curator, Artist Mentors, Staff, and Volunteers to carry out the annual Exhibitions and the YIM Filmmaking Workshops
  • Ensure VAALA’s mission, values, and vision are followed at all times
  • Ensure programming is aligned with the program funding protocols

STAFF/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Train and manage Coordinators and Volunteers for each program
  • Encourage volunteer development and education, and assist program staff in relating their work to the whole organization
  • Maintain a climate which attracts, motivates, and maintains a diverse staff of passionate people

PROGRAMMING

  • Work to promote and create innovative programs and practices that fulfill the organization’s mission and are in alignment with the requirements of the program funding requirements
  • Oversee participant recruitment and application process for the filmmaking workshop
  • Coordinate and facilitate the 12-week long Youth in Motion workshop in accordance with existing program framework
  • Invite guest instructors for the Youth in Motion Filmmaking Workshop
  • Track and manage program budgets, including purchase of program materials and equipment
  • Invite and coordinate with artist mentors
  • Recruit, manage, and maintain regular communication and engagement with Youth in Motion participants, Staff, and Volunteers
  • Work with Viet Film Fest staff to produce the special Youth in Motion screening
  • Work to ensure high quality programming and participants satisfaction
  • Assist lead Curator in planning and executing exhibition special events
  • Track program data and produce a summative report on program outcomes
  • Work with the Communication Specialist to create marketing materials (e.g. social media, press releases, commercials, etc) to highlight programs

FINANCE

  • Assist the Executive Director in preparing and managing program budgets
  • Track program expenses and reporting
  • Manage financial data and adhere to the fiscal protocols of program grant

COMMUNICATIONS & PARTNERSHIP OUTREACH

  • Serve as an ambassador in the community and advocate for the programs by representing the organization and its perspectives to agencies, organizations, and the general public
  • Identify and develop relationships with key influencers and community partnerships

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Responsive to communication from colleagues, clients, and partners within a reasonable amount of time
  • Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach staff, manage, and develop high performing teams, set strategic objectives, and manage budgets
  • Action-oriented, self-starter with an ability to independently manage multiple projects and be adaptable
  • Working knowledge and experience with the Vietnamese American community
  • Access to a reliable method of transportation and the ability to work flexible hours (including weekends and evenings) to fulfill responsibilities of position
  • Performs other duties as assigned

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Self-starter with an ability to independently manage multiple projects
  • Must have exceptional customer service skills
  • Ability to handle artwork safely
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and social media platforms.
  • Ability to work under stress, with interruptions and deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALITIES

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited four-year college or university
  • Background in Humanities preferred
  • Fundraising experience
  • Bilingual in Vietnamese and English

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a resume, references and a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for the position to ysale@vaala.org.  Application deadline: June 10, 2024.

For more information about VAALA, visit www.vaala.org. VAALA is an equal opportunity employer.

Ready to serve the community?

Use your skills to help us build a community around Vietnamese arts and culture.

Apply Now!