Audience Development and Community Relationship Manager

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Job Title:

Audience Development and Community Relationship Manager

Department:

Wexner Center for Arts | Learning and Public Practice

Mission Statement

The Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University is dedicated to commissioning new works of art, preserving our collections, supporting artist residencies, and presenting exhibitions, performing arts, film/video, and educational programs. Housed in the first major public commission by architect Peter Eisenman, our iconic building embodies our commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art, fostering artistic practices, and promoting inclusive, meaningful dialogue between artists and communities. We serve a diverse range of artists and audiences, from regional to international, and are sustained by public funding, donors, sponsors, and members.

Position Summary

The Audience Development and Community Relationship Manager will play a critical role in advancing the Wexner Center’s strategic vision by building, nurturing, and sustaining relationships that foster deeper engagement with the center and the communities it serves. This role requires a deep commitment to listening, learning, and cultivating trust within and across diverse communities while connecting with these communities through the center’s programs and mission.

The manager will proactively build sustainable relationships with Columbus residents, The Ohio State University, the State of Ohio, and surrounding areas to deepen the Center’s impact within the communities we serve. The manager will work to establish and deepen connections with local tourism boards and Ohio's travel industry, broadening our impact in Columbus and surrounding areas. The manager will also collaborate internally—across marketing, advancement, visitor experience, programming, and education departments—to lead an integrated and strategic approach to community engagement that ensures the center’s presence is felt in diverse community spaces.

This role integrates both on-the-ground community engagement and strategic planning at the center:

• In the community: Representing the Wexner Center at local events, meetings, and with community organizations.
• At the center: Coordinating community relations initiatives, strategizing with colleagues, supporting programs, and aligning the center’s work with community needs.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced community connector and relationship-builder, passionate about creating sustainable partnerships and ensuring that the Wexner Center’s engagement efforts reflect inclusivity, access, and shared purpose.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 2 + years of professional experience in community outreach, audience development and engagement, community relations, public relations, or program management, with a focus on arts, culture, or education.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships and fostering relationships with community organizations, academic institutions, and diverse populations.
• Participation in community events and meetings, both on and off the WCA campus, is required

Desired Experience:

• Prior experience working in or with cultural institutions, museums, or art organizations is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the Columbus arts and cultural scene, as well as an understanding of The Ohio State University’s academic and cultural landscape, is a plus.
• Demonstrated success in build