Position: Program Operations Manager

Classification: Exempt, full-time

Work Location: Approximately 85% remote, with around 15% of time spent engaging with the local community

Compensation: $50,000, with an additional health benefits stipend of $5,000

Position Summary: The Program Operations Manager is responsible for the overall management of maker programming, including three annual in-person shopping markets, in-person and online maker networking and education programs, and other maker-related programs and services. The Program Operations Manager is one of three full-time staff members on the Handmade Arcade team.

Reporting Relationships: 

• The Program Operations Manager reports to Handmade Arcade’s Executive Director. 

• The Program Operations Manager manages event-specific personnel, which may include on-site volunteers, interns, and independent contractors.

Responsibilities: 

Event Management

• Manage market application processes from start to finish, including identifying new guest jurors, launching and processing maker applications, and communicating application decisions 

• Manage all event logistics, including schedules and timing, collecting maker certificates of insurance and payments, managing event supplies, coordinating with the venue, creating the event map, communicating event instructions and details with participating makers, managing raffle donations and set up, and working with on-site partners and sponsors 

• Support hiring, training, scheduling, and managing event staff, including seasonal and day-of event contractors 

• Recruit, onboard, and manage event volunteers 

• Facilitate regular event planning meetings

• Manage event budgets and resource allocation, including contractor agreements and payments, vendor invoices and payments, etc.

• Manage all event set-up, execution, and break-down

Event Marketing & Ticketing

• Manage event ticketing processes from start to finish, including building ticketing links, managing on-site box office process, and managing post-event ticketing data for reports to board and funders 

• Contribute to event marketing, including working with the Executive Director and marketing personnel on application and event marketing plans, managing maker materials for social media and website promotion, and updating website content

Program Management

• Develop, implement, and oversee new maker programs and services that are consistent with the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and organizational capacity, and that meet the needs of Handmade Arcade’s maker community

• Maintain the virtual Maker Directory on Handmade Arcade’s website 

• Support existing special programs, including but not limited to the Youth Maker programming, the BIPOC Maker Accelerator program, Hands-On Handmade Arcade, and other programs

Maker Communication & Support

• Maintain maker relationships, including communicating with makers through hosting virtual Maker Office Hours and in-person maker meet-ups, managing the maker inbox, and responding to maker inquiries on social media 

• Coordinate all maker workshops and professional development, including creating presentation materials, booking guest speakers as necessary, marketing the workshops, and managing workshop follow-up surveys and data collection

• Create and distribute annual maker surveys, maintain up-to-date dashboards with collected survey data, and prepare reports on collected survey data for board meetings and grant reports 

• Distribute the monthly maker e-newsletter, including collaborating with partner organizations to share maker opportunities outside of Handmade Arcade

Minimum Qualifications & Skills: 

• Demonstrated commitment to Handmade Arcade’s values of anti-racism, equity, transparency, financial sustainability, and collaboration 

• At least 3 years of experience in large-scale event management, project management, or event planning 

• Excellent written and communication skills

• Experience coordinating teams and executing complex projects with competing deadlines and priorities

• Strong understanding of event/festival management best practices 

• Ability to self-direct work and resourcefully work through challenges 

• Commitment to high standards for customer service and interpersonal communications and relationship building

• Excellent attention to detail and consistency in project deliverables

• Ability to work independently and take ownership of project deliverables without significant supervision

• Commitment to collaboration and teamwork

• Proactive approach to meeting deadlines 

• High degree of technological competency and interest in new technology (Handmade Arcade uses Squarespace, Google Drive, Neon CRM, Jotform, Asana, and other technology on a daily basis)

Essential Functions:

• Move inside event venues of various sizes to set-up and tear-down displays, check in with makers, perform customer service duties, and put up signage

• Move boxes and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds between storage unit and venues

• Operate a computer and other necessary event/office machinery, including copy machine, printer, and electronic payment device (i.e. Square point-of-sale system)

Handmade Arcade is committed to building a team that is reflective of our region’s diverse make-up of makers, customers, and collaborators. Candidates with disabilities, candidates who are BIPOC, and/or candidates who are members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community are encouraged to apply.

Why It’s Great to Work for Handmade Arcade: 

• Competitive and flexible benefits package

• Work remotely

• Unlimited paid time off with 11 holidays and annual paid Winter Break between December 24-January 1

• Flexible schedule (includes evenings and weekends as needed for meetings and events) 

• Independence and innovative thinking encouraged

• Dedicated annual professional development stipend 

• Collaboration with the region’s talented and robust maker, arts, and craft community and like-minded nonprofit organizations 

• Supportive and engaged board of directors and volunteers 

• Values-driven nonprofit committed to transparency and equity

How to Apply: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by July 31, 2025. Qualified and interested applicants should complete this application form. Upon completion of the application, applicants will also be asked to complete a separate, anonymous demographics survey.

Handmade Arcade is an equal opportunity employer. Our success depends heavily on the effective employment of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran’s status, or any characteristic protected by law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.