The Festival of Arts, a non-profit organization, is a local leader that has supported the growth and development of the community and the arts in Laguna Beach. Every summer for 90 years, the Festival of Arts has produced two world-renowned events: The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Together both shows attract more than 200,000 visitors.
Exhibits Administrative Assistant
Department: Exhibits
Reports to: Director of Exhibits and Events
Employment Status: Full-Time (40 hours a week); Non-exempt; hourly, year-round
Hours: During the summer may work up to 6 days; and starting times range from 7am to 3pm.Must be available to work extended hours prior to and during the run of the fine art exhibit, including weekends and evenings.
Off-season hours are mostly weekdays with regular business hours (start time between 7am to 10am) with some weekends and evenings depending on the needs of the business.
General Description:
We are seeking a highly organized, art-passionate Exhibits Administrative Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will provide critical administrative and operational support to the Exhibits Director. You will act as a key point of contact for festival exhibitors, committee members, docents, art center staff, and artists, ensuring our exhibits, jury processes, and educational programs run seamlessly year-round.
Key Responsibilities:
Exhibitor & Committee Support: Manage correspondence, track business/resale licenses, maintain contact databases, collect fees, and coordinate logistics for the Exhibits and Artist Advisory Committees.
Jury Coordination: Prepare digital and physical jury materials, handle prospective exhibitor inquiries.
Art Education Programs: Supervise the weekly summer art programs, manage student attendance, coordinate instructors, and order supplies.
Fine Art Sales Booth: Assist with set-up and take down, hiring, scheduling and supervision of the Fine Arts Sales Booth.
Art Center Order supplies, assist with interviewing staff, coordinate summer schedules and review timesheets for accuracy. Supervises art center staff.
Fine Art Collections & Special Projects: Assist the Art Collections Specialist with digital record-keeping, cataloging, and scanning. Manage the Junior Art Exhibit and other special projects as assigned.
Docent Program: Acts as head docent; recruit, train and schedule volunteer docents.
Required Qualifications
Experience: Minimum 3 years of administrative experience (art administration strongly preferred). High school diploma.
Tech Skills: Extensive knowledge of Google Suite, Microsoft Office, PC, Photoshop, and Adobe software.
Scheduling Experience
Availability: Must be able to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
Soft Skills: Exceptional organizational skills, strict confidentiality, strong problem-solving abilities, excellent customer service with a polished and professional demeanor. Able to juggle multiple priorities at once while remaining calm and adapting to shifting priorities
Communication: Fluent verbal and written English communication skills.
Work Conditions: Able to work in an outdoor environment with various temperatures and weather conditions. Able to lift up to 20 pounds.
Travel: Requires occasional travel to nearby locations, including foaSOUTH and the Festival’s storage facility, art exhibits, opening receptions, etc.
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
3+ years of supervisory and staff scheduling experience.
A strong knowledge of and passion for visual arts.
Experience with Jotform, DocuSign, database software and point of sale software.
The offer of employment for the final candidate is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcome of a criminal background screening, and upon the acceptance of and returning to Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Festival of Arts Agreement to Arbitrate.
Competitive salary plus generous benefit package with medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 403(b), paid sick, vacation and 19 paid holidays.
Salary: $29 – $31, hourly
Benefits: Health Insurance (Medical, dental and vision etc.), Retirement Benefits, Paid Time Off (Sick, vacation and holiday pay)
Education requirements: High School Degree
Deadline to apply: August 16, 2026
Documents required to apply: Resume, Cover Letter, References
How to apply: Complete an application on-line and submit a resume and letter of interest here.