Curator I (3541) - Harvey Milk Photo Center Director - SF Recreation & Parks

Company Description Application Opening:  Friday, July 17, 2026. Amended on 07/20/26 for the recruitment to reflect a public Job Ad.  Application Deadline:  Apply Immediately . Application filing will be open at least through 5:00pm on July 31, 2026, and will close any time thereafter.  Salary Range:  $79,586 - $96,746/year annually About Us Amid a dynamic and ever-evolving urban landscape, the  San Francisco Recreation and Park Department  stewards one of the premier urban park systems in America.  In 2017, San Francisco became the first city in the nation where all residents have access to a park within a 10-minute walk, a direct result of the Department’s commitment to increasing and improving parkland in the city  Learn More . Considered by San Franciscans to be one of the City’s most popular and effective public agencies, our Department currently manages more than 230 parks, playgrounds and open spaces throughout San Francisco, including two outside city limits—Sharp Park in Pacifica and Camp Mather in the High Sierras. The system includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, sports fields and numerous small-to-medium-sized clubhouses that offer a variety of sports- and arts-related recreation programs for people of all ages.  Included in the Department’s responsibilities are Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the San Francisco Zoo and Lake Merced. More than 2,000 talented individuals are part of our team, from gardeners, foresters, and recreation leaders to park rangers, custodians, electricians, painters and more. Our core mission, as it has been throughout our history, is to provide opportunities for San Francisco residents and visitors alike to gather, play, learn, relax, and enjoy nature in the city. The Harvey Milk Photo Center’s Program & Operations Manager is responsible for the overall administration, coordination, and daily management of the Center’s photography programs, public exhibitions, membership services, and facilities. This position oversees hiring and staff support, program planning, equipment maintenance, purchasing and inventory, and the delivery of high‑quality public classes and events. The Director ensures safe, efficient, and professional operations across all Photo Center spaces, including the darkroom, digital lab, studios, and exhibition galleries. Duties & Responsibilities Operations Management Oversees daily operations of the Center, including purchasing, inventory control, equipment maintenance, supply ordering and pickup, and communication with the Cultural Arts Manager. Maintains a high standard of organization, safety, and professionalism. Program Planning and Administration Plans and manages photography classes and workshops. Coordinates instructor needs, supports curriculum development, and ensures high‑quality programming. Manages program submissions, quarterly planning, and scheduling across the Photo Center. Staff Leadership Responsible for hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and supervising staff. Sets expectations, assigns work, identifies operational needs, and implements solutions. Public Programs and Events Coordinates public programming including classes, exhibitions, photo talks, receptions, and community events. Represents the Photo Center at public functions and supports community outreach Exhibitions Management Oversees preparation, planning, installation, hanging, and takedown of exhibits, including the annual member show, community photography exhibitions, the Made at the Photo Center quarterly series, and other special displays. Coordinates artist relations and manages exhibit logistics. Safety and Compliance Maintains equipment, safety, and materials records. Conducts or coordinates health and safety trainings for staff. Ensures proper handling and disposal of photographic chemicals and adherence to all safety protocols. Membership Services Manages a membership base of over 200 members annually, including member support, locker system administration, communications, and general customer service. Library Management Oversees the David Johnson Photo Reference Library, including organization, access management, and materials upkeep. Marketing and Communications Responsible for marketing materials including flyers, posters, and digital graphics. Produces and distributes weekly newsletters featuring events, exhibition announcements, registrations, closures, and operational updates. Administrative Responsibilities Manages renewals and licenses, coordinates with IT for digital lab needs, and oversees program‑related purchasing such as supply replenishment and equipment parts. Perform other related duties as assigned. Please note that incumbents in this classification may be required to perform duties as listed in the class specification  https://careers.sf.gov/classifications/?classCode=3541 . Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in the fine arts, art history, decorative arts, design, history, library science, museum studies, natural history, science, technology or other closely related disciplines. Desirable Qualifications 3 years’ experience managing programs, facilities, or operations in an art, cultural, recreation, or education setting. 2 years’ experience supervising staff, instructors, volunteers, or contractors. Experience planning and coordinating public programs, classes, or workshops. Working knowledge of photography, darkroom processes, and digital imaging. Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and operational needs simultaneously. Strong organizational and communication skills. Ability to lift, carry, or install exhibit materials as part of exhibition setup. Background in photography, art administration, or visual arts programming. Experience with exhibition design, installation, or gallery operations. Graphic design experience for f