Travel Manager

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the United States and a thriving cultural center for the Bay Area. We cannot imagine life without art; it inspires and connects us every day. Now more than ever, these connections matter and are aligned with our values.

Inclusive: We strive to be a museum of many voices in dialogue.  

Passionate: We believe working with art is more than a job or trusteeship - it's a way of life.  

Brave: We are committed to approaching our work with courage and a sense of adventure, always ready to explore new perspectives.

Empathic: We aim to act like a person, not an institution. 

SFMOMA is a place for the infinitely curious to explore, support, and experience the art of our time. We believe that modern and contemporary art can influence the way we think, view the world, and embrace the many voices and perspectives around us. We aspire to foster an environment that elicits joy, nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose—where difference is seen as a strength, and every one is appreciated for their whole self.

Schedule: Full Time, 35 hours/week, at least three days working onsite

 

The Travel Manager works as a key member of the Annual Giving team, within the Philanthropy Department, to plan and implement all aspects of SFMOMA’s donor travel program, consisting of four to six trips annually. Reporting to the Head of Major and Annual Giving, the Travel Manager works closely with the museum director, curators, Philanthropy staff, and volunteer leadership to plan unique trips consisting of strategically relevant and exciting art experiences tailored for SFMOMA donors. SFMOMA’s travel program aims to strengthen donors’ appreciation and understanding of art, and to deepen their engagement and philanthropic support of SFMOMA.

Oversee the museum’s travel programs, including those of Curators’ Circle and Director’s Circle, as well as the Contemporaries art experience group, and other travel, including but not limited to:

• One international 5–10-day trip for Director’s Circle members annually
• One domestic 3–4-day trip for Director's Circle members annually
• One to two domestic 2–4-day Curators’ Circle trips annually
• One domestic 2–4-day trip for Contemporaries members annually
• Additional travel as needed
• Support the advancement of actionable diversity, equity, and inclusion in Annual Giving, Philanthropy, and in the museum.
• Lead and oversee the conceptualization of each trip, including destination proposals, coordinating trip dates with stakeholders, and determining curatorial leadership.
• Oversee the planning of each trip, with input from multiple stakeholders, creating and making ongoing updates to itineraries, managing detailed budgets, timelines, and staff and volunteers.
• Conduct extensive research into destinations in advance of trip, vetting suggested visits through museum contacts as well as by independent research.
• Manage all aspects of tailoring each program’s itinerary to its constituents, arranging for special-access visits to museums, galleries, private collections, artist studios, cultural visits, etc., as well as making optimal hotel and restaurant reservations, planning for ground transportation, and other visits as applicable to fulfill itinerary.
• Work cross-departmentally with Curatorial, the Director’s Office, and other Philanthropy colleagues to develop strategic programs and relationships, as well as manage volunteer leadership for trips. Must successfully juggle multiple, sometimes conflicting priorities, to execute the best possible trip for donors.
• Work closely with volunteer committees, including trustees and donors, in planning and implementing donor travel. Attend committee meetings as needed to discuss travel opportunities and future trips.
• Responsible for curating and determining art visits and cultural programming for annual Director’s Circle trip. Research, interview, and engage curatorial consultant(s) when applicable.
• Manage third-party tour operator(s) in planning international trips, when applicable. Liaise between SFMOMA teams (Curatorial, Director’s Office, Philanthropy colleagues, and volunteer leaders) and the tour operator to arrange itinerary.
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts to secure high-quality services with minimal risk. Collaborate with SFMOMA Legal team on hotel contracts and other contracts when applicable.
• Execute trips onsite, acting as logistics manager and ambassador of SFMOMA. On trips, represent SFMOMA to artists, gallerists, museum staff, private collectors, and other art world representatives, ensuring a smooth experience for both donors and contacts at each destination. Form relationships with donors and local contacts, serving as a front-line representative for SFMOMA. Manage staff team while onsite.
• Manage traveler reservations and requests. Maintain accurate records of interest and attendee lists for trips. Act as the primary point of contact for SFMOMA travelers and staff.
• Cultivate and steward donor relationships through travel experiences, fostering deeper engagement and sustained philanthropic support for SFMOMA.
• Serve as primary point of contact and maintain relationships with contacts at international and domestic art fairs, arranging VIP passes for donors upon request, and managing a comprehensive art fair schedule.
• Oversee budgeting for a financially viable travel program. Monitor annual revenue and expenses and track against goals. Work with finance in maintaining accurate reports on income and expenses.
• Evaluate program impact by tracking donor satisfaction, engagement, and fundraising outcomes.
• Develop and maintain a long-term schedule and strategy for the travel program.
• Track art fairs, biennials, and other major events that may influence museum programming dates on a calendar shared with Philanthropy staff.
• Conduct research on travel programs at peer organizations to inform SFMOMA travel program offerings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Location: San Francisco, 151 3rd Street. 

Benefits: PTO, Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Pet Insurance, Life and AD&D Coverage, Disability Insurance, Mental Health and Wellness Benefits, Discount Programs, Pre-Tax Commuter Benefits, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, SFMOMA Membership, and more