Job Listings

With more than 1400 businesses located in Downtown Santa Barbara, there are many opportunities to work here. See employment opportunities listed below.

DSBIA Programs Assistant

Program Assistant (Part-Time)

Employer: Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA)
Location: 419 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA (primarily in person; hybrid option available)
Schedule: 10–15 hours/week; monthly evening support for artwalk events. Consistent availability preferred.
Compensation: $18-25, or set up as a volunteer internship

About the Role

Support DSBIA’s Programs Department on three cornerstone initiatives: 1st Thursday Art Walk, the State Street Non Profit Flag Program, and the new Vacant Window Beautification Program. This hands-on, detail-oriented, community-facing role is ideal for a doer who finds joy in creating something beautiful that genuinely serves the community.

Key Responsibilities

1st Thursday Art Walk

Assist with business venue onboarding, deadlines, data entry, and marketing logistics.
Coordinate permits (e.g., ABC packet collection), waivers, and billing.
Provide on-site event support (3–9 PM, 1st Thursday of every month), including setup/breakdown and print distribution.

State Street Flag Program

Support scheduling, paperwork collection (agreements, insurance), and billing.
Coordinate design proposals; track committee feedback and approvals.
Liaise with the Flag Factory on production, installation timelines, and maintenance notes.

Vacant Window Beautification Program

Coordinate artist submissions, file collection, specs, proofs, and approvals.
Track installation calendars; coordinate with property owners and vendors.
Scout potential windows and conduct regular district audits for beautification opportunities.

Communications & Administration

Monitor shared inboxes; respond/route inquiries professionally.
Update website content, newsletters, and calendars.
Maintain spreadsheets and simple reports; assist with print distribution.

You Are

Meticulous & reliable with strong follow-through.
Warm, professional communicator (clear email and in-person style).
Proactive—you take direction, ask clarifying questions, and move it forward.
Art-curious and comfortable around creative concepts.
Tech-capable: Google Workspace, spreadsheets, shared drives; Canva/Constant Contact a plus; willing to learn a CRM.
Grounded, collaborative, and high-integrity.

What You’ll Gain

Hands-on experience in arts programming, placemaking, vendor coordination, and software adoption—plus exposure to sales, sponsorships, budgeting, and program quality standards.

How to Apply

Email a brief cover note and résumé to info@downtownsb.org with the subject “Program Assistant – Your Name.” Include 2–3 sentences on why you’re a fit and your weekly availability.

DSBIA Events and Communications Assistant

About the Position

The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA) is seeking a part-time Events and Communications Assistant to support downtown events, activations, and communications initiatives under the direction of DSBIA staff. This role is ideal for someone who is organized, creative, people-oriented, and excited about contributing to a vibrant, welcoming, and economically healthy downtown Santa Barbara.

The Events and Communications Assistant plays a key role in supporting community-facing events, documenting and promoting downtown activity, and assisting with logistics that bring downtown Santa Barbara to life for businesses, residents, and visitors.

Employer

Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing, promoting, and revitalizing Downtown Santa Barbara. DSBIA works on behalf of downtown property owners, businesses, and the broader community to deliver clean, safe, and welcoming public spaces; support economic vitality; activate downtown through events and placemaking; and strengthen downtown’s identity as the heart of Santa Barbara.

Location

DSBIA Office
419 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA

Employment Type

Part-time: 10–20 as needed hours per week
Hybrid schedule (in-person and remote)
Regular evening and some weekend availability required for events
Paid part-time position; may be structured as an internship or apprenticeship

Compensation

$18–$25 per hour, depending on experience

Position Responsibilities

Assist DSBIA staff with the planning, coordination, and execution of downtown events, programs, and activations, including but not limited to:

1st Thursday ArtWalk
State Street activations
Holiday events and promotions
Small Business Saturday
Concerts, markets, and cultural programming
Downtown beautification and community engagement initiatives

Support event logistics including set-up, breakdown, equipment coordination, volunteer support, and on-site communications
Assist with graphic design and creation of promotional materials for social media, flyers, posters, and digital communications (using Canva or similar tools)
Document events through photography and short video for use on social media, website, and e-newsletters
Assist with communications and coordination with performers, vendors, artists, and event partners
Help distribute marketing materials and signage to downtown businesses and event participants
Attend and assist with meetings as needed
Support administrative tasks and special projects related to DSBIA programs and initiatives

Desired Interests and Skills

Interest or experience in event production, community programming, or placemaking
Interest or experience in communications, marketing, journalism, photography, or graphic design
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
Spanish language skills preferred but not required
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work collaboratively in a small, dynamic team environment
Positive, can-do attitude with a strong customer service mindset
Experience with Canva, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and/or Microsoft Office
Access to a personal computer preferred but not required
Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events

Requirements

Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
Ability to be on your feet for extended periods during events and outreach activities
Ability to work a combination of in-person and remote hours (10–20 hours per week)
Successful completion of a one-month review period

How to Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter describing your relevant experience and interest in the position to: info@downtownsb.org

Priority Deadline to Apply: February 9.
Please include “Events and Communications Assistant” in the subject line.

DSBIA Content Marketing Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Content Marketing Specialist
Employer: Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA)
Location: 419 State Street Santa Barbara, CA
Employment Type: 15-30 hours per week
Compensation: $18-25/hour

How to Apply:
To apply, email info@downtownsb.org with a cover letter and resume by February 9, 2026 Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About the Position: The Content Marketing Specialist helps shape and share the story of Downtown Santa Barbara through vibrant, creative content that connects with both locals and visitors. This role is ideal for a community-minded professional with a passion for storytelling, design, and social media. Working closely with the PR and Marketing Coordinator and Executive Director and the Placemaking and Identity Committee, the Content Marketing Coordinator develops content for social media, newsletters, digital platforms, and print materials that inspire and invite people to experience all that Downtown Santa Barbara has to offer.

Responsibilities:

Event Staffing and Community Outreach: Support DSBIA events and community outreach activities, including assisting with event setup, staffing event booths, and engaging with the public during community programs.
Content Creation: Develop and produce written, visual, and multimedia content for social media, e-newsletters, website, and marketing materials that align with DSBIA’s brand and identity.
Social Media Management: Manage daily social media content posting and engagement across all platforms, maintaining an organized content calendar.
Graphic Design: Design graphics for social media, digital platforms, print materials, and event promotion using Canva and Adobe Creative Suite tools.
Photography and Videography: Capture and edit photos and videos that highlight downtown Santa Barbara businesses, events, and public spaces.
Community Engagement Support: Work with local businesses and partners to source content ideas, promote initiatives, and support marketing campaigns.
Website Content Updates: Maintain and update website content to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with marketing goals.
Support Marketing Campaigns: Assist with implementing advertising and promotional campaigns developed by the PR and Marketing Coordinator.
Administrative and Reporting: Track and report on social media and content engagement metrics.

Qualifications:

1–3 years of experience in content marketing, social media management, or related roles
Proficiency in Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and social media management tools
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
Experience with photography and videography, including editing
Familiarity with website management platforms
Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Self-starter with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset

DSBIA Marketing and PR Coordinator

POSITION TITLE: Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator

Employer: Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA)
Location: 419 State Street Santa Barbara, CA
Employment Type: Full-time; 40 hours per week
Compensation: $24–28/hour

How to Apply: To apply, email info@downtownsb.org with a cover letter and resume by February 9, 2026 Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About the Position:

The Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator plays a key leadership role in telling the story of downtown Santa Barbara, helping to build a vibrant and welcoming identity for the district through consistent messaging, creative marketing, and proactive community engagement.

Responsibilities:

Brand and Identity Implementation: Lead efforts to implement DSBIA’s new brand and identity across all marketing materials, digital platforms, signage, and public communications in collaboration with the Placemaking and Identity Committee, DSBIA staff team and website developer.
Public Information Officer Duties: Serve in support the to Executive Director as the organization’s public information officer, including representing DSBIA in media interviews, public meetings, City Council or advisory board sessions, and other official forums when directed by the Executive Director.
Marketing & PR Strategy: Develop and manage comprehensive marketing and public relations strategies that position downtown Santa Barbara as a dynamic and welcoming destination.
Content Creation & Social Media Management: Oversee content development and manage all social media platforms, working closely with the Content Marketing Specialist to implement marketing and PR strategies that align with DSBIA’s brand standards and goals.
Media Relations: Write and distribute press releases, handle media inquiries, and maintain strong relationships with local and regional media outlets.
Advertising & Promotions: Manage advertising contracts, develop promotional materials, and implement campaigns that enhance downtown visibility and community engagement.
Event Marketing: Lead marketing efforts for DSBIA-sponsored and district-wide events, including creating marketing materials, coordinating outreach, and ensuring effective on-site branding.
Community Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison with local businesses, organizations, and stakeholders to gather content, promote initiatives, and support business engagement.
Reporting & Administration: Monitor, track, and report on all marketing and PR efforts, social media engagement, and campaign results.

Qualifications:

2–4 years of experience in marketing, public relations, or communications
Proven ability to manage marketing and PR functions independently
Proficiency in Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and social media management tools
Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
Comfortable with public speaking and conducting media interviews, speaking in front of groups, facilitating meetings, and speaking at City Council or City advisory boards
Experience with community engagement and public relations best practices
Self-directed, organized, and collaborative with leadership capability
Graphic design, photography and videography experience

Benefits:

Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
Professional development opportunities