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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.