We’re Growing, Building, and … Hiring!
We’re inviting you, the thought leaders, innovators, and cultural community builders to join us in shaping what’s possible for San Francisco and beyond.
KOHO is a culturally rooted, community-driven arts nonprofit dedicated to preserving and evolving San Francisco’s historic Japantown through arts, festivals, events, coworking, and intergenerational connection. We honor the generations who came before us while building toward a future that reflects the evolving needs, voices, and dreams of our community.
Programs Manager
As KOHO’s Programs Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving engagement, promoting events, and ensuring the seamless execution of our programs. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the vibrant arts community of San Francisco and beyond while working alongside passionate individuals dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural exchange within various AAPI communities.within various AAPI communities.
How to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a goal to hire and onboard the right candidate as soon as possible to ready KOHO for the amazing year ahead. We thank all applicants for their interest in KOHO, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Submit your resume and cover letter to hello@KOHOsf.org with the subject line: "KOHO Programs Manager – [Your Name]".
Events + Community Coordinator
KOHO is seeking a collaborative and hospitality-driven Events & Community Coordinator to support the activation of our earned revenue programs — including rentals, coworking, and KOHO-led programming such as events and festivals.
This role works closely with the Operations Manager to support communication, planning, and on-the-ground coordination of rentals, coworking, events, and programs. While this position does not hold primary responsibility for contracts, budgeting, or financial management, it plays a critical role in delivering the welcoming, inclusive, and culturally grounded experience KOHO is known for.
How to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a goal to hire and onboard the right candidate as soon as possible to ready KOHO for the amazing year ahead. We thank all applicants for their interest in KOHO, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Submit your resume and cover letter to hello@KOHOsf.org with the subject line: "KOHO Events + Community Coordinator – [Your Name]".
-
KOHO is a multi-disciplinary, cultural, non-profit arts organization in development for and by artists and creators, located in San Francisco's Japantown. KOHO nurtures community, preserves the long standing traditions of Japantown while designing authentic, innovative, immersive experiences that reflect our cultural narratives, and fuel economic growth.
Celebrating the ever evolving creative spirit of our Japanese and Japanese-American
community, KOHO gives voice to our immigrant ancestors, the strength and resilience of those who endured the incarceration experience of World War II, the residents and businesses displaced during the Redevelopment era in the 1960s-80s, and the narratives of our multi-ethnic, intergenerational community of today, many who are longing for a deeper connection to their heritage, to place, purpose and pride.
At KOHO, we believe deeply in cultural placemaking — that space matters, that gathering matters, and that preserving heritage requires active participation. We are building a movement grounded in honoring our ancestors while shaping a future-forward vision for Japantown that meets the evolving needs of our community. Through arts, shared experiences, and intentional community-building, we believe we can educate, shift perspectives, and strengthen intergenerational connection.
The KOHO Co-Creative Hub, located in the East Mall of Japantown, is a vibrant third space for artists, creators, and the community that fosters collaboration, creativity, and cultural preservation. As a multidisciplinary arts and culture organization, KOHO provides a platform and gathering space for artists, entrepreneurs, and community members to connect, create, and thrive.
-
Be part of a team making history.
We are looking for thought leaders and innovators who wish to create synergy within the Japantown community and a renewed vibrancy for the preservation of the oldest and largest Japantown in the nation. We operate more like a start-up than a non-profit. We measure the pulse of our ever changing cultural community through the lens of preservation, storytelling and economic sustainability. We pivot quickly when needed. We take extreme care to bring harmony and compassion to the work we do within the community, balancing historical narrative and envisioning the future through the lens of creativity, the arts and community.
As KOHO’s Programs Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving engagement, promoting events, and ensuring the seamless execution of our programs. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the vibrant arts community of San Francisco and beyond while working alongside passionate individuals dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural exchange within various AAPI communities.
The Programs Manager is responsible for designing, producing, and managing KOHO’s public programs, artist-led activities, and community engagement initiatives. This role ensures that programs are mission-aligned, well-executed, community-responsive, and financially and operationally sustainable.
The Programs Manager works closely with the Executive Director and Operations team to translate vision into action, steward relationships with artists and partners, and create meaningful experiences that activate space, build community, and support earned and contributed revenue goals.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, and experienced in community-based arts programming. This role serves as a primary liaison to artists and program partners and plays a key role in ensuring programs are thoughtful, accessible, well-produced, and aligned with both community needs and organizational capacity.
-
Program Strategy & Development
Manage and build KOHO’s portfolio of programs, including festivals, workshops, artist talks, exhibitions, pop-ups, performances, and community gatherings.
Collaborate with the Executive Director to shape annual program goals, themes, and calendars aligned with KOHO’s mission and funding priorities.
Identify opportunities for new programs that support artists, activate space, and strengthen Japantown’s cultural ecosystem.
Program Production & Management
Plan and execute programs from concept through completion, including timelines, logistics, staffing, and run-of-show.
Serve as primary point of contact for artists, facilitators, instructors, and program partners.
Coordinate with Operations staff on space use, contracts, payments, and on-site needs.
Ensure programs are welcoming, accessible, and well-organized for participants and audiences.
Artist & Community Engagement
Build and maintain relationships with Japanese-American and AANHPI artists, creatives, and community organizations.
Support artists in navigating logistics, compensation, and audience engagement.
Foster a sense of belonging and care for artists, collaborators, and participants.
Budgeting & Revenue Support
Develop and manage program budgets in coordination with the Executive Director.
Track program expenses and revenue, including ticket sales, fees, and honoraria.
Support earned revenue goals through paid programs, workshops, and events.
Contribute program data and narratives for grant reporting and fundraising efforts.
Marketing & Communications Support
Work with Communications and Operations to promote programs through digital channels, newsletters, and community outreach.
Provide clear program descriptions, schedules, and artist bios for marketing use.
Support on-the-ground outreach within Japantown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Evaluation & Documentation
Track attendance, participation, and qualitative feedback for programs.
Document programs through notes, photos, and summaries to support reporting and institutional memory.
Use feedback and data to improve future programming.
Organizational Collaboration & Culture
Work closely with the Executive Director, Operations, and Communications to ensure alignment across programs, space use, and capacity.
Contribute to a healthy, equitable, and mission-aligned workplace culture which includes assisting with being available as needed for rentals, events, coworking and community building.
Help build internal systems and workflows that support team cohesion, clarity, accountability, and care.
-
We’re looking for a dynamic, community-minded Programs Manager who is energized by cultural work and thrives in collaborative environments.
3+ years of experience producing programs within the Asian American/Pacific Islander arts community, community-based arts spaces, or cultural event production (nonprofit staff experience strongly preferred).
Familiarity with the non-profit arts world and experience working in a non-profit or community-based organization a plus
A strong foundation in Japanese and Japanese-American and/or API immigrant history, culture, & psychology a plus.
A flexible and adaptable schedule, with the ability to support programs and events that may take place evenings and weekends.
Strong project management skills — you’re excited by juggling multiple programs at different phases and can move ideas from concept to execution with clarity and care.
Experience working alongside artists and community partners in a collaborative, respectful, and relationship-centered way.
Proficient in managing budgets, timelines, contracts, and basic administrative systems while keeping the creative vision intact.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills — you can tell a compelling story and keep people aligned and informed.
A deep passion for community-centered arts, cultural preservation, and building creative ecosystems that uplift artists and neighborhood vitality.
Familiarity with Japantown, Japanese-American, and/or AANHPI communities is a strong plus.
A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to work thoughtfully across diverse communities.
Must be comfortable with technology and can use Asana, Squarespace, Slack, Google Suite, etc.
Familiarity with Zoom, YouTube, and virtual program platforms; broadcasting or streaming experience is a plus.
Knowledge of Canva, Adobe Creative Suite and an interest in graphic design and branding is a plus.
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs for event setup and breakdown.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Programs are well-attended, thoughtfully produced, and aligned with KOHO’s mission.
Artists and partners feel supported, respected, and excited to work with KOHO again.
Programming contributes meaningfully to community engagement and earned revenue goals.
Internal coordination around programs feels smooth, clear, and sustainable.
-
COMPENSATION + BENEFITS
Salary starting at $60,000-$66,000 depending upon experience paid monthly
A generous benefits package - KOHO pays 99% of the monthly premium for medical, dental, and vision as well as 401k matching contributions.
Unlimited PTO, with no more than 2 weeks consecutively taken off. All PTO must be approved by your supervisor. Additional PTO also given between Christmas and New Years.
-
Item descriptionKOHO is committed to a diverse workplace and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, as such KOHO is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all applicants, employees, volunteers, and interns. KOHO makes decisions based on the merits of each candidate.
KOHO prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s race, color, religion (including all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality) national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status or registered domestic partner status, uniformed service member or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, or any other basis protected by law. KOHO will afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, employees, volunteers, and interns as to all terms and conditions of employment, including, without limitation, compensation, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination.
-
KOHO is a multi-disciplinary, cultural, non-profit arts organization in development for and by artists and creators, located in San Francisco's Japantown. KOHO nurtures community, preserves the long standing traditions of Japantown while designing authentic, innovative, immersive experiences that reflect our cultural narratives, and fuel economic growth.
Celebrating the ever evolving creative spirit of our Japanese and Japanese-American
community, KOHO gives voice to our immigrant ancestors, the strength and resilience of those who endured the incarceration experience of World War II, the residents and businesses displaced during the Redevelopment era in the 1960s-80s, and the narratives of our multi-ethnic, intergenerational community of today, many who are longing for a deeper connection to their heritage, to place, purpose and pride.
At KOHO, we believe deeply in cultural placemaking — that space matters, that gathering matters, and that preserving heritage requires active participation. We are building a movement grounded in honoring our ancestors while shaping a future-forward vision for Japantown that meets the evolving needs of our community. Through arts, shared experiences, and intentional community-building, we believe we can educate, shift perspectives, and strengthen intergenerational connection.
The KOHO Co-Creative Hub, located in the East Mall of Japantown, is a vibrant third space for artists, creators, and the community that fosters collaboration, creativity, and cultural preservation. As a multidisciplinary arts and culture organization, KOHO provides a platform and gathering space for artists, entrepreneurs, and community members to connect, create, and thrive.
-
Be part of a team making history.
This position — like all roles at KOHO — contributes to the overall participant experience and supports our broader movement to preserve, evolve, and sustain Japantown as a vibrant cultural district.
This is a 20-hour per week position with a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends based on event needs.
-
Earned Revenue & Program Support
Support staffing and activation of rentals, coworking, and KOHO programming
Assist with coordination of events and festivals that reflect and uplift cultural identity
Help ensure smooth day-of operations for renters, members, artists, and partners
Maintain organized calendars, communications, and preparation materials
Operational & Planning Support
Work closely with the Operations and Programs Managers and the Executive Director on communications and logistics
Assist in planning layouts, vendor coordination, setup, and breakdown
Support outreach and follow-up communication with renters, members, and collaborators
Help maintain supplies, equipment, and overall space readiness
Hospitality, Cultural Competence & Community Experience
Serve as a welcoming, grounded presence for renters, coworking members, artists, and visitors
Contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and culturally responsive environment
Support partnerships and collaborations with Japantown, AANHPI, and other BIPOC community leaders and participants of our events and programs
Help cultivate a shared experience for all that aligns with KOHO’s values of inclusivity of a nurturing, collective and community-centered space
Team Contribution
Work collaboratively with KOHO leadership, team members and volunteers to steward and help achieve annual goals, vision, and financial sustainability targets
Step in to support team needs during busy periods or major events
Contribute positively to KOHO’s workplace culture and community relationships
-
1–3 years experience in events, hospitality, arts administration, retail, or community-facing roles.
Flexible schedule with availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Skilled at delivering seamless, welcoming experiences for clients, artists, and production partners.
Able to steward relationships from inquiry to execution.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong organizational abilities.
Proactive team contributor who supports and advances annual organizational goals.
Highly detail-oriented with strong follow-through and task ownership.
Thrives in fast-paced, event-driven environments with shifting priorities.
A genuine commitment to cultural placemaking and building spaces where community can thrive.
Deep passion for arts and culture, with a commitment to uplifting and amplifying diverse creative communities.
Must be comfortable with technology and can use Asana, Squarespace, Slack, Google Suite, etc.
Knowledge of Canva, Adobe Creative Suite and an interest in graphic design and branding is a plus.
Preferred:
Experience staff role in nonprofit or cultural spaces
Familiarity with Japantown or AANHPI communities
Basic A/V or event setup knowledge
Familiarity with Zoom, YouTube, and virtual program platforms; broadcasting or streaming experience is a plus.
Why Work at KOHO
KOHO is more than an event space — we are part of a movement supporting one of the last remaining Japantowns in the United States.
By joining our team, you will help build a space where culture is preserved, reimagined, and lived in real time. You will contribute to experiences that educate, inspire, and strengthen community ties across generations.
If you care about hospitality, inclusivity, cultural preservation, and creating spaces where people feel seen and connected — we would love to hear from you.
-
Part-time, 20 hours per week on-site
Compensation: $22-28/hour depending upon experience paid monthly
-
KOHO is committed to a diverse and pluralistic workplace. People who are queer, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, people of color, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply.
KOHO is committed to a diverse workplace and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, as such KOHO is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all applicants, employees, volunteers, and interns. KOHO makes decisions based on the merits of each candidate.
KOHO prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s race, color, religion (including all aspects of religious beliefs, observance or practice, including religious dress or grooming practices), sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality, and bisexuality) national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status or registered domestic partner status, uniformed service member or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics or information, or any other basis protected by law. KOHO will afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, employees, volunteers, and interns as to all terms and conditions of employment, including, without limitation, compensation, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, and termination.