Senior Coordinator, Studio and Residency Programmes

Reports to: Studio and Residency Programmes ManagerProvide senior operational oversight for artist residencies and studio programmes, ensuring consistency, quality, and effective delivery across all phases. Act as the primary escalation point for artists, partners, and internal teams, resolving complex issues and ensuring a high standard of artist experience.Team Supervision & CoordinationSupervise and mentor Coordinators, providing guidance, quality control, and workload oversight. Ensure clear task allocation, adherence to standards, and timely delivery of responsibilities. Act as first-line escalation for operational matters before referral to the Manager.Artist Support & Programme ManagementOversee artist onboarding, in-residence support, and offboarding processes to ensure consistency across cohorts. Review and quality-check itineraries, research trips, site visits, and institutional engagements. Step in directly for high-sensitivity cases or complex logistical situations.Studios & Facilities OversightOversee studio spaces and residency apartments, ensuring readiness standards are met. Act as escalation point for facilities and maintenance issues, coordinating with internal operations teams and external vendors. Lead studio presentations and site visits for prospective renters, partners, and stakeholders.Administration & Financial OversightOversee contracts, invoices, stipends, and financial documentation related to studios and residency programmes, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing. Coordinate closely with Finance and Legal teams on approvals, reporting, and exceptions. Identify and improve operational workflows.Planning, Scheduling & Stakeholder CoordinationLead planning structures for residency schedules, programme milestones, and artist engagements. Resolve scheduling conflicts and anticipate logistical challenges. Represent the organisation in selected meetings, partner engagements, and official visits as delegated.Cross-Department CollaborationCoordinate across Communications, Editorial, Translation, IT, Website, and other departments to ensure accurate, timely, and aligned information for open calls, programme announcements, and reporting.Data, Systems & ReportingMaintain and oversee databases for residency applicants, studio renters, and programme alumni. Generate reports on studio occupancy, residency demand, and operational performance. Use insights to recommend improvements to efficiency, utilisation, and artist satisfaction.Job Key AccountabilitiesEnsure consistent, high-quality delivery of artist residencies and studio programmesSupervise and support Coordinators, ensuring clarity of roles and quality of outputsAct as escalation point for complex artist, operational, and facilities issuesMaintain operational compliance, accuracy, and risk mitigation across programmesStrengthen cross-department coordination and stakeholder relationshipsImprove systems, workflows, and reporting to support programme sustainabilityRequired Qualification, Experience & SkillsBachelor’s degree in arts administration, Cultural Management, Fine Arts, Humanities, or equivalent experience4-6 years’ experience in arts administration, residencies, cultural institutions, or related programmesStrong organisational, administrative, and operational management skillsExperience overseeing contracts, invoices, stipends, and financial workflowsDemonstrated ability to manage complex operations and multiple stakeholdersExperience supervising or mentoring team members preferredExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to work collaboratively across departments (Comms, Editorial, IT, etc.)Proficiency in MS Office Cultural sensitivity and adaptability when working with artistsStrong English required, Arabic or additional languages an advantageDriving license desirable Conditions of WorkThe role is a full-time position based in Sharjah, with working hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Thursday, and occasional evening or weekend work as needed.