What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Arts and History position at City of Boise?
Summary Statement
The City of Boise is seeking an experienced and visionary leaderto lead and manage the Department of Arts & History. This executive-level position plays a pivotal role in shaping Boise’s cultural identity by overseeing the development, delivery, and sustainability of inclusive arts, culture, and history programs. The Director ensures equitable access to cultural resources for all residents and advances the city’s commitment to civic engagement, equity, and the celebration of Boise’s diverse heritage.
Serving as a key member of the Executive Management Team, the Director provides strategic leadership, aligns departmental goals with the city’s mission and values, and fosters an inclusive, service-oriented workplace. This role also champions the integration of arts and historical perspectives into citywide planning and policy development, playing a central role in enhancing Boise’s cultural and historical landscape.
This position requires strong leadership and supervisory experience, a proven track record in strategic planning, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders, donors, and elected officials. The ideal candidate will be an advocate for arts and history, with a deep commitment to public service and community collaboration.
Essential Functions
Implements the organization's values, mission and strategic goals as related to employee oversight; develops strategic goals and plans for assigned teams and departments; and directs and leads the activities of an established city department. Provides leadership to recruit, develop, and retain highly competent, service-oriented staff representative of our community, and maintains a positive employee environment. (35%)
Participates as a member of the Executive Management Team, addressing matters of concern to the department and the city. Takes part in strategic planning and works closely with the city's elected leadership in setting and carrying out the city's vision, mission, goals and objectives for the department of Arts & History. (20%)
Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with private donors, foundations and corporate sponsors to secure funding and resources for cultural initiatives. Identifies and pursues funding opportunities, prepares grant proposals, monitors compliance with grant requirements and fosters public-private partnerships to enhance the impact and reach of arts and history programs. (20%)
Directs development and implementation of policies and programs to strengthen community engagement and public awareness of arts and history initiatives. Cultivates and maintains working relationships with local and regional arts and history organizations and represents the city on committees and at official functions, fostering collaboration with key stakeholders. Provides expertise and guidance to city departments, incorporating historical perspectives into city planning and urban renewal efforts. Aligns departmental initiatives across divisions to address the needs of the community. (15%)
Oversees preparation of the department budget. Administers, directs and participates in development of the department operating and capital projects budget. Negotiates and oversees contracts for services. Researches and supervises preparation of statistical reports. Presents the annual operating budget for approval by mayor and council. (10%)
Total Percentage = 100%
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
Requirements
Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Bachelor’s degree and at least twelve (12) years of increasingly responsible experience in administration or operations—preferably in government, nonprofit, or similar sectors—including a minimum of five (5) years in a supervisory role. A combination of education and experience may be considered in place of these requirements.
Knowledge of: principles and practices of public or nonprofit administration; strategic planning, performance measurement, and organizational development; budget development, financial management, and resource allocation; human resources management and effective supervisory practices; public policy, government operations, and regulatory compliance; community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and partnership development; business technologies and software applications relevant to administrative operations; and computer usage including related software.
Ability to: lead and manage teams effectively, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment; develop and implement strategic plans aligned with organizational goals; build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders; secure funding through grants, sponsorships, or public-private partnerships; analyze complex problems and develop innovative, data-informed solutions; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.
Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Master's degree in public administration, arts, history, or a related field and fifteen years of progressive management experience in an arts and/or history organization such as a non-profit, municipal government or private organization, experience in strategic planning and networking with diverse interests in a variety of settings throughout the community and experience in public relations and marketing.
Licensing And Other Requirements
Valid state-issued driver’s license.
Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:
City of Boise background check processes which include a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
Driving Record Check
Working Conditions
The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Efforts
Also, the employee is rarely pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds. Work includes sensory ability to talk and hear. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit and stand. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.
Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.
This position works: after hours, weekends or holidays as necessitated by City business.
The City of Boise is seeking an experienced and visionary leaderto lead and manage the Department of Arts & History. This executive-level position plays a pivotal role in shaping Boise’s cultural identity by overseeing the development, delivery, and sustainability of inclusive arts, culture, and history programs. The Director ensures equitable access to cultural resources for all residents and advances the city’s commitment to civic engagement, equity, and the celebration of Boise’s diverse heritage.
Serving as a key member of the Executive Management Team, the Director provides strategic leadership, aligns departmental goals with the city’s mission and values, and fosters an inclusive, service-oriented workplace. This role also champions the integration of arts and historical perspectives into citywide planning and policy development, playing a central role in enhancing Boise’s cultural and historical landscape.
This position requires strong leadership and supervisory experience, a proven track record in strategic planning, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders, donors, and elected officials. The ideal candidate will be an advocate for arts and history, with a deep commitment to public service and community collaboration.
Essential Functions
Implements the organization's values, mission and strategic goals as related to employee oversight; develops strategic goals and plans for assigned teams and departments; and directs and leads the activities of an established city department. Provides leadership to recruit, develop, and retain highly competent, service-oriented staff representative of our community, and maintains a positive employee environment. (35%)
Participates as a member of the Executive Management Team, addressing matters of concern to the department and the city. Takes part in strategic planning and works closely with the city's elected leadership in setting and carrying out the city's vision, mission, goals and objectives for the department of Arts & History. (20%)
Develops and maintains strategic partnerships with private donors, foundations and corporate sponsors to secure funding and resources for cultural initiatives. Identifies and pursues funding opportunities, prepares grant proposals, monitors compliance with grant requirements and fosters public-private partnerships to enhance the impact and reach of arts and history programs. (20%)
Directs development and implementation of policies and programs to strengthen community engagement and public awareness of arts and history initiatives. Cultivates and maintains working relationships with local and regional arts and history organizations and represents the city on committees and at official functions, fostering collaboration with key stakeholders. Provides expertise and guidance to city departments, incorporating historical perspectives into city planning and urban renewal efforts. Aligns departmental initiatives across divisions to address the needs of the community. (15%)
Oversees preparation of the department budget. Administers, directs and participates in development of the department operating and capital projects budget. Negotiates and oversees contracts for services. Researches and supervises preparation of statistical reports. Presents the annual operating budget for approval by mayor and council. (10%)
Total Percentage = 100%
Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
Requirements
Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Bachelor’s degree and at least twelve (12) years of increasingly responsible experience in administration or operations—preferably in government, nonprofit, or similar sectors—including a minimum of five (5) years in a supervisory role. A combination of education and experience may be considered in place of these requirements.
Knowledge of: principles and practices of public or nonprofit administration; strategic planning, performance measurement, and organizational development; budget development, financial management, and resource allocation; human resources management and effective supervisory practices; public policy, government operations, and regulatory compliance; community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and partnership development; business technologies and software applications relevant to administrative operations; and computer usage including related software.
Ability to: lead and manage teams effectively, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment; develop and implement strategic plans aligned with organizational goals; build and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders; secure funding through grants, sponsorships, or public-private partnerships; analyze complex problems and develop innovative, data-informed solutions; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.
Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Master's degree in public administration, arts, history, or a related field and fifteen years of progressive management experience in an arts and/or history organization such as a non-profit, municipal government or private organization, experience in strategic planning and networking with diverse interests in a variety of settings throughout the community and experience in public relations and marketing.
Licensing And Other Requirements
Valid state-issued driver’s license.
Special Requirements
Applicants must be able to pass:
City of Boise background check processes which include a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
Driving Record Check
Working Conditions
The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical Efforts
Also, the employee is rarely pushing/pulling up to 10 pounds. Work includes sensory ability to talk and hear. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit and stand. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.
Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position.
This position works: after hours, weekends or holidays as necessitated by City business.
