What are the responsibilities and job description for the Arts and Culture Manager position at City of San Marcos, TX?
Become part of a team that thrives on Professionalism, Innovation, Customer Experience, Integrity, and Teamwork — the values that guide how we serve our community.
The Arts and Culture Manager leads the City’s Arts and Culture Program, advancing the Public Arts Master Plan and strengthening community engagement through impactful cultural initiatives. It oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and outreach efforts that elevate public art and heritage within the community. Working under the general direction of the Destination Services Director, the role provides strategic leadership, collaboration, and supervision of program staff to support key City objectives. The position requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays to ensure successful program delivery.
The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.- Implements the Public Art Master Plan and ensures alignment with City policies, procedures, and strategic goals.
- Provides leadership and management of public art and heritage initiatives, including program development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
- Coordinates with community members and stakeholders to develop, implement, and gather feedback on public art projects throughout their lifecycle.
- Leads community outreach and engagement efforts to promote participation and strengthen partnerships with stakeholders, arts organizations, and community groups.
- Oversees public art planning, acquisition, installation, and long-term maintenance to ensure high-quality, sustainable public art assets.
- Manages project development from concept through completion, including defining scopes, estimating costs, establishing timelines, coordinating schedules, and ensuring timely, compliant delivery.
- Ensures compliance with all program, contract, and grant requirements and facilitates improvements related to identified operational and technical needs.
- Coordinates, implements, and evaluates program operations, initiatives, and services; facilitates communication with relevant department and City staff regarding program needs.
- Administers grants and funding programs for arts, cultural, and public events; identifies and secures additional sponsorships and funding opportunities.
- Prepares and monitors program and division budgets, recommends contract payments, and oversees contract development, negotiation, and compliance.
- Serves as the City’s public art liaison for capital improvement projects, coordinating with architects, engineers, artists, internal departments, and other partners.
- Provides public education and communication through presentations, workshops, publications, and digital platforms to increase awareness of arts and heritage initiatives.
- Represents the division, department, and City at meetings, conferences, and collaborative events at the local, regional, and national levels.
- Produces reports, delivers presentations, and supports policy and procedure development to strengthen program operations.
- Supervises, trains, and evaluates staff; oversees hiring, development, performance management, and other supervisory responsibilities in accordance with City policies.
- Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in arts administration, public administration, visual arts, performing arts, language arts, or other related field.
- Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in public art.
- Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
- Must have a valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License.
- Knowledge of governmental processes, policies, regulations, and applicable standards.
- Knowledge of accounting principles and budgetary practices.
- Knowledge of computer hardware, software, and standard office technology.
- Skill in problem-solving, critical thinking, and recommending effective solutions.
- Skill in clear and effective verbal and written communication.
- Skill in supervising, training, and evaluating staff in alignment with City policies.
- Ability to analyze operational needs and implement improvements to enhance departmental effectiveness.
- Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate programs and initiatives.
- Ability to operate computers and related office equipment.
- Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
- Ability to work effectively in an office environment and adapt to changing operational needs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires lifting up to 25 pounds occasionally. Frequent activities include sitting, handling, fine dexterity, vision, hearing, and talking. Occasional activities include standing, walking, pushing/pulling, and balancing. Rare activities include lifting, carrying, reaching, bending, twisting, climbing, and using foot controls.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is primarily performed in an office setting. Occasional exposure to variable weather conditions, emergency situations, and general construction hazards may occur when attending meetings or responding to incidents.