Public Arts Coordinator

Job Description

The work involves responsibility for administering and promoting the City of Syracuse's Public Art Program, while advancing cultural programming, creative placemaking initiatives and community engagement activities throughout the City. The incumbent serves as staff support to the Public Art Commission, and works collaboratively with artists, cultural organizations, neighborhood groups, businesses, community stakeholders and City departments to enhance Syracuse's cultural identity and vibrancy. The position works closely with the City's Nightlife Coordinator to support cultural events, festivals, public activations and initiatives that contribute to Syracuse's creative economy and quality of life. Due to the nature of community engagement, public meetings, special events, festivals and cultural programming, the position may require evening and weekend work. Certain assignments made to employees in this class may require reasonable access to transportation to meet field work requirements in a timely and efficient manner. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation. Considerable independent judgement is exercised in planning, coordinating and implementing programs and projects. Supervision is not a function of this class. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Oversees the review and approval process for public art installations.
• Manages public art projects.
• Maintains the City's public art inventory.
• Pursues grant funding opportunities.
• Coordinates community outreach and educational programming.
• Advises and assists the Public Art Commission and related advisory bodies in the fulfillment of their duties, including the development, implementation and evaluation of the City of Syracuse's Public Art Master Plan.
• Compiles and maintains Public Art Commission records, correspondence, agendas, minutes, resolutions and other official documentation.
• Assists artists, organizations and community groups in preparing applications for public art projects, and presents completed applications to applicable City and State departments, Boards and agencies.
• Supervises and oversees the review and approval process for public art projects, including coordination among the Public Art Commission, neighborhood organizations, City departments and regulatory agencies.
• Facilitates public engagement opportunities and gathers community input regarding proposed public art projects and cultural initiatives.
• Maintains a comprehensive inventory and archive of the City's public art collection, including artist information, contracts, maintenance requirements, project records and related documentation.
• Provides direction regarding the preservation, management, maintenance and stewardship of the City's public art collection.
• Develops, manages and updates public art and cultural programming content for City websites, social media platforms and promotional materials.
• Assists in the facilitation of public art exhibitions, installations and displays in municipal facilities and public spaces.
• Supports cultural programming, creative placemaking initiatives and community engagement activities that enhance neighborhood identity and quality of life.
• Collaborates with the Nightlife Coordinator, cultural organizations, artists, businesses and community stakeholders to support festivals, public activations, entertainment initiatives and cultural events throughout the City.
• Assists in planning and implementing initiatives the City of Syracuse's arts, culture, entertainment, tourism and creative economy sectors.
• Serves as a liaison with artists, architects, cultural organizations, neighborhood groups, business associations, educational institutions, community stakeholders and government agencies.
• Identifies opportunities to activate public spaces through arts, culture, entertainment and community-based programming.
• Assists with coordinating public meetings, workshops, educational programs, artist talks, public input sessions and outreach activities.
• Develops and distributes promotional materials and public communications in collaboration with the Office of Communications.
• Identifies, pursues, prepares and administers grant applications and funding opportunities from Federal, State, local and private sources to support public art and cultural programming.
• Manages all phases of City-sponsored public art projects, including project planning, artist selection, contract administration, budgeting, fabrication, installation and project closeout.
• Develops, negotiates and monitors contracts with artists, arts organizations, consultants and other entities associated with public art and cultural programming.
• Provides project management support for City-wide initiatives involving public art, culture, placemaking, community development and public space activation.
• Prepares reports, recommendations, evaluations and presentations regarding public art, cultural programming, grant activities, project outcomes and community engagement efforts.
• Assists with special events, public celebrations and cultural activities that may occur during evenings and weekends.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public art administration.
• Thorough knowledge of cultural programming.
• Thorough knowledge of community engagement and project management.
• Good knowledge of local government operations, public Boards and Commissions, and public meeting procedures.
• Good knowledge of grant research, grant writing, grant administration and funding opportunities.
• Good knowledge of contract development, administration and project budgeting.
• Good knowledge of public outreach, stakeholder engagement and community collaboration techniques.
• Good knowledge of arts and cultural programming, creative placemaking and public space activation.
• Working knowledge of website content management systems, social media platforms and digital communication tools.
• Working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulations and policies related to public art and cultural initiatives.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with artists, cultural organizations, community groups, government agencies, consultants and the public.
• Ability to facilitate public meetings, workshops, presentations and community engagement activities.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise reports, grant applications, correspondence and presentations.
• Ability to analyze information, develop recommendations and exercise sound professional judgement.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Initiative, professionalism, tact and good judgment.

Minimum Qualifications

Open Competitive:

1. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Arts Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Community Development, Fine Arts, Cultural Studies, Event Management, Communications or a closely related field; or,

2. Four years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in public art administration, cultural programming, arts management, event coordination, community engagement, placemaking, project management, grant administration or a closely related field.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan