Arts and Culture Manager

JOB SUMMARY

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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• 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.

The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.

View Our Benefits Guide.

BENEFITS
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage

• United Healthcare
  • Choice Plus PPO Plan
  • Prescription Drug Plan
  • Wellness Initiatives
  • Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
  • Dental Plan
• Davis Vision Insurance
  • Base Vision Plan
  • Premium Vision Plan
  • Laser Vision Correction discounts

Retirement

• Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
• Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Flexible Spending Accounts
• City paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Holidays
• Longevity Pay
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Activity Center Membership
• Direct Deposit

The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.

Closing Date/Time: 8/12/2026 11:59 PM Central