Arts Program Manager

Job Description

Marketing Statement

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is seeking a strategic and creative public art professional with a passion for connecting projects to broader organizational goals, customer experience, and measurable impact. This role is responsible for shaping how public art contributes to increased ridership, an enhanced customer experience, and greater awareness of community initiatives across the Metro rail and bus network. We are seeking an experienced Arts Program Manager with a proven track record of delivering public art and cultural programming within a large, complex organization, while ensuring compliance with safety, accessibility, and operational standards. The ideal candidate demonstrates the ability to align organizational strategy, project management, artist partnerships, and community engagement to deliver impactful, accessible, and compliant arts programming that strengthens public connection to transit.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Arts Administration, Fine Arts, Art History, Museum Studies, Urban Planning, or a related field.
  
  

Experience

• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience managing public art programs, cultural projects, or similar initiatives preferably in transit, civic, or institutional settings.
  
  

Certification/Licensure

• N/A
  
  

Preferred

• Advanced degree in Arts Administration, Fine Arts, Art History, Museum Studies, Urban Planning, or a related field preferred.
  
  

Medical Group

Satisfactorily complete the medical examination for this position, if required. The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position either with or without reasonable accommodations.

Job Summary

The Arts Program Manager leads the development, implementation, and management of WMATA's Arts in Transit program, increasing ridership and enhancing the rider experience through thoughtfully integrated public and community art. This role oversees all aspects of public and community art integration throughout Metro stations, facilities, and events, including permanent commissions, temporary exhibitions, performing arts programming, and other community engagement initiatives. The Arts Program Manager works collaboratively across departments to increase awareness and ridership, ensure artistic excellence, all while improving operational requirements, safety standards, budget parameters, community engagement, and programmatic evaluation and impact.

Essential Functions

• Manages the development and implementation of WMATA¿s Arts Master Plan and annual work plans on behalf of division leadership.
• Establishes program goals, performance metrics, and evaluation frameworks in collaboration with division leadership and Planning & Performance.
• Identifies and implement scalable and efficient programs for art integration in capital projects, renovations, new construction, and community initiatives.
• Oversees the full lifecycle of public art projects, including concept development, design, fabrication, installation, and dedication, while collaborating with Facilities to ensure cohesive asset management and maintenance plans.
• Prepares project scopes, timelines, and budgets for all art projects.
• Coordinates with Facilities, Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Procurement, Operations, and other teams to ensure seamless integration of art.
• Works with division leadership to curate rotating exhibitions, temporary art programs, and special events throughout the Metro system.
• Ensures compliance with safety standards, ADA requirements, and WMATA design guidelines for all art projects.
• Conducts artist selection processes, including RFQs, panel facilitation, contract negotiation, and technical support.
• Maintains the public and community arts program budget track expenditures, and secure grants, sponsorships, and donations.
• Leads community art and engagement initiatives, organize public meetings, and implement strategies to ensure diverse artist and community participation.
• Maintains and stewards WMATA¿s art collection, including registry, conservation plans, maintenance protocols, and insurance.
• Works with the Communications and Marketing teams to develop and execute engagement strategies to promote the public and community arts program through media, community engagement campaigns, and events.
• Supports governance and advisory functions by staffing committees, preparing reports, and facilitating policy development.
• Maintains partnerships with arts organizations, cultural institutions, and community groups, and work with division leadership to represent WMATA in public art forums.
  
  

Other Functions

• Maintains and promotes awareness and accountability with safety policies and procedures while performing job functions. Promotes a positive safety culture and encourages reporting of safety concerns consistent with our Agency Safety Plan, other regulatory requirements within the Safety Management System and just culture principles.
  
  

The functions listed are not intended to limit specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Nor is it intended to limit in any way the right of managers and supervisors to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

Evaluation Criteria

Consideration will be given to applicants whose resumes demonstrate the required education and experience. Applicants should include all relevant education and work experience.

Evaluation criteria may include one or more of the following:

• Skills and/or behavioral assessment
• Personal interview
• Verification of education and experience (including certifications and licenses)
• Criminal Background Check (a criminal conviction is not an automatic bar to employment)
• Medical examination including a drug and alcohol screening (for safety sensitive positions)
• Review of a current motor vehicle report
  
  

Closing

WMATA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal law.

This posting is an announcement of a vacant position under recruitment. It is not intended to replace the official job description. Job descriptions are available upon confirmation of an interview.