
Public Art Project Manager
The Helis Foundation, New Orleans, LA, United States
Arts New Orleans seeks a full-time staff member with experience in and passion for public art project management. The Public Art Project Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of the public art process, from the conceptualization and planning phase through the fabrication and installation of work, to overseeing calls to artists for new purchases. The Public Art Project Manager works closely with the Arts New Orleans Director of Public Art & Commissions, Strategic Partnerships Director, and the Senior Public Art Project Manager along with city agencies, community organizations, residents and other entities. Community engagement in the planning, design and implementation of projects is a central focus of the role. The Public Art Project Manager will manage public art projects funded through the City of New Orleans Percent for Art program and private commissions.
Ideal Qualifications
Must embrace the mission of Arts New Orleans
A minimum of 3 years of public art or design-related project management experience
Knowledge and experience in artwork/collections management in galleries, museums, community centers or other settings
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively (both written and verbal) for internal purposes and with partners
Ability to build external relationships with city agencies, community organizations and residents
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage timelines and deliverables for multiple projects simultaneously
A self‑starter and goal‑driven
Possess a collaborative spirit, a flexible attitude, and a sense of humor
Extremely thorough, organized and detail‑oriented
Knowledge of Microsoft Office is required; experience working with project management software is a plus
Job Responsibilities
Collaborative Planning and Community Engagement
Work with representatives of various City departments, project designers and architects, residents, community organizations and other entities to select sites in consideration of both community needs and aesthetics
Build and manage partnerships between artists, government agencies, community organizations, residents and other parties
Facilitate traditional and creative community engagement approaches, including but not limited to events and workshops, public art unveilings, surveys, virtual or in‑person public meetings or forums
Assist with additional fund development for projects
Project Management
Manage approximately 15‑20 permanent public art projects in various stages of development per year
Manage artist selection process including writing and releasing Request for Qualifications / Request for Proposals, conducting outreach to potential artists, and recruiting and managing an artist selection committee for each project
Conduct ongoing check‑ins and meetings with artists, designers, fabricators and project partners to ensure timely progress and problem‑solving
Write, negotiate and monitor artist contracts
Prepare and monitor project budgets and submit internal payment requests
Plan project close out celebration/unveilings
Oversee engineering reviews and submit permits as required by the City of New Orleans, Design Advisory Committee and other entities necessary for each site
Ensure that City of New Orleans and Percent for Art Ordinance requirements are met
Monitor and handle artwork maintenance and repair needs
Assist in managing the City of New Orleans interior collection of artwork installed in City facilities
Reporting and Documentation
Ensure photo, video and written documentation of artwork and Artwork Archive (an online art inventory software)
Draft and distribute meeting agendas, presentations, and minutes
Complete project and financial reports needed for grantors, clients, and City of New Orleans
Salary & Benefits
This is a full‑time employee position (40 hours/week)
Starting salary range is $55,000 – $58,000/year commensurate with experience and qualifications
Arts New Orleans pays 100% of team members’ health insurance
403(b) retirement plan with Arts New Orleans matching 2% of your total salary
Flexible vacation, sick leave, and life insurance
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Ideal Qualifications
Must embrace the mission of Arts New Orleans
A minimum of 3 years of public art or design-related project management experience
Knowledge and experience in artwork/collections management in galleries, museums, community centers or other settings
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively (both written and verbal) for internal purposes and with partners
Ability to build external relationships with city agencies, community organizations and residents
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage timelines and deliverables for multiple projects simultaneously
A self‑starter and goal‑driven
Possess a collaborative spirit, a flexible attitude, and a sense of humor
Extremely thorough, organized and detail‑oriented
Knowledge of Microsoft Office is required; experience working with project management software is a plus
Job Responsibilities
Collaborative Planning and Community Engagement
Work with representatives of various City departments, project designers and architects, residents, community organizations and other entities to select sites in consideration of both community needs and aesthetics
Build and manage partnerships between artists, government agencies, community organizations, residents and other parties
Facilitate traditional and creative community engagement approaches, including but not limited to events and workshops, public art unveilings, surveys, virtual or in‑person public meetings or forums
Assist with additional fund development for projects
Project Management
Manage approximately 15‑20 permanent public art projects in various stages of development per year
Manage artist selection process including writing and releasing Request for Qualifications / Request for Proposals, conducting outreach to potential artists, and recruiting and managing an artist selection committee for each project
Conduct ongoing check‑ins and meetings with artists, designers, fabricators and project partners to ensure timely progress and problem‑solving
Write, negotiate and monitor artist contracts
Prepare and monitor project budgets and submit internal payment requests
Plan project close out celebration/unveilings
Oversee engineering reviews and submit permits as required by the City of New Orleans, Design Advisory Committee and other entities necessary for each site
Ensure that City of New Orleans and Percent for Art Ordinance requirements are met
Monitor and handle artwork maintenance and repair needs
Assist in managing the City of New Orleans interior collection of artwork installed in City facilities
Reporting and Documentation
Ensure photo, video and written documentation of artwork and Artwork Archive (an online art inventory software)
Draft and distribute meeting agendas, presentations, and minutes
Complete project and financial reports needed for grantors, clients, and City of New Orleans
Salary & Benefits
This is a full‑time employee position (40 hours/week)
Starting salary range is $55,000 – $58,000/year commensurate with experience and qualifications
Arts New Orleans pays 100% of team members’ health insurance
403(b) retirement plan with Arts New Orleans matching 2% of your total salary
Flexible vacation, sick leave, and life insurance
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