Manager Public Art

Auckland Council; New Zealand; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working conditions

Well-being focus

Diversity and inclusion commitments

KiwiSaver 3.5%

Job summary

Auckland Council is seeking a Manager Public Art to lead the Regional Public Art Programme from Te Wharau o Tāmaki - Auckland House with flexible work options. You will oversee a collection of 400+ artworks, build partnerships with mana whenua, artists and communities, and report to the Head of Arts & Culture as part of the leadership team.

You’ll drive strategic outcomes, manage program budgets, and ensure cultural narratives are embedded in Auckland’s built environment while delivering

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in arts or complex organisations.
• Proven ability to deliver large-scale public art programmes.
• Strong knowledge of arts and culture sector and networks.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Regional Public Artwork Programme and steward 400+ artworks.
• Lead and develop a team of specialists to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Build strategic partnerships with mana whenua, artists, communities and stakeholders.
• Provide advice to elected members and governance groups.

Skills

Leadership experience

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Public art knowledge

Governance and reporting

Education

Relevant qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Manager Public Art

Salary: $120,000 - 140,000 yearly. Company: Auckland Council. Job Type: Full Time. Location: Te Wharau o Tāmaki - Auckland House, with some flexibility to work from home.

Lead the development and delivery of Auckland’s Regional Public Art Programme, shaping public spaces through impactful and culturally meaningful arts and culture outcomes. Reporting to the Head of Arts & Culture as a key member of the leadership team, your team will oversee a collection of more than 400 artworks, identify new commissioning opportunities, and provide strategic advice to elected members and key partners.

Leading a team of specialists, you will work alongside artists, mana whenua, community organisations, and partners to deliver an ambitious public art programme. Influencing strong creative outcomes across a complex stakeholder environment is central to this role. With a strong focus on achieving Māori Outcomes and integrating cultural narratives into our places and spaces, this role is critical in shaping the built environment and our regional identity for visitors and Aucklanders alike. This is a no-two-days-the-same, fast-paced role that combines strategic and governance nous with an operational delivery skillset.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee public art commissions, the Regional Public Artwork Programme and stewardship of a collection of 400+ artworks.
• Lead and develop a team of experienced specialists to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with mana whenua, artists, communities and stakeholders.
• Support tāonga toi partnership projects and foster strong mana whenua relationships.
• Provide high-quality advice to elected members, governance groups and key decision-makers.
• Act as lead officer for the Public Art Advisory Panel.
• Ensure public art outcomes are artistically strong, transformative and reflective of Auckland’s diverse communities.
• Overall responsibility for programme budgets, forecasting, resources and project delivery.
• Contribute to media, communications and wider Arts & Culture leadership initiatives.

About you

You are a strategic and collaborative leader with significant experience delivering complex programmes and building trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

You will bring:

• Significant leadership experience, ideally within arts and culture, local government or another complex organisation.
• Proven success delivering large-scale programmes or portfolios.
• Strong arts and culture sector knowledge, experience and networks.
• Excellent people leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
• Outstanding written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Experience providing high-quality advice in politically aware environments.
• Strong financial, programme and project management capability.
• Advanced influencing, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with mana whenua, diverse communities and Māori frameworks, with a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Sound judgement, problem-solving ability and resilience in fast-paced environments.
• A relevant qualification or equivalent experience.
• A genuine passion for delivering meaningful arts and culture outcomes for Aucklanders.

What we offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

Additionally, as part of our Auckland Council Group, you will gain access to many benefits and discounts including:

• Option to buy an additional week’s annual leave
• Four weeks annual leave, plus an additional week after five years
• Additional day of leave for community activities
• Discounts on attractions such as the Maritime Museum, Auckland Zoo & Auckland Art Gallery
• Discounted Health & Life Insurance Policies
• Flexible and supportive work environment
• 3.5% KiwiSaver on top of your salary

Application close date: Sunday 4th October 2026

Salary: salary range between 120 – 140k depending on skills & experience

This position is full time, based at Te Wharau o Tāmaki - Auckland House, with some flexibility to work from home.

Auckland Council is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. We collect personal information directly from you and, where relevant for the purpose of assessing you for employment, and employing you as part of the transport reform process, from third parties such as referees, previous employers (including Auckland Transport) recruitment agencies, and background checking providers.

By applying for this role, you consent to Council obtaining a reference from your current employer, including information about any active conduct investigations and current performance management processes, if you are the preferred candidate. Reference checks will only be undertaken at the preferred candidate stage. Any non-active performance or conduct matters may also be discussed with referees as part of the reference checking process.

If you do not consent to this information being provided, Council may be unable to properly assess your application and your application will not progress further. If you wish to withhold your consent, or to access or correct your personal information, please contact the Privacy Officer at [e-mail].

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.