Arts Programs Coordinator - The Office of Economic Development & Cultural Affairs

City of San José; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San José’s Office of Cultural Affairs seeks an Arts Program Coordinator to support the Public Art Program and community projects.

You will coordinate mural programs, prepare artist agreements, and assist with meetings, agendas, and documentation while working closely with artists, city staff, and partners.

This entry-level role offers exposure to capital and temporary art projects and requires strong organizational and communication skills, with occasional evening/weekend commitments.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in related field and two years of arts program administration.
• Required Licensing: Possession of valid California motor vehicle driver’s license.
• Knowledge/skills: nonprofit arts management, contracts, grants administration, basic accounting, supervision.

Responsibilities

• Administers the Community-Initiated Mural Program, guiding muralists and community applicants through the approval process to create murals on City property.
• Supports the Senior Arts Program Coordinators and the Public Art Program Director on complex, multi-phase public art projects.
• Serves as secretary to the Public Art Committee and administrative lead for its meetings, including drafting and posting public agendas and minutes, and coordinating logistics.
• Supports the program by coordinating RFPs/RFQs and evaluation materials.
• Coordinates public art projects from initiation through completion, including murals, temporary installations, and conservation projects.

Skills

Non-profit arts management

Contracting procedures

Grants administration

Basic accounting

Supervision

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in arts, public administration, business administration, education

2 years administering arts programs for community entities

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

FileMaker Pro

Microsoft Project

Job description

Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at [e-mail].

About The Department

• Cultural Affairs: Arts, Sports, and Entertainment - Fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and creative city by advancing cultural expression, supporting artists and arts organizations through grants and technical assistance, promoting access to sports and entertainment, commissioning and preserving public art, producing/coordinating outdoor special events and destination marketing, and stewarding City-owned convention and cultural facility assets and partnerships.
• Economic Growth and Business Development - Accelerating San José’s economic vitality by driving business retention, expansion, and attraction; supporting real estate and catalytic development; strengthening Downtown as a thriving urban center; and advancing commercial corridor revitalization and small business success across San José’s diverse neighborhoods.
• Workforce and Talent Development - Building a resilient and inclusive workforce by connecting job seekers to training, education, and career pathways; delivering supportive services that reduce barriers to employment; and partnering with employers to design hiring initiatives that align with regional industry needs and economic opportunity.

OEDCA’s mission is to catalyze equitable job growth, investment, entrepreneurship, cultural vibrancy, and talent attraction and retention in San José while strengthening the City’s fiscal health. In support of its mission, OEDCA focuses on five key areas:

• Retain/ grow jobs and revenue and promote innovation from large and medium-sized businesses in key sectors such as manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
• Foster small business resilience and create thriving business districts.
• Accelerate a thriving Downtown.
• Activate San José as the South Bay's hub for sports, arts, and entertainment.
• Prepare residents to participate in the local economy through training, education, and career support.

Position Duties

The salary range for this classification is: $96,576.48 - $117,455.52 annually.

This is a limit-dated/overstrength position that is anticipated to be funded through June 30, 2028, subject to further extension as appropriate.

This position is in the Public Art Program within the City of San José’s Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) division of OEDCA. Reporting to the Public Art Program Director, this position will administer specific elements of the Public Art Program, such as community-initiated mural projects, and will assist the Public Art Program Director and Senior Arts Program Coordinators with the management of temporary and permanent public art projects and corresponding activities. Under the general supervision of the Public Art Program Director, this position will serve as secretary to the Public Art Committee, a subcommittee of the Arts Commission.

Arts Program Coordinator is the entry-level classification of the Arts Program Coordinator job series. Incumbents coordinate assigned public art projects and program elements under general supervision, while learning related policies, procedures, and best practices. The Arts Program Coordinator manages smaller-scale projects and administrative program elements, exercising independent judgment within established procedures, and supports the Director and Senior Arts Program Coordinators on more complex, multi-phase capital, temporary, and collection projects. The Arts Program Coordinator is distinguished from the Senior Arts Program Coordinator by the lesser scale and complexity of assigned projects and the more limited scope of stakeholder coordination and independent decision-making.

Typical Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Administers the Community-Initiated Mural Program, guiding muralists and community applicants through the approval process to create murals on City property.
• Supports the Senior Arts Program Coordinators and the Public Art Program Director on complex, multi-phase public art projects.
• Serves as secretary to the Public Art Committee and administrative lead for its meetings, including drafting and posting public agendas and agenda packets, taking official meeting minutes, and publishing agendas and minutes within legally required timeframes. Runs meeting technology and provides logistical support for well-run meetings.
• Supports the program by coordinating the implementation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and selection processes, including panel logistics and preparation of evaluation materials.
• Coordinates assigned public art projects from initiation through completion, including commissioned murals, smaller-scale permanent public art commissions, temporary installations, conservation projects, and other public art initiatives.
• Prepares artist agreements, Right of Entry agreements, purchase orders, and related documents using City templates and in coordination with the City Attorney's Office and Purchasing; monitors deliverables, insurance requirements, and project milestones.
• Coordinates work performed by artists, fabricators, contractors, and technical consultants.
• Coordinates details of project installation with other City departments and community partners related to site, permitting, and installation requirements.
• Monitors project expenditures, encumbrances, invoices, and contract balances.
• Coordinates work related to the conservation, maintenance, and documentation of the City's public art collection.
• Conducts periodic site visits and condition assessments of assigned artworks and updates collection inventory records, including title, media, location, and condition.
• Coordinates the production and maintenance of artwork labels, plaques, and related signage.
• Maintains project files, artist and contract files, collection records, image archives, mailing lists, and inventory.
• Serves as a communication liaison between the Public Art Program and artists, community groups, City departments, and other project partners.
• Develops and distributes public information materials related to public art projects, programs, and artist opportunities, including updates to the Public Art Program's web content.
• Organizes and assists with informational workshops, community outreach meetings, and training opportunities as required for project and program participants.
• Attends or participates in evening and/or weekend meetings, activities, and events, and works flexible hours as necessary to fulfill the requirements of the position.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Qualifications

(These qualifications are typically required. An equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be substituted.)

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in related field such as Arts, Public Administration, Business Administration, Education and two (2) years of experience administering arts programs for community entities.

Required Licensing: Possession of valid California motor vehicle driver’s license.

Other Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (position requirements at entry and depending on area of assignment)

• Knowledge of principles and practices of non-profit arts management.
• Knowledge of contracting procedures; contract development and contract negotiations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of grants administration.
• Knowledge of basic accounting procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision.
• Skills in basic use of computers and related equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with artists, non-profit community groups, public agencies and officials, co-workers, school personnel and others, as required.

Desirable Qualifications (likely to contribute to more successful job performance; can often be learned on the job)

• Knowledge of principles and practices of public art, arts and cultural education, community arts development and/or community-based programs.
• Knowledge of management techniques.
• Knowledge of City municipal processes, structures and programs.
• Knowledge of City policies and procedures regarding arts programs.
• Skills in using Microsoft Word, Excel, FileMaker Pro, and Microsoft Project.
• Ability to administer and implement projects within a specific arts program category.
• Ability to maintain positive community relations and address cultural pluralism issues.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, when necessary, on issues related to the specific program categories.

Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.

• Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
• Project Management – Ensures support for projects and implements agency goals and strategic objectives.
• Fiscal Management – Understands the relationship of the budget and resources to the strategic plan; complies with administrative controls over funds, contracts, and procurements.
• Team & Interpersonal Skills – Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.
• Analytical Thinking – Approaching a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.
• Collaboration - Builds productive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, artists, community members, and City departments; works across roles and disciplines to accomplish shared goals.
• Multi-tasking - Can handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously, keeps track of deadlines and details, and has handled a wide variety of assignments in past or current position(s).
• Computer Skills - Experienced with common business computer applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, and with video conferencing tools; able to learn new software and database systems quickly.
• Communication Skills - Communicates and listens effectively and responds in a timely, positive, and respectful manner; conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.
• Problem Solving - Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions that achieve the desired outcome. Recognizes which issues can be resolved independently, and which require supervisory input.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's education, training, and experience based on the application, resume, and responses to the Job Specific Questions. You must answer all job-specific questions and complete the Education/Work History section of the application to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Submission of a resume is required. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews, one of which may include a practical/writing exercise. Applicants should be prepared to provide a portfolio of writing samples, placed articles, and other demonstrated experience. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment. You will be prompted to answer job-specific questions during the online application process. You may answer these questions directly in the on-line application system or on a separate document and then cut and paste your answers into the appropriate spaces when prompted. If you have questions about this position or the selection process, please contact Lori Venzon at [e-mail] or [phone]. The Education, History, and Work History sections of the application must be completed, or the application will be considered incomplete and may be withheld from further consideration. E-mail is the default method of communication with applicants. To ensure that you receive timely notification regarding your application status, please provide a current e-mail address when submitting your application. It is also recommended that you adjust any spam filters to ensure that you can receive e-mails from @sanjoseca.gov.

Recruitment timeline

Application filing deadline: Sunday, November, 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM, PST

Panel interview (Zoom): Tentatively Scheduled for Friday, December 18, 2026.

Additional Information

• Link to Benefits page
• California Equal Pay Act

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third-party job board application system. To apply, please complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers. The application deadline is 11/29/2026. Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit it before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email [e-mail] and we will research the status of your application. Please contact Human Resources at [phone], or [e-mail] if you have any questions.

Employment Eligibility

Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system. This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment. Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email [e-mail] and we will research the status of your application.

AI and the Hiring Process

We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect your own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.