Director of Public Art

Battery Park Authority; New York (NY); On-site; USD 135,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) is seeking a visionary Director of Public Art to shape a bold public art program across Battery Park City. You will lead projects from concept to installation, collaborate with artists, designers, and contractors, and oversee conservation of the collection.

You will build partnerships with cultural institutions, schools, and community groups, develop an Education and Engagement strategy, and balance creative vision with budgets and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s preferred in Arts Administration, Fine Arts, Public Art, Urban Planning or related field.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public art administration or related fields.
• Experience commissioning and managing public art projects from concept through installation.
• Experience developing public art policies, managing collections, and overseeing conservation or maintenance programs.
• Track record working with external partners and shaping policy or strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead public art projects from concept to installation.
• Oversee stewardship, conservation, and maintenance of BPCA’s public art collection.
• Build relationships with artists, cultural institutions, schools, nonprofits and community partners.
• Develop educational programs, public engagement initiatives, digital content, and storytelling for the collection.
• Balance artistic ambition with budgets, schedules, contracts, and procurement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Project management

Communication

Public speaking

Collaboration

Stakeholder relations

Budget management

Storytelling

Public art

Education

Bachelor’s degree required

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director of Public Art

Full Time 8810 Professional New York, NY, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1283

Salary Range: $135,000.00 To $150,000.00 Annually

Director of Public Art

What if your next big idea could transform the places where people live, work, learn, and explore?

If you’re an arts leader who thinks strategically, collaborates enthusiastically, and believes creativity belongs everywhere, we invite you to bring your vision to BPCA.

The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) is looking for a visionary Director of Public Art to bring creativity, culture, and community connection to life throughout Battery Park City. From inspiring permanent installations to exciting temporary art experiences, you’ll help shape how people experience art in one of New York City’s most distinctive waterfront neighborhoods.

This is more than an opportunity to manage an art collection. It’s a chance to build a bold public art vision, champion artists, spark curiosity, and make art an integral part of the community.

Imagine What’s Possible

Develop a forward-thinking Public Art Master Plan that celebrates Battery Park City’s identity, strengthens placemaking, and brings new artistic experiences to our public spaces.

Bring Art to Life

Lead public art projects from concept to installation. Collaborate with artists, designers, fabricators, contractors, and BPCA colleagues to turn creative ideas into meaningful experiences for residents, workers, and visitors.

Protect the Art We Love

Oversee the stewardship, conservation, and maintenance of BPCA’s public art collection, ensuring these works remain accessible, meaningful, and inspiring for generations to come.

Make Connections Through Creativity

Build relationships with artists, cultural institutions, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to expand opportunities for collaboration and engagement.

Make Art Accessible to Everyone

Help people discover the stories behind the art. Partner with BPCA’s communications team to develop educational programs, public engagement initiatives, digital content, and creative ways to connect people with the collection.

Manage project scopes, budgets, schedules, contracts, and procurement. Balance artistic ambition with operational needs, regulatory requirements, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

What Makes You a Great Fit?

You’re a creative thinker, a strategic leader, and a natural collaborator. You understand that public art is about more than the work itself, it’s about the conversations it starts, the connections it creates, and the communities it brings together.

You bring:

• A passion for public art and its power to enrich public spaces.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills.
• The ability to build trusted relationships with artists, cultural organizations, consultants, contractors, and diverse stakeholders.
• Experience balancing artistic vision with budgets, logistics, conservation needs, and public-sector responsibilities.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• A collaborative spirit and the energy to turn ambitious ideas into reality.

Your Experience

• A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred in Arts Administration, Fine Arts, Art History, Public Art Administration, Urban Planning, Cultural Affairs, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public art administration, cultural affairs, museum or collection management, arts education programming, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience commissioning and managing public art projects from concept through installation.
• Experience developing public art policies, managing collections, and overseeing conservation or maintenance programs.
• A track record of working with external partners, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and shaping policy or strategy.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Create a comprehensive Public Art Master Plan aligned with BPCA’s strategic priorities.
• Establish a sustainable approach to conservation, maintenance, and long-term collection stewardship.
• Deliver compelling temporary and permanent public art projects.
• Expand partnerships that bring new ideas, resources, and opportunities to Battery Park City.
• Increase public awareness of the collection through storytelling, education, digital content, and community engagement.
• Help make public art a defining part of Battery Park City’s identity and a catalyst for cultural enrichment.

Battery Park City Authority is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.