Public Art Project Manager

The Helis Foundation; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% health insurance coverage

403(b) retirement plan with matching

Flexible vacation and sick leave

Job summary

The Helis Foundation seeks a full-time Public Art Project Manager in New Orleans to oversee all aspects of public art projects including planning, execution, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of project management experience in public art or design, and the ability to build strong relationships with various stakeholders. This role offers a starting salary between $55,000 and $58,000, along with comprehensive health insurance and a retirement plan.

Qualifications

• Experience in public art or design-related project management is required.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups.
• Capability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Manage public art projects from conception to installation.
• Build partnerships between artists, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Ensure documentation of artwork and preparation of project reports.

Skills

Public art or design-related project management experience

Strong interpersonal skills

Excellent organizational skills

Knowledge of Microsoft Office

Education

3 years of relevant experience

Tools

Project management software

Job description

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