Art in Public Places Administrator

City of Gaithersburg•Gaithersburg, MD

16d

About The Position

The Cultural Events & Services Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture seeks a part-time Art in Public Places Administrator to develop, manage, coordinate, and evaluate the City’s Art in Public Places (AIPP) program and related cultural arts initiatives. The role will guide existing unfinished AIPP projects through completion and installation, develop and manage a maintenance schedule for the public art collection, and plan and implement one to two new public art pieces annually. The position works approximately 6 to 8 hours per week on weekdays, with occasional work outside established business hours, including evenings and weekends. The starting hourly rate is $38 to $46, based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. The Administrator manages the full lifecycle of public art projects, from planning and artist selection through fabrication, installation, documentation, and closeout. The role also coordinates committees and budgets, administers grants and contracts, maintains collection records, oversees maintenance and conservation efforts, and supports outreach, communications, and cultural arts program evaluation. The position requires strong writing, editing, organization, project management, accuracy, and independent judgment, with minimal supervision.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Public Administration, Fine Arts, Art History, Cultural Management, Urban Planning, or a related field, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
At least two years of experience in public art administration, arts program coordination, project management, or related work in the arts or municipal sector.
Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects, coordinating with artists or contractors, and working with community groups or public agencies.
Ability to prepare high-quality written materials, such as reports, contracts, grants, project documentation, or presentations.
Excellent organizational, project/program management, interpersonal, time management, verbal and written communication, marketing, and customer service skills.
High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications and project management tools.
Valid driver’s license.
CPR/AED and First Aid certification; these certifications may be obtained through the City upon hire.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and initiative, and manage projects, deadlines, and program responsibilities with minimal supervision.
Must submit a complete online application, current resume, and letter of interest.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with design or visual communication software.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, and refine the AIPP, including committee coordination, procedures, budgets, and public art projects.
Manage AIPP projects from concept and planning through artist selection, fabrication, installation, documentation, and closeout.
Research, prepare, write, and present reports, contracts, grants, strategic plans, and program documentation.
Build and maintain relationships with art organizations, facilities, and artists, serving as a primary liaison for public art efforts.
Ensure compliance with regulations, policies, procurement requirements, and ordinances, coordinating with City departments, agencies, and community organizations.
Negotiate and administer contracts and agreements with artists, consultants, organizations, and businesses.
Monitor grant compliance and provide timely, accurate reports and updates to grant-making organizations.
Coordinate community outreach and engagement, including public meetings, stakeholder outreach, and informational sessions.
Support timelines, scopes of work, and procurement materials, including RFQs and RFPs for public art opportunities.
Maintain records, databases, inventories, and documentation for the City’s public art collection, including maintenance and conservation needs.
Coordinate conservation or repair efforts for existing public art with City departments and external conservators.
Provide administrative support for cultural arts initiatives and help evaluate program effectiveness and alignment with City goals.
Respond to public inquiries about AIPP projects and serve as a central point of contact for project communications.
Support marketing and communications, including project updates, website content, outreach materials, and informational content.
Monitor and support implementation of AIPP-related goals and actions in the Cultural Arts Plan.
Provide outstanding service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations.