Art Project Manager

Friends of the High Line•New York, NY

10d•$75,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

The High Line Art Project Manager supports the production of High Line Art projects and live events. Reporting to the High Line Art Director of Exhibitions, the project manager works directly with artists, contractors and fabricators, nonprofit institutions, public and private partners, and galleries. The role supervises High Line Art commissions from concept through fabrication and installation, and oversees the day-to-day maintenance of existing artworks and workspaces. The project manager serves as the primary liaison to the High Line’s Maintenance and Operations team and works closely with facilities, events, and horticulture teams to coordinate common-space use and access to the gardens. The successful candidate is willing to take on challenging projects and find unconventional solutions to problems. This is a full-time, non-exempt position working five days per week, 9 AM–5 PM, Monday through Friday, with selected evenings and weekends as needed. The annual salary range is $75,000–$85,000.

Requirements

Three to five years of professional experience in arts project management, exhibition organization, or other relevant field experience.
Experience working with artists in a gallery, studio, museum, or fine art institution.
Supervisory experience and ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Experience developing and managing budgets and working creatively within budgetary constraints.
Ability to work independently, multitask, solve problems, and collaborate with colleagues, vendors, contractors, designers, and partners at all levels.
Experience working with artists, fabricators, and art installers.
Working knowledge of power tools and general construction methods, and ability to perform outdoor physical tasks as part of artwork installation and de-installation.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously to meet deadlines.
Excellent attention to detail, creative thinking, problem-solving ability, and a diplomatic attitude.
Excellent negotiation and verbal and written communication skills.
Competency with Microsoft Office Suite, G-Suite, 2D graphics/design programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, and 3D programs such as Rhino, SketchUp, or similar.
Knowledge of contemporary art.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends.
Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions.
Valid New York State driver's license.
Excellent organization and attention to detail, with ability to support several projects simultaneously.
Ability to work independently and as a team member, anticipate potential problems, plan for the unexpected, and work in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness and ability to work occasional weekends and weeknights, work outdoors, and traverse the High Line regularly.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related area of study, such as visual arts, project management, construction management, architecture, or design.
Experience working in a cultural institution such as a museum, park, or library.
Knowledge of art fabrication methods and processes.
Understanding of contracts and insurance.

Responsibilities

Work with the Director of Exhibitions and artists to research and create feasibility studies and technical implementation plans for future projects, including renderings, technical requirements, written descriptions, and estimates.
Work with the Director of Exhibitions, artists, fabricators, and other vendors to research, develop, and manage artwork production.
Coordinate logistics for receiving, staging, and installing artwork.
Create contracts with artists and vendors using existing templates.
Serve as liaison to exhibiting artists and their representatives, including arranging travel and accommodations.
Create and monitor project schedules to ensure on-time installation.
Liaise with High Line Maintenance and Operations teams to coordinate space use and park access.
Coordinate between Planning & Design and park Operations to support project execution and oversight, confirm projects are on the institutional master calendar, and ensure internal resources are allocated and scheduled.
Serve as the High Line point of contact for outside installation crews; manage on- and off-site logistics and train vendors in park-specific protocols.
Liaise with NYC Parks and other city agencies as needed to obtain approvals.
Create communication processes and documents so affected stakeholders understand project impacts on the park.
Conduct regular artwork maintenance, including cleaning and technical troubleshooting.
Organize and maintain safe, clean on- and off-site storage and production spaces, and develop an inventory of tools and equipment.
Coordinate event and performance setup and breakdown, including sourcing and setting up A/V equipment, permitting, and liaising with internal departments.
Update project budgets in consultation with the production director and chief curator.
Prepare and coordinate loan forms, contracts, permitting, and insurance; compile and archive invoices, contracts, and payments.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
20 vacation days, 7 sick days, 10 paid holidays, and 2 floating holidays, prorated based on start date.
Contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan.
Commuter benefits.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Employee Assistance Program.
Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave.
Supplemental short-term disability insurance and paid life insurance.
Winter Fridays.
Growth and development career opportunities.
Discounted Citi Bike membership.
Discounts with vendors on the High Line and around the Meatpacking neighborhood.
Free entrance to the Whitney Museum.