Arts & Culture Economic Administrator

City of Ventura•Ventura, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Ventura is seeking an Arts & Culture Economic Administrator to support arts, culture, and creative economy initiatives through the City Manager’s Office. The position provides expertise in cultural strategy and creative industry development, coordinates arts and culture projects, and works with community and regional partners. The position also conducts research, supports policy development, and evaluates program and economic impacts.

Requirements

A combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in arts administration, cultural studies, economic development, public administration, or a closely related field, and four years of progressively responsible experience in arts/culture program administration, creative‑economy development, and/or cultural policy development/project management.
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

Develops, implements, and updates strategic initiatives related to arts, culture, and the creative economy, including long-range planning, cultural policy, feasibility studies, and emerging trends.
Plans, coordinates, and manages complex arts and culture projects, community engagement activities, creative placemaking efforts, and cross-departmental initiatives.
Establishes and maintains partnerships with arts and culture organizations, creative businesses, tourism agencies, educational institutions, civic organizations, and other community and regional partners.
Serves as a City liaison to cultural organizations and partners, including Downtown Ventura Partners, Visit Ventura, the Fair Board, Ventura County Museum, and other regional entities; represents the City at meetings, forums, conferences, and interagency activities.
Evaluates the economic and social impacts of arts and culture programs using quantitative and qualitative methods; prepares reports, presentations, and recommendations for City leadership and City Council.
Coordinates resource development activities with the City’s contracted grant consultant, including identifying funding opportunities, preparing program information, and supporting project readiness; identifies sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
Develops and maintains program documentation, procedures, and guidelines related to arts and culture initiatives, creative economy strategies, cultural policy, and community engagement.
Provides technical and subject matter expertise in arts administration, cultural planning, creative economy development, and cultural policy; responds to inquiries from City departments, community partners, and the public.
Participates in arts and culture budget planning and coordination with relevant departments; provides input on funding priorities and collaborates to inform funding priorities and opportunities.
Maintains current knowledge of trends, legislation, regulations, and best practices related to arts administration, cultural planning, creative industry development, and public art.
Performs related duties as assigned.