Canal Convergence Public Art Coordinator

Scottsdale Arts•Scottsdale, AZ

About The Position

SUMMARY The Canal Convergence Public Art Coordinator is responsible for the end-to-end project management and execution of temporary, light-based public art installations for the annual Canal Convergence event. This role partners closely with the Deputy Director to deliver a high-quality, immersive arts and entertainment experience by coordinating artwork production, installation, event logistics and implementation, and cross-departmental collaboration. The Canal Convergence Event Coordinator serves as a key liaison between artists, internal teams, contractors, and vendors to ensure projects are completed on time, on budget, and aligned with the artistic vision of the event. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Under direction of supervisor) Project & Artwork Coordination · Manage the full lifecycle of assigned temporary public art installations, including planning, fabrication oversight, logistics, installation, public engagement, maintenance, and de-installation. · Coordinate artists' communications from selection through execution, ensuring clarity of expectations, timelines, and deliverables. · Oversee artwork shipping, storage, and site placement logistics in alignment with site constraints and safety requirements. · Monitor project timelines and budgets, proactively identifying risks and implementing solutions to ensure successful delivery. Curation & Artistic Coordination · Support the Deputy Director in the curatorial process, including artist research, artwork selection, and site placement strategy. · Contribute to the development of a cohesive artistic vision by evaluating feasibility, audience engagement, and spatial considerations. · Build and maintain relationships with local, national, and international artists to expand the event’s creative network. Event Operations & Cross-Functional Collaboration · Collaborate with internal departments (Marketing, Development, Production, and Operations) to ensure seamless integration of artwork, programming, and event logistics. · Partner with marketing and communications teams to develop accurate and compelling content for web, social media, press, signage, and collateral materials. · Support overall event operations, including on-site coordination, troubleshooting, and real-time problem solving during installation and event days. Vendor & Contractor Coordination · Source, coordinate, and manage vendors, contractors, and installation crews, ensuring work is completed within scope, timeline, and budget. · Obtain and evaluate bids, rental quotes, and service agreements as needed. · Ensure compliance with safety standards, permitting requirements, and site regulations. Staffing & On-Site Leadership · Assist in recruiting, hiring, and training temporary event staff. · Provide on-site supervision and direction to staff, volunteers, and installation teams during event build and activation. · Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented environment during high-pressure event timelines. Administrative & Financial Support · Track and reconcile project budgets, process invoices, and maintain accurate documentation. · Support grant applications, sponsorship materials, and reporting by contributing project details and outcomes. · Maintain organized project records, timelines, and communication logs. Creative Planning & Organizational Contribution · Contribute to brainstorming and long-term planning for future Canal Convergence events and related programming. · Participate in fundraising and donor engagement activities as needed. Performs other duties as assigned to support the success of the event and the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Event Management, Fine Arts, or a related field preferred.
Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience considered.
3-5 years of experience in event productions, public art coordination, project management, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with tight timelines and budgets.
Experience working with artists, fabricators, or creative teams strongly preferred.
Background in outdoor events, festivals, or public-facing cultural programming highly desirable.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills and ability to work effectively with artists, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
Highly organized with a strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Creative thinker with an appreciation for contemporary public art and audience engagement.
Ability to problem-solve quickly and effectively in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
Financial acumen with experience tracking budgets and managing expenses.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Asana, and/or other project management tools. Experience in design or creative platforms is a plus.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a high degree of initiative.
This role operates in both office and outdoor event environments, including extended periods on-site during installation and event days.
Requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours leading up to and during the annual event.
Ability to lift and move materials up to 45 lbs.
Must be able to work in varying weather conditions
This position is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
Required to stand on a frequent basis, with walking and sitting as part of daily function. Must be able to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear.
Specific vision abilities required for the position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Must be able to work at heights over 8 feet and occasionally work on the canal (waterway on dock floats). Exposure to moving mechanisms, high, precarious places.
Must be age 21 or older.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and driving record which is acceptable to the organization’s insurance carrier.
Use of and operations for scissor lifts, forklifts and aerial lifts. Forklift and aerial lift training can be provided.

Responsibilities

Manage the full lifecycle of assigned temporary public art installations, including planning, fabrication oversight, logistics, installation, public engagement, maintenance, and de-installation.
Coordinate artists' communications from selection through execution, ensuring clarity of expectations, timelines, and deliverables.
Oversee artwork shipping, storage, and site placement logistics in alignment with site constraints and safety requirements.
Monitor project timelines and budgets, proactively identifying risks and implementing solutions to ensure successful delivery.
Support the Deputy Director in the curatorial process, including artist research, artwork selection, and site placement strategy.
Contribute to the development of a cohesive artistic vision by evaluating feasibility, audience engagement, and spatial considerations.
Build and maintain relationships with local, national, and international artists to expand the event’s creative network.
Collaborate with internal departments (Marketing, Development, Production, and Operations) to ensure seamless integration of artwork, programming, and event logistics.
Partner with marketing and communications teams to develop accurate and compelling content for web, social media, press, signage, and collateral materials.
Support overall event operations, including on-site coordination, troubleshooting, and real-time problem solving during installation and event days.
Source, coordinate, and manage vendors, contractors, and installation crews, ensuring work is completed within scope, timeline, and budget.
Obtain and evaluate bids, rental quotes, and service agreements as needed.
Ensure compliance with safety standards, permitting requirements, and site regulations.
Assist in recruiting, hiring, and training temporary event staff.
Provide on-site supervision and direction to staff, volunteers, and installation teams during event build and activation.
Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented environment during high-pressure event timelines.
Track and reconcile project budgets, process invoices, and maintain accurate documentation.
Support grant applications, sponsorship materials, and reporting by contributing project details and outcomes.
Maintain organized project records, timelines, and communication logs.
Contribute to brainstorming and long-term planning for future Canal Convergence events and related programming.
Participate in fundraising and donor engagement activities as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned to support the success of the event and the organization.