Director, Arts & Cultural Affairs

DeKalb County•Decatur, GA

17d

About The Position

The purpose of this classification is to direct, plan, and oversee programs, services, and initiatives that promote arts, culture, and heritage within the County.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Arts Administration, Public Administration, Cultural Studies or related field required
seven years progressively responsible experience in arts, culture, or community development programs, including three years in a management or supervisory capacity
Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license
any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred

Responsibilities

Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff; oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; reviews timesheets; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and County administrators and elected officials; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures.
Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; and provides progress and activity reports to County administrators and elected officials.
Directs the vision, planning, and implementation of long-term goals, objectives, and policies for the County’s arts and cultural affairs programs and facilities; establishes strategic priorities aligned with County goals and community needs; evaluates emerging trends in the cultural sector to guide policy and resource decisions; and fosters innovation, cultural equity, and sustainability in all program areas to ensure the department remains responsive and forward-thinking.
Plans, designs, and administers a wide range of arts and cultural programs, including public art initiatives, community festivals, cultural heritage projects, and arts education efforts; allocates resources and oversees program delivery to ensure efficiency, quality, and inclusivity; monitors program outcomes, evaluates performance, and implements improvements based on data and community feedback; and coordinates staff and contractors to ensure programs meet objectives and reflect the County’s diverse cultural landscape.
Develops, oversees, and monitors the departmental budget to ensure fiscal accountability and alignment with program priorities; identifies funding opportunities, prepares grant applications, and negotiates sponsorships and partnerships that support and expand cultural programming; tracks expenditures, forecasts financial needs, and prepares financial reports for executive and elected officials; and manages contracts and procurement processes in compliance with County regulations.
Builds and sustains strong relationships with artists, cultural organizations, community leaders, and the general public to ensure broad participation in arts and cultural initiatives; organizes community forums, stakeholder meetings, and outreach events to gather input and promote transparency; designs programs that are accessible and inclusive, representing the diversity of the County’s population; and acts as a visible ambassador for arts and culture within the community and across regional networks.
Researches, drafts, and recommends cultural policies and strategies that advance community engagement, creative economy growth, and cultural preservation; advises County leadership and governing boards on cultural priorities, best practices, and policy impacts; prepares and presents comprehensive reports, policy briefs, and recommendations to boards, commissions, and executive leadership; and collaborates with legal and administrative staff to ensure policies comply with County, state, and federal regulations.
Manages the planning, commissioning, acquisition, installation, and maintenance of public art and cultural assets; leads artist selection processes, coordinates with design professionals, and ensures compliance with public art guidelines; oversees the conservation and documentation of the County’s public art collection; and collaborates with architects, engineers, and community stakeholders to integrate art into public spaces and capital projects.
Cultivates and maintains strategic partnerships with local governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and private-sector organizations to advance cultural initiatives; develops interagency agreements and collaborative projects that leverage shared resources and expertise; promotes regional arts development and creative industry growth through coalition building and cooperative planning; and strengthens relationships that enhance cultural tourism, education, and economic development.
Directs communication strategies that raise awareness of County cultural programs, events, and initiatives; oversees marketing, branding, and media outreach to ensure consistent messaging and strong public engagement; collaborates with internal and external partners to produce promotional materials, digital content, and public information campaigns; and represents the department in public forums, media interviews, and community events to highlight the value and impact of the arts in civic life.