Director of Public Art

Battery Park City Authority • New York, NY

6d • $135,000 - $150,000

About The Position

The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) is looking for a visionary Director of Public Art to bring creativity, culture, and community connection to life throughout Battery Park City. From inspiring permanent installations to exciting temporary art experiences, you’ll help shape how people experience art in one of New York City’s most distinctive waterfront neighborhoods. This is more than an opportunity to manage an art collection. It’s a chance to build a bold public art vision, champion artists, spark curiosity, and make art an integral part of the community.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred in Arts Administration, Fine Arts, Art History, Public Art Administration, Urban Planning, Cultural Affairs, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in public art administration, cultural affairs, museum or collection management, arts education programming, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience commissioning and managing public art projects from concept through installation.
• Experience developing public art policies, managing collections, and overseeing conservation or maintenance programs.
• A track record of working with external partners, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and shaping policy or strategy.
• A passion for public art and its power to enrich public spaces.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills.
• The ability to build trusted relationships with artists, cultural organizations, consultants, contractors, and diverse stakeholders.
• Experience balancing artistic vision with budgets, logistics, conservation needs, and public-sector responsibilities.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• A collaborative spirit and the energy to turn ambitious ideas into reality.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree is preferred in Arts Administration, Fine Arts, Art History, Public Art Administration, Urban Planning, Cultural Affairs, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop a forward-thinking Public Art Master Plan that celebrates Battery Park City’s identity, strengthens placemaking, and brings new artistic experiences to our public spaces.
• Lead public art projects from concept to installation. Collaborate with artists, designers, fabricators, contractors, and BPCA colleagues to turn creative ideas into meaningful experiences for residents, workers, and visitors.
• Oversee the stewardship, conservation, and maintenance of BPCA’s public art collection, ensuring these works remain accessible, meaningful, and inspiring for generations to come.
• Build relationships with artists, cultural institutions, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to expand opportunities for collaboration and engagement.
• Partner with BPCA’s communications team to develop educational programs, public engagement initiatives, digital content, and creative ways to connect people with the collection.
• Manage project scopes, budgets, schedules, contracts, and procurement. Balance artistic ambition with operational needs, regulatory requirements, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director