Division Manager, Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment

City of Austin

1d

About The Position

The Division Manager for Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment provides strategic, administrative, and programmatic leadership for the Cultural Affairs and Investments Division within the department. Working under minimal direction, the Division Manager serves as a key departmental leader who translates policy into action, strengthens community and stakeholder partnerships, and ensures compliance, accountability, and high-quality outcomes across all division activities.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
• Knowledge of community resources available and how to use them effectively.
• Knowledge of municipal government operations and applicable regulations.
• Knowledge of contract writing, negotiating techniques, contract law, bid evaluation and cost/price/value analysis.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in data analysis and problem-solving.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
• Ability to negotiate, making independent judgments.
• Ability to resolve contractual or purchasing issues.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all dealings and maintain confidentiality as required.
• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the job plus five (5) years of related experience, including three (3) years which were in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing large-scale public sector portfolios (e.g., $20M+), including program design, evaluation, and reporting.
• Strong background in contract administration and compliance oversight, preferred with government.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams of 10+ professional staff.
• Proven ability to develop, manage, and monitor complex budgets,
• Experience advancing strategic initiatives, such as cultural policy or international engagement efforts.
• Track record of leading cross-departmental and intergovernmental collaboration.
• Ability to manage high-profile, sensitive, and complex projects.
• Subject-matter expertise in arts funding, cultural policy, community development, or the creative sector.
• Experience representing organizations in public settings, including boards, commissions, or governing bodies.
• Strong data and performance management skills, including KPI tracking, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership, strategic direction, and management for a division/unit within Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment.
• Sets division policy and ensures division is aligned with department goals.
• Responsible for overseeing the management of all aspects of the development and implementation of existing and new programs under their direction.
• Recommends, develops, or modifies program procedures, guidelines, standards, and policies to achieve program goals and objectives, and determines changes that need to be made in program policies and procedures based on feedback from customers, officials, service providers, and community groups.
• Prepares and monitors division/section budget.
• Performs economic forecasting and evaluation of division/section-related programs.
• Prepares financial summaries/reports for management review.
• Develops and establishes goals and priorities for departmental programs.
• Performs short- and long-term planning.
• Builds strategic alliances among community-based organizations (public, private and/or not-for-profit).
• Conducts needs assessment studies.
• Evaluates program operations for effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ensures compliance with Federal, State, and City codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Enforces quality assurance/quality control initiatives.
• Attends meetings and conducts presentations to City Council, Boards, and Commissions.
• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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