Public Art Manager – Collections and Special Projects - Denver Arts and Venues

City and County of Denver • Denver, CO

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Please submit an application, resume, and a cover letter in order to be considered. Denver Arts and Venues is seeking a Public Art Manager – Collections/Special Projects with excellent communication, managerial, and organizational skills to join its dynamic and thriving Public Art Team. The primary function of this position is to manage a small team (the Project Manager – Collections Care plus many contractors) focused on collections care and contribute to the planning and management of the division while working collaboratively with community members as well as internal stakeholders, providing leadership and expertise in the field of public art, while supporting the department’s long and short-range strategic initiatives, goals, and objectives. This position will also act as project manager for complex art projects as assigned and support team members in their projects as needed. This is a full-time position with benefits and reports to the Public Art Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Project Management, Public Administration or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of supervisory, professional and/or technical level experience in Public Art, Placemaking or a closely related field.

Nice To Haves

• 5+ Years experience in Public Art, Arts Administration, Placemaking and or Art/Design
• 3+ years experience managing a team, and/or developing strategy, leadership, and process improvements
• Master's degree in Arts, Project Management, Public Administration or a closely related field.
• Experience with project management and maintenance, preferably in a governmental setting
• Demonstrated knowledge of the public art field
• Experience implementing conflict resolution strategies
• Experience in public engagement and facilitation
• Ability to handle high volume of concurrent tasks with great attention to detail
• Skilled in public speaking with exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong skills in problem solving
• Knowledge of budgeting principles and practices
• Knowledge of various types of contracts, techniques for procurement and contracting, and contract negotiation and administration, preferably in a governmental setting.
• Technical expertise in construction, maintenance, materials, fabrication, art and design
• Experience with collections management and databases
• Experience with contract management, compliance, and municipal processes
• Experience with and understanding of Denver’s diverse communities and demonstrated ability to engage with and develop relationships with these communities
• Knowledge of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles
• High proficiency with Microsoft and Adobe software applications
• Valid Driver's License, as this role requires travel around the metro area

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of staff and many contractors, demonstrating an ability to coach, motivate and engage direct reports
• Provide technical expertise on Collections Care and related issues through assessment, planning, maintenance, and installation of projects.
• Provide team-wide support in problem solving and strategizing around Public Art projects, and long-term team goals with a focus on collections care.
• Support the Public Art Director in building and executing policies, processes, decisions, research projects, and long and short-term strategic planning.
• Perform comprehensive and technical administrative activities related to the public art division including providing leadership, technical expertise and developing long range and short-term planning initiatives and overall goals, objectives, and priorities for the division.
• Provide consultation on the team-wide development of contracts, RFPs, and financial processes.
• Build interagency and community relationships to further the team’s goals and address Project Managers’ needs.
• Oversee and manage the completion of Collections Care and Special Projects.
• Develop strategies and systems to complete collections management and maintenance in a timely and efficient manner.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders such as the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), Parks & Recreation (P&R), City’s Department of Finance, and the City Attorney’s Office to improve interagency processes and solve technical issues.
• Determine effectiveness of team procedures and processes and make improvements.
• Manage many concurrent public art projects and contracts from initiation to completion.
• Work in partnership with DAV agency teams including leadership, finance, marketing and capital projects to ensure coordination and completion of all projects on a defined timeline.
• Research assigned projects to develop and manage a work plan for each artwork, including detailed knowledge of materials, maintenance. budget, timeline, location, and scope.
• Liaise with members of the City Council and district staff to develop plans and processes for projects within each district and to keep them informed throughout the project.
• Keep supervisor and leadership informed of all significant project milestones, delays, concerns and developments.
• Provide timely weekly, monthly and annual reports on projects and processes.
• Draft and publish Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for each project and assist vendors with project proposals.
• Initiate and manage complex project contracts and budgets including regular communication with Department of Finance and DAV Finance division.
• Budget management: plan, execute, and manage all individual project budgets, including project contingency.
• Invoice management: pay and track vendor invoices.
• Contract negotiation in partnership with City Attorney’s Office.
• Ensure contract compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies including Prevailing Wage and Denver Small Business Opportunity program.
• Archive all project information in collection database.
• Ensure timely reporting to supervisor, agency and city as required.
• Submit and obtain (or assist vendors in submitting) all necessary permits and approvals required for city installation and construction projects working with DOTI or other agencies as required. This includes ROW permits, Traffic Control plans, security and all other needs for the project while onsite.
• Provide on-site staff, facility teams, engineers and others consultation, coordination and guidance through the artwork maintenance process.
• Oversee artwork maintenance and onsite project installation in close coordination with stakeholders.
• Orient and provide technical support to vendors in the public art field.
• Provide technical expertise to vendors through city contracting process and policy, maintenance, fabrication, construction, and installation of projects.
• Conduct site visits during project process as needed to ensure project will meet established goals.
• Develop and execute special research projects, policies, or events, as needed.
• Make informed, quick decisions weighing all risks.
• Work on Agency and Citywide initiatives, projects and committees as assigned.
• Engage in professional development and stay abreast of knowledge about the Public Art field.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Ability to work some nights and weekends.

Benefits

• A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
• 457B Retirement Plan
• 140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day and 1 volunteer day per year
• Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date

What This Job Offers

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