Public Arts Coordinator

City of Syracuse•Syracuse, NY

About The Position

The Public Arts Coordinator administers and promotes the City of Syracuse's Public Art Program while advancing cultural programming, creative placemaking, and community engagement throughout the City. The position supports the Public Art Commission and collaborates with artists, cultural organizations, neighborhood groups, businesses, community stakeholders, City departments, and the City's Nightlife Coordinator to strengthen Syracuse's cultural identity and creative economy. The role oversees public art project review and delivery, maintains the City's public art inventory and archive, pursues and administers grants, supports the Public Art Master Plan, and coordinates outreach and educational programming. It also supports cultural events, festivals, public activations, exhibitions, and initiatives that enhance neighborhood identity and quality of life. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, with considerable independent judgment in planning, coordinating, and implementing programs and projects. Supervision is not a function of this class. Because of community engagement, public meetings, special events, festivals, and cultural programming, evening and weekend work may be required. Certain assignments may require reasonable access to transportation for timely and efficient field work.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public art administration.
Thorough knowledge of cultural programming, community engagement, and project management.
Good knowledge of local government operations, public Boards and Commissions, and public meeting procedures.
Good knowledge of grant research, grant writing, grant administration, and funding opportunities.
Good knowledge of contract development, administration, and project budgeting.
Good knowledge of public outreach, stakeholder engagement, and community collaboration techniques.
Good knowledge of arts and cultural programming, creative placemaking, and public space activation.
Working knowledge of website content management systems, social media platforms, and digital communication tools.
Working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and policies related to public art and cultural initiatives.
Ability to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with artists, cultural organizations, community groups, government agencies, consultants, and the public.
Ability to facilitate public meetings, workshops, presentations, and community engagement activities.
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, grant applications, correspondence, and presentations.
Ability to analyze information, develop recommendations, and exercise sound professional judgment.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, work independently and collaboratively, and maintain accurate records.
Initiative, professionalism, tact, and good judgment.
One of the following: a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Arts Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Community Development, Fine Arts, Cultural Studies, Event Management, Communications, or a closely related field; or four years of work experience (or its part-time equivalent) in public art administration, cultural programming, arts management, event coordination, community engagement, placemaking, project management, grant administration, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

Oversee the review and approval process for public art installations and projects.
Manage all phases of City-sponsored public art projects, including planning, artist selection, contract administration, budgeting, fabrication, installation, and closeout.
Maintain a comprehensive inventory and archive of the City's public art collection, including artist information, contracts, maintenance requirements, project records, and related documentation.
Provide direction regarding preservation, management, maintenance, and stewardship of the City's public art collection.
Advise and assist the Public Art Commission and related advisory bodies, including with development, implementation, and evaluation of the Public Art Master Plan.
Compile and maintain Public Art Commission records, correspondence, agendas, minutes, resolutions, and other official documentation.
Assist artists, organizations, and community groups with public art applications, and present completed applications to applicable City and State departments, Boards, and agencies.
Coordinate public art project review among the Public Art Commission, neighborhood organizations, City departments, and regulatory agencies.
Facilitate public engagement opportunities and gather community input on proposed public art projects and cultural initiatives.
Pursue, prepare, and administer grant applications and funding opportunities from Federal, State, local, and private sources.
Develop, negotiate, and monitor contracts with artists, arts organizations, consultants, and other entities involved in public art and cultural programming.
Develop, manage, and update public art and cultural programming content for City websites, social media platforms, and promotional materials.
Assist with public art exhibitions, installations, and displays in municipal facilities and public spaces.
Support cultural programming, creative placemaking, community engagement, and activities that enhance neighborhood identity and quality of life.
Collaborate with the Nightlife Coordinator and community partners to support festivals, public activations, entertainment initiatives, and cultural events.
Assist with initiatives involving the City's arts, culture, entertainment, tourism, and creative economy sectors.
Serve as a liaison with artists, architects, cultural organizations, neighborhood groups, business associations, educational institutions, community stakeholders, and government agencies.
Identify opportunities to activate public spaces through arts, culture, entertainment, and community-based programming.
Coordinate public meetings, workshops, educational programs, artist talks, public input sessions, and outreach activities.
Develop and distribute promotional materials and public communications with the Office of Communications.
Provide project management support for City-wide initiatives involving public art, culture, placemaking, community development, and public space activation.
Prepare reports, recommendations, evaluations, and presentations concerning public art, cultural programming, grants, project outcomes, and community engagement.
Assist with special events, public celebrations, and cultural activities, which may take place during evenings and weekends.