Assistant Public Art Director

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

Creative Philadelphia (Creative PHL) provides creative and economic opportunities for all Philadelphians to thrive through the arts. We advance public access to arts and culture, collaborate with local creative communities, and celebrate the city’s cultural assets, contributing to a safer, cleaner, and greener city. 

Job Description

Position Summary

Creative Philadelphia seeks a full-time Assistant Public Art Director who will assist and support the Public Art Director and the Chief Cultural Officer on various initiatives within the City of Philadelphia’s Public Art program such as the commissioning of permanent public art projects, and developing programs centered around the City’s public art collection. The City of Philadelphia’s public art collection is one of the City’s greatest assets. Located in indoor and outdoor spaces throughout every neighborhood in the city, Philadelphia’s public art reflects its rich history, diverse communities, and long-standing commitment to the arts. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Special Projects –Manage special public art projects as assigned, such as commissioning of public artworks, public art exhibits and other projects outside of the Percent for Art program as assigned. Assist with applying for and executing grant funded public art projects and related initiatives as assigned. Manage outside consultants as part of the day-to-day administration of special and/or grant funded projects. 

Conservation and Collections Management - Assist the Public Art Director on the conservation, restoration and collection management of the City of Philadelphia’s 1000+ works of public art. Update and maintain the City’s database of public artworks, including overseeing interns and other staff, when available. Manage external consultants’ work related to the City’s cloud-based Collection Management System. Coordinate and manage the work of outside conservators who provide conservation and maintenance services to the city. 

Percent for Art Program - Assist with administration of assigned aspects of the City’s Percent for Art Program and coordinate with Percent for Art Project Managers as needed on tasks to administer reports, create program templates, and execute strategic initiatives related the Percent for Art Program. Occasionally represent the Public Art Director in their absence, as needed in public events related to the Percent for Art Program. See the “Administration” section below for additional details. 

Artist Professional Development –  Administer and manage Creative Philadelphia’s public art professional development programs, including “Public Art, How to Start,” which supports emerging public artists. Assist the Public Art Director to develop, plan, facilitate and execute other professional development initiatives and events to build the capacity of local creatives. 

Donation Management - Assist the Public Art Director on administering the policies and processes related to proposed donations of public art, memorials, and monuments to the City of Philadelphia and guide potential donors through the public art donation process for placing art on public property. 

Communications - Assist the Public Art Director and the Communications Manager on fostering the relationship between Philadelphians and the City’s public art collection through public engagement and communications efforts. Tasks may include drafting copy for press releases, communications related to public art projects and programs. 

Administration – Generate documents for meetin