The City of Tacoma's Community & Economic Development (CED) department is recruiting for the new and exciting position of Public Art Project Manager in the Office of Arts & Cultural Vitality (OACV). This position is currently funded through December 31, 2024.

This position develops, coordinates, and implements public art projects for the OACV, with a focus on engaging local artists and community. This includes managing selection processes; coordinating with different City departments and community partners; coordinating events and public outreach; coordinating maintenance projects; and supporting public art planning efforts as needed. This position supports the mission of the City by commissioning public art projects that build community cohesion, give community a voice in the built environment, and help address City priorities and initiatives through high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective artist interventions.

The Public Art Project Manager will implement public art policies, under direction from OACV leadership and the Tacoma Arts Commission. This includes administering 1% for art projects, both for the City and partner agencies (like Metro Parks Tacoma). Projects assigned to this position may include: supporting the development of a placemaking plan for the McKinley Neighborhood; working in collaboration with Puyallup Tribe staff & artists; managing permanent, temporary, and mural projects throughout the city; and supporting community-engaged projects with varied stakeholders, including students and young people.

The position will be responsible for writing and managing contracts, which includes approving invoices, setting deliverables, and ensuring compliance with purchasing (including sole-source justifications when needed). This position is also responsible for scoping projects and researching budgets, with direction from OACV leadership; and will be responsible for impacting budget decisions by conducting and presenting research to OACV leadership and developing project scope recommendations. The position will also manage project budgets for public art and maintenance projects, as assigned.

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in art, art history, fine arts, museum studies or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
2 years professional experience in art administration, program administration, museum curation or related field

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Driver's License

• Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education
  

Key Activities include

• Coordinate and facilitate the commissioning and completion of public art projects as assigned for City and partner agencies. Includes oversight and contract management of selected artists to ensure successful design development, fabrication, and installation of artwork.
• Coordinate opportunities for community members to engage in the public art process through activities such as artist selection and review panels; artist engagement with community in planning and public art implementation; and temporary art.
• Coordinate outreach and communications related to public art programs and projects including calls to artists, dedications, interpretive materials, marketing, and public relations.
• Coordinate the maintenance and conservation of artworks commissioned by OACV, as assigned.
• Provide expertise and information on best practices in public art to clients and the public.
• Perform related duties as necessary.

Interested individuals must apply online and attach a current resume and cover letter. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to move forward in the examination process.

Candidates who qualify for Veteran's Preference criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge) at time of application to be eligible for Veteran's percentage points.

Examination Process
This is a competitive selection process. You will be required to respond to essay questions outlining your knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the Supplemental Questions #7 - #11 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. These questions will be scored on the basis of information provided. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities. DO NOT respond with see resume in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score. Providing false information will result in disqualification.

Appointment is subject to passing a background check. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

Communication from the City of Tacoma
NOTE: For questions regarding this specific recruitment contact Kat Flores, HR Analyst.

Human Resources primarily communicates via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at 253-591-5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow time to assist you before the job announcement closes. (For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time.)