Art Program Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN:

• Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building and terminals located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
• Hybrid Schedule: This role follows a hybrid schedule with both on-site and remote work. On-site days are required, based on department needs, to support collaboration and business operations. Remote work flexibility is available on other days as determined by the department.
• Salary: The hiring salary range for the Airport Art Program Manager is $108,646 to $124,943 annually. The full pay range for Airport Art Program Manager is $83,574-$133,718.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 - 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
• Wellness: Enjoy a workplace that makes well-being part of the daily routine! Tap into multiple on-site gyms, unwind or brainstorm in outdoor workspaces, score fitness discounts for every level and goal, give back with volunteer-time rewards, connect with financial wellness advisors, and explore scenic walking trails just steps from campus, all wrapped in a supportive wellness package designed to help you feel your best inside and outside of work.
• Application Deadline: September 13, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.

About the Job:

The Marketing, Arts & Air Service Development team is seeking a visionary and adaptable Airport Arts Program Manager with a focus on Public Art. As a key member of the Arts Program team, this individual will lead the creation and implementation of high-impact public art installations across SAN’s campus, providing travelers with a unique cultural experience that celebrates the vibrant spirit of San Diego.

Public art consists of long-term, site-specific commissions integrated into the built environment. These projects function much like construction projects, requiring extensive coordination among artists, architects, engineers, fabricators, contractors, and public agencies from design through installation.

The ideal candidate will manage the entire lifecycle of diverse public art projects—from initial concept through to installation—coordinating closely with artists, contractors, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration into the airport environment. With a strong foundation in project management, familiarity with architecture and construction, and a deep passion for public art, this is an exciting opportunity for someone who can navigate the complexities of an airport setting while making a lasting impact on the aesthetic and cultural experience at one of San Diego’s most recognized public spaces.

What You’ll Do:

• Oversee Public Art Projects and Contracts - Manages Airport Public Art projects, ensuring timely completion and budget adherence. Negotiates contracts with artists and vendors.
• Manage Arts Program Administration - Organizes and administers assigned arts program areas, overseeing project timelines and budget management to ensure successful completion.
• Coordinate Project Meetings and Submission Processes - Facilitates project meetings with artists, contractors, and staff. Prepares and manages Calls for Submissions, RFQs, and RFPs as required.
• Direct Art Maintenance and Conservation - Develops and implements maintenance and conservation plans for the Authority’s 50+ object public art collection to ensure long-term preservation.
• Ensure Compliance and Collaboration - Coordinates with internal teams, permitting bodies, and public art networks to meet regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Research and Site Recommendations - Identifies future public art opportunities and sites aligned with the arts master plan, recommending projects that enhance the airport’s cultural presence.
• Support the Arts Advisory Committee - Provides assistance to the Airport Arts Advisory Committee through guidance and supervision, ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Lead Community Engagement - Oversees community involvement processes, including workshops, meetings, and outreach programs that foster public support for the Airport’s arts initiatives.
• Work-Related Driving*: Drive and operate Authority vehicles to transport equipment throughout the Authority campus.

The Skills We Are Looking For:

• Project Management - Competently determines processes to achieve project strategy; verifies project efficiency and collaboration to ensure timely completion.
• Communication: To proficiently and tactfully exchange and interpret information verbally and in writing, facilitate, persuade, and complete presentations.
• Critical Thinking: Critically reviews and translates business requirements, data and information to specify solutions or alternative practice in support of business objectives and strategies.
• Problem-Solving/Agility: Use of effective judgement and self-direction to analyze situation, factors and collaboratively generate solutions, readily adapts behavior or new work methods, evolving and unexpected situations.
• Relationship Management: Builds and maintains relations with stakeholders, identifies and relates information, ideas and problems, champion’s initiatives and ideas based on collaborative solutions.

The Experience You Need to Have**:

• Five years of progressively responsible experience involving the development, management, coordination or administration of civic or community-based arts & culture programs, design-related architecture or construction projects, and/or public or fine arts programs; and any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in art, architecture, art history, arts administration, business administration, public administration or a closely related field.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements :

• Maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio and telecommunications equipment.

Preferred Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• Graduate degree in architecture, arts, arts administration, cultural management, construction management, public art studies, or a closely related field.
• Professional certifications related to architecture, construction, or project management:

General Contractor License

PMP (Project Management Professional)

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

*Drivingis an Essential Function

This role requires regular driving as a critical part of performing work-related duties, specifically involving the operation of Airport Authority vehicles. A valid California driver’s license is required, along with strict adherence to all traffic laws and safety regulations. Applicants must maintain an acceptable driving record to operate Authority vehicles. Compliance with Airport Authority vehicle use policies, including safety protocols and reporting requirements, is mandatory. Applicants must acknowledge that driving Airport Authority vehicles is an essential function of this role.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.