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Creative Placemaking Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tourism Manager

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate will be a creative, strategic thinker with the ability to position Harrisonburg ... This leader shall possess a passion for placemaking and enhancing the visitor experience. This is ...

Tourism Manager

Harrisonburg, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The ideal candidate will be a creative, strategic thinker with the ability to position Harrisonburg ... This leader shall possess a passion for placemaking and enhancing the visitor experience. This is ...

Urban Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact ... AECOM's Urbanism + Planning practice is actively seeking a creative and enthusiastic Urban Designer ...

Urban Designer

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact ... AECOM's Urbanism + Planning practice is actively seeking a creative and enthusiastic Urban Designer ...

Creative Placemaking Manager information

What is a creative placemaking manager?

A Creative Placemaking Manager is a professional who leads projects that integrate arts, culture, and community engagement to enhance public spaces and neighborhoods. They collaborate with artists, local governments, and community members to design and implement initiatives that foster social, economic, and cultural development. Their work often includes organizing public art installations, cultural events, and revitalization projects to make places more vibrant and inclusive. Creative Placemaking Managers play a key role in building community identity and promoting local pride.

How does a creative placemaking manager typically collaborate with community stakeholders and local organizations?

A Creative Placemaking Manager regularly engages with a diverse range of stakeholders, including community members, local artists, business owners, and government agencies. They facilitate meetings and workshops to gather input, build consensus, and ensure that projects reflect the community’s unique identity and needs. This role often involves forming partnerships with local organizations to secure resources, coordinate events, and promote long-term project sustainability. Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as collaboration is at the heart of successful creative placemaking initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a creative placemaking manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Creative Placemaking Manager, you need a solid background in urban planning, arts administration, community engagement, and project management, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with design software, mapping tools, budgeting systems, and grant-writing are typically necessary for this role. Strong interpersonal communication, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are standout soft skills for engaging diverse stakeholders and fostering community partnerships. These skills are crucial for successfully designing and implementing inclusive, vibrant public spaces that reflect and serve community needs.

What is the difference between Creative Placemaking Manager vs Community Development Coordinator?

AspectCreative Placemaking ManagerCommunity Development Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in arts, urban planning, or related field; experience in arts or community projectsBachelor's degree in urban planning, social work, or related field; experience in community programs
Work EnvironmentArts organizations, city planning departments, non-profits focused on arts and cultureLocal government agencies, non-profits, community centers
Employer & IndustryArts, urban development, cultural organizationsGovernment, social services, community organizations

The Creative Placemaking Manager focuses on integrating arts and culture into community development projects, often working with artists and urban planners. In contrast, the Community Development Coordinator handles broader community programs, social services, and neighborhood initiatives. While both roles aim to improve communities, the Creative Placemaking Manager emphasizes arts-driven strategies, making it a specialized role within community development efforts.

What are popular job titles related to Creative Placemaking Manager jobs in Virginia?

For Creative Placemaking Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Creative Placemaking Manager jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Creative Placemaking Manager jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Creative Placemaking Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Creative Placemaking Manager job openings:

Tourism Manager

City of Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg, VA • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description The City of Harrisonburg (pop. approximately 56,879). Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and one of the fastest-growing cities in Virginia, Harrisonburg is a thriving, multicultural university city and is home to James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University.

With recognition as the commonwealth's first culinary district, exciting outdoor recreation activities within the city and nearby, a thriving arts community, and being known as "The Friendly City," there is something for everyone to enjoy. The Harrisonburg Department of Economic Development is currently seeking a leader who is excited to join our dedicated team of community service professionals as our next Tourism Manager. The ideal candidate will be a creative, strategic thinker with the ability to position Harrisonburg competitively.

We are seeking a collaborative relationship-builder who can strengthen our business, arts, and regional partners. This leader shall possess a passion for placemaking and enhancing the visitor experience. This is an amazing opportunity for an individual who has great attention to detail and is a good communicator and progressive innovator to make a difference.

And you'll do it in a vibrant, modern, and diverse college community boasting a happening atmosphere infused with a serious passion for local food and libations, cutting-edge arts and culture, and the historic roots that anchor it to the famous Shenandoah Valley landscape. Find out more information related to this position and the City by viewing the recruitment brochure. The Tourism Manager is an exempt, full-time position with benefits and an anticipated hiring range of $75,857.60 - $85,342.40 annually; however, an exact salary will be dependent upon the selected candidate's qualifications and experience

A detailed list of essential functions and the ideal candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities is available in the class specification. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree with coursework in marketing, tourism and/or hospitality management, public relations, communications, journalism, public administration, or related field and moderate (1-3 years) experience in marketing and tourism, including supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered for this requirement.

Valid Virginia driver's license or the ability to obtain one within a timeline deemed appropriate by the department. Bilingual abilities preferred. Click here to view the physical requirements of this position.

The selected candidate for this position will be subject to the following screenings and must receive satisfactory results: Social media screening; DMV driving record review; Credit history review; Criminal background investigation. Supplemental Information Application Requirements: In order to be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following: City of Harrisonburg online application, cover letter attachment, resume attachment, and 3 professional references. All required fields on the online employment application must be completed, including your education history and work experience.

Incomplete applications and applications with verification(s) of no prior education and/or work history will not be considered. (posted on 07/20/2026) Applicants unable to attach documents via the online application should email the missing documentation to employment@harrisonburgva.gov in order to be further considered. First Review Date: No Sooner Than August 10, 2026

Candidates will not receive an application status update until after this date. Due to the amount of information requested from candidates, please allow a minimum of 10 business days from the first review date to receive a status update. The City provides an excellent benefits package including health insurance, retirement (VRS & MissionSquare), life insurance, paid leave (including upfront sick leave) and 15.5 holidays

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or veteran status. The City of Harrisonburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.