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Cultural Affairs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Chicago Brandon Johnson, Mayor Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Clinee Hedspeth, Commissioner NOTICE OF VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY UNPAID Department of Cultural Affairs and ...

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Cultural Affairs information

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$15

$34

$145

How much do cultural affairs jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for cultural affairs in the United States is $34.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.36 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cultural Affairs vs Cultural Program Coordinator?

AspectCultural AffairsCultural Program Coordinator
Primary FocusDeveloping and managing cultural initiatives, policies, and public programsPlanning, organizing, and executing specific cultural events and programs
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, cultural institutions, non-profitsArts organizations, community centers, cultural festivals
Required CredentialsDegree in arts, public administration, or related fields; experience in cultural policyBackground in arts management, event planning, or related areas

While both roles involve cultural activities, Cultural Affairs focuses on policy development and broad program oversight, whereas Cultural Program Coordinators handle the logistics and execution of specific events. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in cultural affairs, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Cultural Affairs often encounter challenges such as navigating diverse stakeholder interests, managing limited resources, and fostering inclusive programming. Balancing the needs of artists, community members, and organizational objectives requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing cultural trends and ensuring broad community engagement can be demanding. These challenges can be addressed through continuous learning, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and proactive outreach to stakeholders to build trust and mutual understanding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cultural affairs specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cultural Affairs Specialist, you need expertise in cultural program development, cross-cultural communication, and a background in fields like international relations, arts administration, or cultural studies. Familiarity with event management software, grant application systems, and relevant certifications such as Certified Cultural Affairs Professional (CCAP) is often valuable. Creativity, strong interpersonal skills, and adaptability help build partnerships and engage diverse communities. These skills ensure the effective promotion, coordination, and sustainability of cultural initiatives that foster community engagement and international understanding.

What is a cultural affairs professional?

Cultural Affairs professionals are individuals who work to promote, develop, and manage cultural programs, events, and initiatives within communities, organizations, or government agencies. Their work often involves supporting the arts, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering cross-cultural understanding. They may organize festivals, exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, and often collaborate with artists, cultural institutions, and the public. The goal of Cultural Affairs is to enrich community life and encourage cultural participation and diversity.
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What cities are hiring for Cultural Affairs jobs?

Cities with the most Cultural Affairs job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Cultural Affairs jobs?

The most popular types of Cultural Affairs jobs are:

What states have the most Cultural Affairs jobs?

States with the most job openings for Cultural Affairs jobs include:

Infographic showing various Cultural Affairs job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,960 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Cultural Affairs Administrator

City of Santa Monica

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$118K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Summary Plans, develops, and oversees the implementation of a range of innovative and community responsive cultural programs. Supervises the work of assigned staff and consultants. Representative Duties Plans, organizes, and oversees various programs in the Cultural Affairs Division, such as grant programs; public art; cultural facilities and programming; partnerships, and communications.

Develops and implements comprehensive cultural funding programs, including grants to non-profit agencies and individual artists as well as associated technical assistance initiatives. Develops community input activities to ensure that the City's cultural funding programs are responsive to community needs and priorities. Develops funding rationales and guidelines.

Conducts long-range planning studies on emerging cultural trends and needs and corresponding priorities for the City's cultural programs. Researches best practices and promotes innovation in Division programs. Provides leadership in the areas of cultural facilities and programming, partnerships, customer service programs, public relations, and marketing of the City's cultural resources and activities.

Makes presentations to cultural organizations, community groups, and residents to encourage participation in the arts, culture, and understanding of the City of Santa Monica's creative economy. Selects, trains, evaluates, schedules, and supervises staff and consultants. Implements staff development and training activities to ensure a collaborative teamwork environment.

Oversees the monitoring of program expenditures, revenues, and budget status. Maintains and prepares a variety of reports including financial reports and records and proposes recommendations for review by the City Council, boards, commissions, and community groups. Responds to inquiries and oversees the resolution of citizen complaints.

Serves as a liaison to the Arts Commission, the Santa Monica Arts Foundation and/or other committees, as assigned. Performs other related duties, as assigned. Requirements KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: Principles and practices of cultural planning Principles and practices of community outreach and marketing Principles and practices, of cultural facility and program development Principles and practices of grant administration Visual, performing, literary and design arts Cultural funding programs for non-profit agencies and individuals, including grants and technical assistance Principles and practices of budget development and administration Principles and practices of non-profit management Principles and practices of contract development and negotiations Principles of staff training and supervision Effective customer service techniques Ability to: Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of a section of a division Develop and work with staff members and consultants using a team-oriented approach Conduct research, analyze information, and make recommendations Develop and implement innovative and community-responsive policies and procedures Select, supervise, train, evaluate, and motivate staff Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports and recommendations Provide effective customer service Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees, City Boards and Commissions, and the general public Skill in: Meeting facilitation Using a personal computer and applicable software applications REQUIREMENTS Minimum Qualifications: Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

A bachelor's degree with a major in the arts, public administration or a closely related field is desirable. Four years of recent, paid, experience in an arts and/or cultural organization overseeing one or more program areas. Experience in grants management, cultural program management, cultural facility management or cultural policy development is desirable.

At least two years of the recent, paid work experience must have included leading and coordinating the work of others, including coordinating the work of arts and/or cultural consultants. Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid Class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternate method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. Supplemental Information The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community.

As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our employees are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact. The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law.

We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us. Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities.

Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only). Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination. HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position.

Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted. NOTE: You must submit a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma with your application.

Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified.

You must upload and attach a scanned copy of your transcripts or diploma to your on-line application. SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing may consist of the following: Training & Experience Evaluation - Qualifying Oral Interview - 90% Seniority - 10%.