Public Art Project Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Art in Public Places (AiPP) Director Salary Range: $90,000 to $115,000 (starting salary is commensurate with experience) Comprehensive Benefits including: medical, dental, vision, 403(b), parental leave, one optional work from home day per week, PTO, wellness days, 10 paid holidays and professional development opportunities. Position Summary/Objective Under the supervision of the President & CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, the AiPP Director will establish vision, policies, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to position public art as a catalyst for community identity, civic pride, economic vitality, and cultural expression across greater Columbus.   The successful candidate will be an accomplished public art professional who combines strategic thinking with practical implementation, is passionate about working with artists and communities, and thrives on building innovative programs that inspire lasting public benefit.   The successful candidate will be an accomplished public art professional who combines strategic thinking with practical implementation, is passionate about working with artists and communities, and thrives on building innovative programs that inspire lasting public benefit.   Who We Are The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) is a dynamic, mission driven organization that champions and elevates the arts and cultural expression of Greater Columbus. We are dedicated to strengthening diversity, equity & inclusion efforts within all our programs and within the arts community. Our vision is “Power of art realized. People engaged. City energized.”   In 2025, the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) published the Greater Columbus Public Art Strategy, which builds on decades of investment in Columbus’ public art ecosystem, including early commitments to integrating art into civic spaces and supporting local artists. GCAC is seeking an innovative, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as the inaugural Art in Public Places (AiPP) Director. This is an extraordinary opportunity to build and lead a comprehensive public art program from the ground up for GCAC, creating a lasting impact on one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions.   Expectations In addition to the responsibilities listed, GCAC employees are expected to support the smooth and efficient operation of the organization. Employees may be required to attend meetings, conferences, or trainings to maintain proficiency. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.   Responsibilities Lead and direct the implementation of an AiPP program, translating strategic priorities into annual work plans, policies, partnerships, measurable outcomes, and long-term program sustainability. Develop and administer comprehensive project management systems for AiPP initiatives, including project scopes, artist procurement, budgets, contracts, schedules, permitting, fabrication, installation, documentation, risk management, and project evaluation. Cultivate strategic partnerships with municipalities, developers, corporations, educational institutions, neighborhood organizations, cultural organizations, and philanthropic partners to expand public art opportunities throughout Franklin County. Develop equitable artist selection processes that expand opportunities for local, regional, and underrepresented artists through transparent calls for artists, selection panels, community engagement, and commissioning practices. Design and implement meaningful community engagement strategies that ensure residents, neighborhoods, and stakeholders actively participate in shaping public art projects and that community voices are reflected throughout the creative process. Develop policies and administrative procedures governing public art commissioning, collections management, conservation, maintenance, deaccessioning, gifts and loans, artist agreements, and other program operations consistent with national best practices. Oversee stewardship of public art projects, including maintenance planning, conservation, inventory management, condition assessments, documentation, signage, and long-term asset management. Develop and manage program budgets and diversified funding strategies, including public funding, private philanthropy, corporate sponsorships, grants, earned revenue opportunities, and fee-for-service public art consulting. Monitor program performance and evaluate community impact, establishing measurable outcomes, preparing reports for executive leadership, the Board of Trustees, funders, and community stakeholders, and using data to continuously improve the program. Collaborate across GCAC departments to integrate public art into organizational initiatives. Provide leadership and supervision for public art consultants, interns, artist teams, and contracted professionals by fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture focused on innovation and public service. Represent GCAC publicly through presentations, conferences, media interviews, community meetings, and professional organizations, serving as a visible advocate for the role of public art in strengthening neighborhoods, supporting artists, and enhancing quality of life. Identify emerging trends, policies, and best practices in public art, creative placemaking, and cultural planning, recommending innovative approaches that position Greater Columbus as a national leader in public art and civic design. Required knowledge, skills and abilities Significant experience leading complex public art programs or initiatives. Knowledge of current public art practices, artists working in the public realm, and national trends. Experience administering public art programs (i.e., art in private development, percent for art). Strong project management and organizational leadership skills. Experience developing and administering budgets. Knowledge of construction processes and integrating artwork into public infrastructure and development projects. Experience negotiating and administering contracts. Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills. Ability to build consensus among artists, community members, government agencies, developers, elected officials, funders, and organizational partners. A collaborative leadership style with a commitment to public service, innovation, inclusion, and community engagement.   Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in visual arts, studio art, architecture, arts administration, planning, public administration, or a closely related field. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience managing public art projects or programs. At least two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience. Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience that demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities will also be considered. Availability to work occasional evenings (1–2 times per month) and limited weekend hours as needed. All staff are required to work the weekend of the Columbus Arts Festival in June.   Please note this description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities which are required of the position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time. Work Environment This position may operate in both a remote work environment and a professional office setting, requiring the ability to work effectively and independently in either setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, photocopiers, printers, and related technology.   How to apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@gcac.org no later Friday, August 14. Employee offers for all positions are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and confidential drug screening. We kindly ask that applicants refrain from telephone inquiries. Thank you to all candidates for your interest; while we appreciate every application, only those selected for an interview may expect to be contacted.   Equal Opportunity Employer The Greater Columbus Arts Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued. We encourage candidates from historically underrepresented communities to apply. Mission and Vision of the Greater Columbus Arts Council The mission of the Greater Columbus Arts Council is to support and advance the arts and cultural fabric of Columbus. Our vision is a thriving Columbus where the arts matter to all of us. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO Job Title: Art in Public Places (AiPP) Director Salary Range: $90,000 to $115,000 (starting salary is commensurate with experience) Comprehensive Benefits including: medical, dental, vision, 403(b), parental leave, one optional work from home day per week, PTO, wellness days, 10 paid holidays and professional development opportunities. Position Summary/Objective Under the supervision of the President & CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, the AiPP Director will establish vision, policies, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to position public art as a catalyst for community identity, civic pride, economic vitality, and cultural expression across greater Columbus.   The successful candidate will be an accomplished public art professional who combines strategic thinking with practical implementation, is passionate about working with artists and communities, and thrives on building innovative programs that inspire lasting public benefit.   The successful candidate will be an accomplished public art professional who combines strategic thinking with practical implementation, is passionate about working with artists and communities, and thrives on building innovative programs that inspire lasting public benefit.   Who We Are The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) is a dynamic, mission driven organization that champions and elevates the arts and cultural expression of Greater Columbus. We are dedicated to strengthening diversity, equity & inclusion efforts within all our programs and within the arts community. Our vision is “Power of art realized. People engaged. City energized.”   In 2025, the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) published the Greater Columbus Public Art Strategy, which builds on decades of investment in Columbus’ public art ecosystem, including early commitments to integrating art into civic spaces and supporting local artists. GCAC is seeking an innovative, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as the inaugural Art in Public Places (AiPP) Director. This is an extraordinary opportunity to build and lead a comprehensive public art program from the ground up for GCAC, creating a lasting impact on one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions.   Expectations In addition to the responsibilities listed, GCAC employees are expected to support the smooth and efficient operation of the organization. Employees may be required to attend meetings, conferences, or trainings to maintain proficiency. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.   Responsibilities Lead and direct the implementation of an AiPP program, translating strategic priorities into annual work plans, policies, partnerships, measurable outcomes, and long-term program sustainability. Develop and administer comprehensive project management systems for AiPP initiatives, including project scopes, artist procurement, budgets, contracts, schedules, permitting, fabrication, installation, documentation, risk management, and project evaluation. Cultivate strategic partnerships with municipalities, developers, corporations, educational institutions, neighborhood organizations, cultural organizations, and philanthropic partners to expand public art opportunities throughout Franklin County. Develop equitable artist selection processes that expand opportunities for local, regional, and underrepresented artists through transparent calls for artists, selection panels, community engagement, and commissioning practices. Design and implement meaningful community engagement strategies that ensure residents, neighborhoods, and stakeholders actively participate in shaping public art projects and that community voices are reflected throughout the creative process. Develop policies and administrative procedures governing public art commissioning, collections management, conservation, maintenance, deaccessioning, gifts and loans, artist agreements, and other program operations consistent with national best practices. Oversee stewardship of public art projects, including maintenance planning, conservation, inventory management, condition assessments, documentation, signage, and long-term asset management. Develop and manage program budgets and diversified funding strategies, including public funding, private philanthropy, corporate sponsorships, grants, earned revenue opportunities, and fee-for-service public art consulting. Monitor program performance and evaluate community impact, establishing measurable outcomes, preparing reports for executive leadership, the Board of Trustees, funders, and community stakeholders, and using data to continuously improve the program. Collaborate across GCAC departments to integrate public art into organizational initiatives. Provide leadership and supervision for public art consultants, interns, artist teams, and contracted professionals by fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture focused on innovation and public service. Represent GCAC publicly through presentations, conferences, media interviews, community meetings, and professional organizations, serving as a visible advocate for the role of public art in strengthening neighborhoods, supporting artists, and enhancing quality of life. Identify emerging trends, policies, and best practices in public art, creative placemaking, and cultural planning, recommending innovative approaches that position Greater Columbus as a national leader in public art and civic design. Required knowledge, skills and abilities Significant experience leading complex public art programs or initiatives. Knowledge of current public art practices, artists working in the public realm, and national trends. Experience administering public art programs (i.e., art in private development, percent for art). Strong project management and organizational leadership skills. Experience developing and administering budgets. Knowledge of construction processes and integrating artwork into public infrastructure and development projects. Experience negotiating and administering contracts. Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills. Ability to build consensus among artists, community members, government