Creative Project Manager

ArtWorks seeks a Creative Projects Manager to oversee planned public art projects many of which are murals, lead department initiatives, and support the development of future program efforts to advance the organization’s mission of creating community-based public art that provides career opportunities for artists of all ages.

ArtWorks is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to building and retaining a diverse team. We believe in creating an inclusive workplace which harnesses each voice to collectively advance ArtWorks’ mission. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized applicants.

Job Title: Creative Project Manager

Compensation: Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive employee benefits package includes health insurance (70% paid by ArtWorks), life insurance with AD&D, ST and LT disability (100% paid by ArtWorks), generous paid time off, up to12 weeks for individual/family leave fully paid, 401k plan with ArtWorks match of 100% on first 4% of salary, 11 holidays and a year-end winter break of 5 days, $25 per month of cell phone reimbursement, and investment in career development. Vision and dental provided at employee cost.

Salary Range: $39,000 - $50,000

Job Type: Full Time Exempt

Location: ArtWorks Administrative Office, 2460 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206

Reports to: Director, Creative Projects

Application deadline date: January 1, 2024

About ArtWorks: Now in its 27th year, ArtWorks is an award-winning Greater Cincinnati nonprofit that has pioneered public art and economic impact throughout the region to create community-based public art that provides career opportunities for artists of all ages. ArtWorks works alongside community leaders to build civic pride with art that beautifies the region, creating jobs for more than 300 artists annually, including young artists ages 14-24, to earn a living wage. The economic empowerment and mentorship that ArtWorks provides leads to upward mobility, which is critically important for young people who come from a majority of under resourced and underemployed neighborhoods and households. Since 1996, ArtWorks has employed over 4,000 youth and 3,500 creative professionals. The organization has completed more than 14,000 public and private art works of art, including public sculpture, light-based installations and more than 200 permanent outdoor murals, contributing to the region’s global reputation as an arts destination. Now headquartered in Walnut Hills, ArtWorks is part of the burgeoning arts district in Cincinnati’s historic second downtown. Learn more at artworkscincinnati.org.

Job Description

ArtWorks seeks a Creative Projects Manager to oversee planned projects, lead department initiatives, and support the development of future program efforts to advance the organization’s mission of creating community-based public art that provides career opportunities for artists of all ages.

This is an exciting opportunity to impact an amazing organization and support its growth, building on its strategic plan. This individual joins a collaborative team that oversees project-specific work from design development through to the execution by artistic teams. The Creative Projects Manager assists in the development and retention of diverse partnerships and artist relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

General Project Management (50%)

• Lead and implement department-specific projects (may include public art and non-public artworks)

• Manage project budgets consistently, accurately, and efficiently to ensure initiatives are financially on-track
• Manage internal workflow process to ensure resources and content are delivered on time, on budget, and according to project requirements
• Ensure full compliance with permits, regulations, and quality standards throughout the planning and execution of public art projects
• Maintain organized and accurate documentation and internal communication for all public art projects, ensuring that records are easily accessible and up-to-date at all times
• Serve as primary point of contact for vendors

 Partnership Management (25%)

• Conduct regular and proactive communications and updates and serve as the primary point of contact for project partners and community stakeholders

• Lead meetings with stakeholders to guide productive discussion, planning, and resource coordination resulting in more community-inclusive artworks (may include project presentations, artistic development & direction, community engagement sessions and other project-specific demonstrations and events)

Artist Management (20%)

• Serve as primary point of contact for artists and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with all artists and designers involved in projects, ensuring timely communication and addressing concerns
• Write project specific creative briefs for artists’ to respond to
• Constructively critique artists’ work to ensure highest quality results
• Supervise teams of seasonal staff, providing regular feedback and support directly to Teaching Artists

Other (5%)

• Work directly with other team members and departments to support artist recruitment and hiring, fundraising, and marketing/promotional efforts
• Support Impact Department through direct captainship of key department initiatives
• Support Organizational priorities, as determined with Creative Projects, Director
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and experiences:

• Commitment to ArtWorks’ mission, vision, values, culture and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Plan
• Minimum of BA or equivalent job experience
• Demonstrated track-record of high quality written and verbal communication
• Proven ability to build relationships and community partnerships
• Experience managing projects
• Knowledge of fine art and/or public art
• Must be willing to work outside of normal business hours when needed
• Experience collaborating with diverse audience stakeholders 
• Driver’s license and reliable transportation means
• Ability to lift and transport loads of 25+ lb. materials (transportation of misc. project materials and equipment)

Skills and abilities:

• ArtWorks’ Core Competencies
  • Builds effective relationships through formal and informal networks, internally and externally
  • Collaborates by building internal and community partnerships with shared objectives
  • Champions diversity that recognizes the value of different perspectives and cultures
  • Embraces change by adapting approach and demeanor to match the shifting demands of different situations
  • Is resourceful in securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently
  • Plans and aligns work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals
  • Communicates effectively in a variety of communication modes – groups, 1-1 and virtual
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills with capacity to present to a variety of audiences
• Strong administrative, organizational, and time management skills
• Strong project management skills with a focus on planning, implementation, and collaboration
• Strong design sensibility and familiarity with contemporary fine and/or public art

The Payoff:

• Be part of an amazing mission and make a mark in transforming the Greater Cincinnati region with public art, building community, and investing in young artists
• Help build a future home for ArtWorks with a site for permanent art studios, gallery, and event space to build a more vibrant community
• Be part of a dynamic team that embraces a growth mindset and has fun
• Be part of a collaborative, creative and flexible work culture that is people centered.
• Join a team that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in community-centered work that creates positive change. Read our full commitment here.

To Apply:    Click here   with cover letter, resume and references