Special Projects Coordinator

The City of Virginia Beach seeks an experienced project manager with arts, museums and/or public administration experience to oversee the successful execution of public art projects for the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department as the Public Art Coordinator. This includes, but is not limited to, facilitation of artist selection, contract coordination and oversight, public presentations, community engagement, monitoring construction compliance, proposing and managing budgets, and maintenance planning.

This selected candidate should have extensive understanding of the creation, fabrication and preservation of works that are displayed in public settings, including outdoors. They should have experience working in or with government entities. The selected candidate will work closely with community stakeholders and coordinate with multiple departments to develop and maintain a robust, innovative and dynamic public art program in Virginia Beach.

Essential Functions Of The Job

Project and Contract Management: Provide leadership in coordinating the commissioning, installation and maintenance of public art projects, ensuring strict adherence to timelines, budgets, and contractual agreements. Hold artists, contractors, and vendors accountable for deliverables in accordance with city contracts, ensuring high-quality and impactful art throughout the city. Work with architects, engineers, fabricators, and other vendors to see projects from concept to creation.

Approval and Compliance: Work closely with Cultural Affairs leadership staff to secure necessary approvals at key project stages. Ensure all projects align with city goals and policies.

Budget Oversight: Prepare and manage detailed project budgets, ensuring financial responsibility while working within the city's financial framework.

Reporting: Provide regular updates and progress reports to supervisors and city leadership. Ensure all documentation is maintained and submitted as required.

Stakeholder Coordination: Coordinate collaborative projects that involve multiple stakeholders. Maintain professional relationships with all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

Public Art Integration: Integrate public art into planning and development projects, enhancing public spaces and contributing to the city’s aesthetic and cultural appeal.

Outreach & Communication: Develop and maintain strong relationships with artists, arts professionals, vendors and other city staff. Work with community stakeholders. Engage in community outreach by conducting workshops, webinars and/or informational sessions when required. Write Calls for Entry and/or Requests for Proposals. Collaborate with marketing and communications staff to publicize opportunities and maintain public art website. Provide social media content and write blog posts.

Public Art Committee: Serve as a staff liaison to the Public Art Committee of the Arts & Humanities Commission.

Discernment & Problem Solving: Exercise considerable judgment and initiative to anticipate and solve problems. Rely on extensive experience with multiple public art mediums and as a fabricator of installations to effectively and responsibly trouble shoot situations and problem solve to achieve outcomes that are on time and on budget.

Maintenance: Work closely with the Public Art Specialist on prioritizing maintenance needs of public art collection.

Leadership: In consultation with department leadership, draft Request for Qualifications/Proposals (RFQ/RFP) for upcoming projects, manage selection committee activities, issue artist contracts, coordinate and conduct public outreach efforts, and manage communication between the artist and stakeholders. Assist department leadership in short- and long-range strategic planning, goals and objectives for public art with awareness of and adherence to the initiatives as outlined in Arts Plan 2030 and in the City’s Focused Action Plan.

This is a full-time, exempt position that may require limited nights or weekends.