City and County of Denver · 9 hours ago
Public Art Manager – Collections and Special Projects - Denver Arts and Venues
Denver, CO
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$87K/yr - $115K/yr
5+ years expThe City and County of Denver is seeking a Public Art Manager – Collections/Special Projects to join its dynamic Public Art Team. The role involves managing a small team focused on collections care and overseeing the planning and management of public art projects while supporting the department’s strategic initiatives.
GovernmentHealth CareNon ProfitPublic SafetySecurity
No H1B
Responsibilities
Manage a team of staff and many contractors, demonstrating an ability to coach, motivate and engage direct reports
Provide technical expertise on Collections Care and related issues through assessment, planning, maintenance, and installation of projects
Provide team-wide support in problem solving and strategizing around Public Art projects, and long-term team goals with a focus on collections care
Support the Public Art Director in building and executing policies, processes, decisions, research projects, and long and short-term strategic planning
Perform comprehensive and technical administrative activities related to the public art division including providing leadership, technical expertise and developing long range and short-term planning initiatives and overall goals, objectives, and priorities for the division
Provide consultation on the team-wide development of contracts, RFPs, and financial processes
Build interagency and community relationships to further the team’s goals and address Project Managers’ needs
Oversee and manage the completion of Collections Care and Special Projects
Develop strategies and systems to complete collections management and maintenance in a timely and efficient manner
Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders such as the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), Parks & Recreation (P&R), City’s Department of Finance, and the City Attorney’s Office to improve interagency processes and solve technical issues
Determine effectiveness of team procedures and processes and make improvements
Work in partnership with DAV agency teams including leadership, finance, marketing and capital projects to ensure coordination and completion of all projects on a defined timeline
Research assigned projects to develop and manage a work plan for each artwork, including detailed knowledge of materials, maintenance. budget, timeline, location, and scope
Liaise with members of the City Council and district staff to develop plans and processes for projects within each district and to keep them informed throughout the project
Keep supervisor and leadership informed of all significant project milestones, delays, concerns and developments
Provide timely weekly, monthly and annual reports on projects and processes
Draft and publish Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for each project and assist vendors with project proposals
Initiate and manage complex project contracts and budgets including regular communication with Department of Finance and DAV Finance division
Budget management: plan, execute, and manage all individual project budgets, including project contingency
Invoice management: pay and track vendor invoices
Contract negotiation in partnership with City Attorney’s Office
Ensure contract compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies including Prevailing Wage and Denver Small Business Opportunity program
Archive all project information in collection database
Ensure timely reporting to supervisor, agency and city as required
Submit and obtain (or assist vendors in submitting) all necessary permits and approvals required for city installation and construction projects working with DOTI or other agencies as required
Provide on-site staff, facility teams, engineers and others consultation, coordination and guidance through the artwork maintenance process
Oversee artwork maintenance and onsite project installation in close coordination with stakeholders
Orient and provide technical support to vendors in the public art field
Provide technical expertise to vendors through city contracting process and policy, maintenance, fabrication, construction, and installation of projects
Conduct site visits during project process as needed to ensure project will meet established goals
Develop and execute special research projects, policies, or events, as needed
Make informed, quick decisions weighing all risks
Work on Agency and Citywide initiatives, projects and committees as assigned
Engage in professional development and stay abreast of knowledge about the Public Art field
Perform other related duties as assigned
Ability to work some nights and weekends
Qualification
Required
Education requirement: Bachelor's degree in Arts, Project Management, Public Administration or a closely related field
Experience Requirement: Five (5) years of supervisory, professional and/or technical level experience in Public Art, Placemaking or a closely related field
Education/Experience Equivalency: One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education
Preferred
5+ Years experience in Public Art, Arts Administration, Placemaking and or Art/Design
3+ years experience managing a team, and/or developing strategy, leadership, and process improvements
Master's degree in Arts, Project Management, Public Administration or a closely related field
Experience with project management and maintenance, preferably in a governmental setting
Demonstrated knowledge of the public art field
Experience implementing conflict resolution strategies
Experience in public engagement and facilitation
Ability to handle high volume of concurrent tasks with great attention to detail
Skilled in public speaking with exceptional verbal and written communication skills
Strong skills in problem solving
Knowledge of budgeting principles and practices
Knowledge of various types of contracts, techniques for procurement and contracting, and contract negotiation and administration, preferably in a governmental setting
Technical expertise in construction, maintenance, materials, fabrication, art and design
Experience with collections management and databases
Experience with contract management, compliance, and municipal processes
Experience with and understanding of Denver's diverse communities and demonstrated ability to engage with and develop relationships with these communities
Knowledge of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles
High proficiency with Microsoft and Adobe software applications
Valid Driver's License, as this role requires travel around the metro area
Benefits
A guaranteed life-long monthly pension, once vested after 5 years of service
457B Retirement Plan
140 hours of PTO earned within first year + 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day and 1 volunteer day per year
Competitive medical, dental and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date
Company
City and County of Denver
The City and County of Denver has adopted the ''Adoption of Level Red-Severe Risk'' Public Health Order, as amended by Colorado Public Health.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$2.37MKey Investors
Consumer Product Safety CommissionOpportunity Now ColoradoUS Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administation
2024-07-02Grant· $0.08M
2024-03-19Grant· $1.54M
2023-11-09Grant· $0.75M
Leadership Team
Merlin Namuth
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Recent News
Purchaser Business Group on Health
2025-10-14
2025-09-16
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