A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

OFFICE OF ARTS, CULTURE AND THE CREATIVE ECONOMY

The Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) closes the gap in access to quality cultural experiences and creative expression by supporting and promoting arts, culture and the creative industries; connecting Philadelphians to enriching, arts-infused experiences; linking local artists and cultural organizations to resources and opportunities; commissioning public art which reflects the diversity of Philadelphia and its rich cultural landscape, and preserving the City’s public art assets.

OACCE oversees the City’s Percent for Art Program which was started in Philadelphia in 1959 and requires that one percent of the budget of a City-funded construction project is designated for site-specific public art. Philadelphia’s Percent for Art Program is a model that has been replicated in cities across the country, reflecting the importance of having art in our public spaces and in our daily lives. The Program commissions beautiful and enduring artworks, which reflect the diversity of Philadelphia’s residents and visitors, its many histories, and the variety of public spaces in Philadelphia’s communities

REBUILD PHILADELPHIA

Rebuild is a historic investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in neighborhood parks, recreation centers and libraries across Philadelphia. Proposed in Mayor Jim Kenney’s first budget as a part of his vision for a more equitable Philadelphia, Rebuild’s promise to acknowledge history, engage the community and invest intentionally, seeks to uplift pivotal community spaces, empower neighborhoods, and promote economic opportunity through diversity and inclusion.

OACCE seeks a full time Percent for Art Project Manager who will be assigned to manage specific Percent for Art projects. This position will support an increase in the City’s Percent For Art projects due to Philadelphia’s Rebuild program, a historic capital investment in the city’s community facilities which have triggered Percent for Art requirements. Under supervision, the Percent for Art Project Manager will be responsible for managing aspects of the day-to-day tasks that will lead to successful, permanent, site-specific public art installations at these and other City-owned sites. The Percent for Art Project Manager will report to the Public Art Director and will work closely with both the Public Art Director and Assistant Public Art Director to successfully complete tasks. The job includes coordinating artists submissions, managing meetings and communications with artists and Percent for Art Committees, preparing materials for community engagement and speaking at events with the public.

Essential Functions

• Function as the project manager, day to day point of contact, and liaison between artists, design professionals, and City departments on assigned Rebuild Percent for Art projects and other public art projects.
• Assist with coordination and facilitation of special public art projects as needed, including assisting with community outreach and engagement, correspondence with artists and project committees, and assisting with projects related to conservation and collection management of the City of Philadelphia’s 1000+ works of public art.
• Work with project design teams to identify appropriate locations for incorporating site-specific public art  within projects, and work with artists to conform their concept to the technical parameters of the site.
• Speak at public meetings or workshops, both in-person and virtual, to share information about the Percent for Art Program and about specific opportunities with Philadelphia’s diverse communities.
• Manage ongoing correspondence, coordination activities, meetings and approval of artwork at specific milestones. Schedule and prepare materials for meetings with the design team, Percent for Art Committees, artists, community engagement sessions, and the Philadelphia Art Commission.
• Draft Percent for Art Call to Artists, distribute via web, email, and partner organizations, and respond to questions from artist candidates.
• Draft press releases and various types of correspondence.
• Research and invite committee members to serve on the Percent for Art Committee as part of the selection process for assigned projects.
• Organize artists’ digital submissions, create Power Point presentations, and prepare materials to facilitate the artist selection process;
• Design surveys, questionnaires or other print and digital materials for community engagement.
• Organize, summarize and track results from community engagement meetings and surveys, and Percent for Art Committee adjudication. Track artist submissions data, project data, and update Public Art database with project details.

• Complete other duties as needed.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Has a passion for public engagement and is comfortable with public speaking and managing public discourse in diverse, urban communities,
• Pro-active, self-directed, and shows an enthusiasm to take on new projects,
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated and creative,
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal),
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects simultaneously,
• Experience in planning, budgeting, reporting, and tracking project milestones,
• Ability to effectively work under pressure to meet deadlines,
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team,
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office,
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
• Knowledge and familiarity with Philadelphia’s neighborhoods is a plus.

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week. Our team is currently hybrid with three remote work days and two in-office days per week, however the position can opt to come in the office each day if desired.

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent educational experience is required. The ideal candidate will have a minimum 2 years of project management experience. Experience in the arts and culture sector is a plus. Experience with community outreach and engagement is a plus. Must have valid driver’s license. Candidate must pass a background check. Must be able to work a hybrid combination of remote and on-site at a City of Philadelphia government building. Position requires a high level of mental concentration and commitment. Position requires travel to project sites and meetings throughout the city.

To apply, please upload a resume, cover letter, 3 samples of projects you have managed, and 2 writing samples (one page each).

Application deadline: February 26, 2023

Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Please note that effective September 1, 2021 the City of Philadelphia is requiring all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19. 

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx