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

Mural Arts Philadelphia is the largest public art initiative of its kind, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For over 30 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative and equitable process, creating nearly 4,000 artworks that have transformed public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts aims to empower people, stimulate dialogue, and build bridges of understanding with projects that attract artists from Philadelphia and around the world and programs that focus on youth education, restorative justice, mental health and wellness, and public art preservation. Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the inspiring stories behind Mural Arts’ iconic and unparalleled collection, which has earned Philadelphia worldwide recognition as the “City of Murals.”

Mural Arts seeks a Director of Mural Operations. This individual is essential to the execution of the day-to-day operations of the organization. They are responsible for overseeing the ongoing maintenance of the collection and the lots, gardens, and parks they overlook; supervising the City of Philadelphia labor crew tasked with carrying out site preparation and mural maintenance; developing and managing vendor contracts and relationships.  Lead, manage, and staff the Mural Operations team to efficiently and safely ensure that each mural's artistic vision is realized and maintained for the long-term.  Carefully assesses all potential mural sites, evaluating the conditions and helping Project Managers estimate and understand the cost of what needs to happen to prepare the sites.  The Director of Mural Operations      coordinates with internal team members and contractors to insure the timely completion of high-quality murals.  Continually research, evaluate and field-test new products and techniques to improve the look, ease of implementation, and longevity of the murals and train staff on their application.  This individual prepares and is accountable for the design and execution of detailed project plans with clear timeframes.

Mural Arts seeks candidates who value and demonstrate the following core competencies: committed problem solving, deep thinking & fearless creation, inquisitive learning, thoughtful communication, mindful collaboration, personal accountability, and a commitment to actively prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace.

This is a full-time City of Philadelphia paid position and reports to the Chief Operating Officer at Mural Arts.

Interested applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to Isaac Faller, Project Management and Operations Administrator, at [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until a hire is made.

Essential Functions

• Direct, organize and monitor operations and on-site production of 100+ public art projects annually.
• Oversee all aspects of contract management for wall preparation and cleaning, landscape needs, structural repairs, and project-specific installation requirements.
• Manage maintenance and clean-up for the entire collection of murals (3500+).
• Establish and implement operations policies, protocols, and procedures to ensure projects are installed safely and efficiently, liability is limited, and ongoing maintenance is proactive and low intervention.
• Supervise a department of five (5) laborers, and work regularly and closely with staff, Executive Team, program directors, and project managers.
• Lead efforts in safety training and skill sharing for Artists, Installers, and Project Managers – establish a schedule for themed-trainings, internal presentations for case studies, coordinate training with outside vendors as necessary, and additional skill building and knowledge sharing.
• Direct inventory of over $3,000,000 in supplies and equipment annually, and departmental budget of approximately $45,000 each fiscal year.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, independently, and efficiently with numerous deadlines.
• Coordinate multi-stakeholder relationships with parties, including project managers, businesses, community groups and members, local government, artists, suppliers, and contractors.
• Manage fleet of seven (7) City of Philadelphia vehicles; parking, maintenance, and repair scheduling.
• Serve as liaison between city government and city employees on MAP staff.
• This position requires a significant amount of lifting, carrying, moving heavy equipment, using a ladder regularly, and painting equipment.
• Occasionally provide consulting services to public art organizations across the country through the Mural Arts Institute.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Organized and methodical approach to work.
• Strong analytical abilities and commitment to problem-solving.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively to meet departmental goals.
• Management skills.
• Residency in the City of Philadelphia.

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 40 hours per week. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days.

• HS or equivalent and 3-5 years of experience in construction or a related field.
• A basic knowledge of masonry, carpentry, scaffold erection, color mixing, general artistic skills/ knowledge a plus.
• Valid Driver's License and the ability to drive City of Philadelphia vehicles.
• The ability to work at heights, general painting / artistic skills

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume to Isaac Faller, Project Management and Operations Administrator, at [email protected].

Applications will be accepted until a hire is made.

Salary Range: $70,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

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

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

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