City of Tampa

The employee will be responsible for developing and managing the City of Tampa’s Arts & Cultural Affairs initiatives for the residents and visitors of Tampa. This position requires the ability to imagine, construct and bring to fruition cultural programs that are inclusive, broad ranging, firsts-in-the-field-type of projects that enable the character and identity of the city to manifest itself through its art and communities.

This work is of unusual difficulty, requiring knowledge in all levels of art administration and cultural sensitivity. Broad knowledge is required about Tampa, its history, and the humanities. Extensive knowledge and/or experience in the creative fields, their processes, artmaking, intellectual property, public art, mentorships/residencies, conservation, collection maintenance, monument and memorial processes and art education is needed.  Experience in engaging cultural differences within communities, bringing diverse groups together, initiating cultural or public art plans, and sensitivity to the expression of cultural traditions, as well as differences, is required.

The employee works with the city’s executive leadership and cross departmentally with most departments in the city to further the Mayor’s initiatives; fosters partnerships with nonprofits and cultural organizations; works with developers, scholars, and a broad range of creative professionals; seeks supplemental funding as needed and appropriate through grants.

Work is reviewed through conferences, written reports, and observation of outputs and outcomes obtained. Appointed position; employee serves at the pleasure of the Mayor.

The employee will be responsible for developing and managing the City of Tampa’s Art & Culture initiatives and promoting a comprehensive approach to arts and cultural affairs throughout the city. This work is of unusual difficulty, requiring considerable initiative and independent judgement in planning, coordinating, and organizing art and culture efforts.

General

In concert with the Administrator’s Office, represents the City in matters related to arts, culture, history and creative industries in Tampa. 

Leads the development and implementation of a common vision for equitable cultural growth and expression within communities and neighborhoods.

Responsible for building and managing Arts & Cultural Affairs team.

Works cross departmentally, bringing expertise and cultural sensitivity to a wide range of site conditions with diverse community needs.   

Arts & Culture Specific

Leads the City’s vison for connecting Tampa’s neighborhoods and diverse communities to the cultural heritage and conditions that are specific to Tampa

Remains up to date and aware of trends, materials, conditions, opportunities for art and culture in Tampa. Has familiarity with federal, state, and county financing. Works with developers and private property owners to help them realize their vision.

Develops partnerships with other agencies including arts, educational, governmental to assure quality and reach; leverages existing projects where possible and helps educate community on collaborative benefits

Advocates for artists, works to foster a strong creative community; promotes Tampa’s creative industries within and outside of the city.

Ability to curate and write about a body of work as a cohesive vision; promote tourism

Collaborates with other Departments on topics such as: public realm improvements; streetscapes; mobility solutions and facilities; matters concerning the Riverwalk development and improvement; and development related to parks, arts, and recreation.

 Administration 

Maintains databases and reporting systems to monitor and evaluate progress, outputs and impact.

Participates in intradepartmental performance improvement initiatives to enhance arts and cultural affairs efforts.

Performs related work as required.

Comprehensive knowledge of: Arts and Cultural management standards for best practices; city procedures and processes specifically concerning parks, planning, and mobility practices; an awareness of the current critical discourse—the issues, history, trends in contemporary cultural expression; knowledge of how artists work and what their needs are; comprehensive understanding of cultural conditions nationally and Tampa’s place in those conditions.  

Extensive knowledge of and proven experience in successfully executing: creative, one of a kind programs that engage community, create civic and community pride, and help communities find and understand their culture and neighborhood. 

Ability to: plan, assign, manage, and coordinate the work of others in a manner that promotes full performance; think strategically and participate as part of a team; write and speak clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and prepare analytical and technical reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, directors, managers and employees, business leaders, community leaders, officials of other governmental organizations, representatives of public and private organizations, and the general public.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in Art History, Art Management, Museum Studies, or a related field and seven (7) years of experience in a lead role.   

Demonstrated success in community building and in working with diverse stakeholders; and three (3) years of public sector managerial experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid driver’s license required.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.