Administrative Specialist II

The City of Virginia Beach seeks a Public Arts Specialist with junior-level project manager, arts or public administrator experience to assist in overseeing the successful execution of public art projects for the City of Virginia Beach’s Cultural Affairs Department. The selected candidate will have strong project and contract management skills, exceptional organization, and time management skills to successfully create and manage maintenance schedules, timelines for public art projects, and communication with multiple departments and arts professionals. In addition to the development of new pieces of public art, the City’s Public Art Program also is responsible for the City’s public art maintenance program and Sandler Center gallery curation.

Essential Functions:

·         Project and Contract Management: Assist 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 their deliverables in accordance with city contracts, ensuring high-quality and impactful art throughout the city. Working with architects, engineers, fabricators, and other vendors to see projects from concept to creation. 

·         Administrative Support: Conduct site visits to complete condition reports, manage gallery application process, scheduling and reception coordination; maintain schedules and files ; provide support to Public Art Committee. 

·         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.

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

·         Stakeholder Coordination:  Assist in coordinating 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.

·         Research & Analysis: Research comparable municipalities & maintain awareness of best practices in public art & placemaking.  Research project-related elements including fabricators, suppliers, processes, materials and logistics.

·         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.

·       This is a full-time non-exempt position that may require limited nights and weekends.