Canal Convergence Public Art Coordinator

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Description

SUMMARY

The Canal Convergence Public Art Coordinator is responsible for the end-to-end project management and execution of temporary, light-based public art installations for the annual Canal Convergence event. This role partners closely with the Deputy Director to deliver a high-quality, immersive arts and entertainment experience by coordinating artwork production, installation, event logistics and implementation, and cross-departmental collaboration. The Canal Convergence Event Coordinator serves as a key liaison between artists, internal teams, contractors, and vendors to ensure projects are completed on time, on budget, and aligned with the artistic vision of the event.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Under direction of supervisor)

Project & Artwork Coordination

• Manage the full lifecycle of assigned temporary public art installations, including planning, fabrication oversight, logistics, installation, public engagement, maintenance, and de-installation.
• Coordinate artists' communications from selection through execution, ensuring clarity of expectations, timelines, and deliverables.
• Oversee artwork shipping, storage, and site placement logistics in alignment with site constraints and safety requirements.
• Monitor project timelines and budgets, proactively identifying risks and implementing solutions to ensure successful delivery.

Curation & Artistic Coordination

• Support the Deputy Director in the curatorial process, including artist research, artwork selection, and site placement strategy.
• Contribute to the development of a cohesive artistic vision by evaluating feasibility, audience engagement, and spatial considerations.
• Build and maintain relationships with local, national, and international artists to expand the event's creative network.

Event Operations & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with internal departments (Marketing, Development, Production, and Operations) to ensure seamless integration of artwork, programming, and event logistics.
• Partner with marketing and communications teams to develop accurate and compelling content for web, social media, press, signage, and collateral materials.
• Support overall event operations, including on-site coordination, troubleshooting, and real-time problem solving during installation and event days.

Vendor & Contractor Coordination

• Source, coordinate, and manage vendors, contractors, and installation crews, ensuring work is completed within scope, timeline, and budget.
• Obtain and evaluate bids, rental quotes, and service agreements as needed.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, permitting requirements, and site regulations.

Staffing & On-Site Leadership

• Assist in recruiting, hiring, and training temporary event staff.
• Provide on-site supervision and direction to staff, volunteers, and installation teams during event build and activation.
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented environment during high-pressure event timelines.

Administrative & Financial Support

• Track and reconcile project budgets, process invoices, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Support grant applications, sponsorship materials, and reporting by contributing project details and outcomes.
• Maintain organized project records, timelines, and communication logs.

Creative Planning & Organizational Contribution

• Contribute to brainstorming and long-term planning for future Canal Convergence events and related programming.
• Participate in fundraising and donor engagement activities as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned to support the success of the event and the organization.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Arts Administration, Event Management, Fine Arts, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience considered.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in event productions, public art coordination, project management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with tight timelines and budgets.
• Experience working with artists, fabricators, or creative teams strongly preferred.
• Background in outdoor events, festivals, or public-facing cultural programming highly desirable.

Attributes:

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills and ability to work effectively with artists, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Creative thinker with an appreciation for contemporary public art and audience engagement.
• Ability to problem-solve quickly and effectively in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Financial acumen with experience tracking budgets and managing expenses.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Asana, and/or other project management tools. Experience in design or creative platforms is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a high degree of initiative.

Work Environment:

• This role operates in both office and outdoor event environments, including extended periods on-site during installation and event days.
• Requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours leading up to and during the annual event.
• Ability to lift and move materials up to 45 lbs.
• Must be able to work in varying weather conditions
• This position is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Required to stand on a frequent basis, with walking and sitting as part of daily function. Must be able to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required for the position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to work at heights over 8 feet and occasionally work on the canal (waterway on dock floats). Exposure to moving mechanisms, high, precarious places.

Other requirements:

• Must be age 21 or older.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and driving record which is acceptable to the organization's insurance carrier.
• Use of and operations for scissor lifts, forklifts and aerial lifts. Forklift and aerial lift training can be provided.

Salary Description

$21.00 - $25.00 DOE