Manager of Arts & Culture Job Announcement
Department of Administration Division of Arts & Culture Division of Arts & Culture Manager Job Announcement
Role Summary: The mission of the Division of Arts & Culture (DAC) is to enhance the quality of life for all Maplewood residents by fostering a creative community of artists and organizations, creating opportunities for local artists and arts organizations to engage with their community, and ensuring that artistic and cultural experiences are inclusive and accessible to all.
The Manager provides leadership and strategic direction for the Division, articulating and activating the powerful ways arts and culture can build and celebrate our diverse community. The Manager reports to the Township Assistant Business Administrator.
Roles and Responsibilities
Management & Supervision
1. Supervises the event coordinator and other DAC employees in the management and operations of the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, the 1978 Arts Center, Springfield Avenue Gazebo, and The Woodland.
2. Generates facility rental revenue.
3. Administers contracts, prepares budgets, monitors finances, prepares reports, secures community funding, and maintains records and files. Community Engagement 1. Serves as the primary municipal contact for arts and cultural organizations, artists, teachers, government entities, local business groups and others, and fosters their work by providing, when possible, space, technical support and equipment. 2. Serves as the Division’s liaison to the Maplewood Arts Council (an 11-member Advisory Committee appointed by the Maplewood Township Committee) to help realize the Division’s goal of fostering an inclusive, creative community. 3. Seeks out and works with community stakeholders (i.e., local arts organizations) to support their capacity to produce a diverse array of arts and cultural programs, including those that increase community involvement and interest, particularly of underrepresented or underserved people in the community. 4. Works with Township departments to identify and support programming for the various cultural holidays throughout the year
5. Creates a strategic approach to the development and execution of innovative art classes (visual, music, dance/movement, theater, etc.) sponsored by the Township and understands the impact of those classes on local artists/arts teachers in our community.
6. Coordinates concerts and holiday celebrations at the Springfield Avenue Gazebo.
7. Partners with the Maplewood Village Alliance and Springfield Avenue Partnership to strengthen connections between the business and arts/cultural communities and to recruit performers for special events.
8. Recruit community and business sector volunteers to participate in arts and cultural activities.
9. Generates financial support for the Division and arts and cultural activities in Maplewood through individual and business contributions, sponsorships, advertisements, and foundation grants.
Public Relations
1. Designs and executes promotional themes and campaigns designed to reach local and regional audiences.
2. Issues press releases and maintains a relationship with electronic and print media contacts.
3. Maintains a consistent online presence through municipal websites, email listservs, and social media sites.
4. Represents the Township at local, regional, and state artistic and cultural events, conferences and meetings.
Must be able to:
1. Collaborate with the general public, community stakeholders, employees under their supervision, colleagues and the Maplewood Arts Council.
2. Facilitate a wide variety of artistic and cultural programs and events and supervise their promotion.
3. Prepare comprehensive and concise written reports, program descriptions, budget documents, funding proposals and press releases.
4. Speak effectively before diverse groups.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of artistic and cultural activities in Maplewood and identify gaps in programming that need to be addressed.
6. Keep abreast of trends and developments in regional and national arts and cultural matters and recommend new and innovative approaches that will enhance the Division’s operations.
7. Seek out and communicate with artists in the community.
8. Work and meet deadlines with a high degree of independence and minimal supervision.
9. Work a flexible schedule, including attending performances and meetings on weekday evenings and weekends, as needed.
Requirements:
1. A minimum of three years of progressively responsible leadership experience in an arts organization, with non-profit or public sector experience a plus.
2. Graduation from an accredited college or university with specialization arts administration or similar field. Associates degree or greater preferred.
3. A deep commitment to and understanding of how arts and culture can positively impact the community, specifically the community of Maplewood.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail.
5. Knowledge of Maplewood as a whole and its artistic and cultural landscape.
6. Experience with Microsoft software, Canva, web-based calendar programs, and social media outlets.
7. Valid New Jersey driver’s license and a safe driving history. (The candidate will have access to Township vehicles but may also be required to use personal vehicles, for which reimbursement for mileage and tolls will be provided.)
Compensation and Benefits
• Full-time position: 32.5 hours per week with a flexible work schedule
• Health Benefits Available
• Salary range $63,001 to $78,000
The Township of Maplewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Maplewood reserves the right to review applications and conduct interviews as they are received. Send resume and cover letter to the Assistant Business Administrator Miriam R. Perez (mperez@maplewoodnj.gov) by Friday, November 15, 2024, with “Arts & Culture Manager” in the subject line.