Job Listing: Public Art Administrative Coordinator (City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs)

VIRGINIA BEACH PUBLIC ART ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR

(City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department)

Public Art Administrative Coordinator (City Title: Administrative Specialist II)

Cultural Affairs Department

MUST APPLY THROUGH THE CITY’S WEBSITE (https://virginiabeach.gov/careers): click Position Description for a direct link

The City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department is seeking a highly organized, arts-focused project coordinator to serve as the Public Art Administrative Coordinator supporting the City’s expanding public art program. This position is ideal for someone with experience in arts administration, exhibitions coordination, gallery or museum operations, or public-facing cultural projects, especially in a municipal government, nonprofit, or academic setting.

This role works under the direction of the Public Art Manager and Deputy Director and provides critical behind-the-scenes support to ensure that public art projects, installations, and gallery exhibitions run smoothly, on time, and in compliance with city processes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

Project & Contract Coordination

• Support the planning and execution of public art installations, including coordinating with artists, vendors, and contractors.
• Track project timelines, deliverables, and budgets; assist with procurement and contract processing in accordance with City policies and procedures.
• Coordinate logistics with fabricators, city departments, and external partners.

 Gallery Management & Collections

• Support exhibition rotations for the Sandler Center Art Gallery, including application review, scheduling, installation, and receptions.
• Conduct condition assessments of the city’s permanent public art collection and maintain maintenance records.

• Administrative & Committee Support
• Prepare materials and documentation for Public Art Committee meetings; assist with scheduling and follow-up.
• Maintain organized records, project files, and calendars for multiple concurrent projects.

 Budget & Reporting

• Assist with invoice processing, budget tracking, and financial documentation in collaboration with the Public Art Manager.
• Contribute to departmental updates, reports, and documentation for internal use.

 Outreach & Communications

• Help write and distribute Calls for Artists and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• Contribute content for the City’s public art website, blog, and social media (in collaboration with marketing staff).
• Assist with occasional outreach events, community info sessions, and artist briefings.

Research & Best Practices

• Research materials, fabricators, public art best practices, and peer city programs to support project planning and innovation.

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

Preferences:    

• A combination of education beyond high school and/or experience totaling six (6) years in a relevant field, such as arts administration, exhibitions coordination, public art, museum/gallery operations, visual arts, or cultural programs
• Demonstrated experience in project management, public art, arts administration, or contract management, preferably within a government or public sector setting
• Project Management Skills: ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget
• Familiarity with public art, exhibition processes, artist calls, art fabrication, installation
• Experience working within governmental, municipal, or institutional systems that require adherence to formal procedures and ability to follow structured City procedures and comply with city procurement, contracting and invoicing requirements
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and cloud-based file management systems
• Communication Skills: Excellent writing, editing and public speaking skills
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities while working efficiently, both autonomously and with a team
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required

Starting Salary: $51,702.43

This is a non-exempt position, classified as a G23 on the City of Virginia Beach General Pay Plan.

Submission Deadline: Position open until filled. Initial review of applicants will begin August 6, 2025.

Official City job description: https://virginia-beach-departments-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/city/job-descriptions-pay-plans/Administrative-Specialist-II-01815.pdf#xd_co_f=YTNmYzA5ZTMtZjVlNC00NzA3LThiZjUtNzIwNzU0ZmM4NWRi~