Job Posting: Manager, Arts Programs – Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY, NY)

Manager, Arts Programs 

SALARY: Min: $70,993 Mid: $88,666 DEPT/DIV: MTA Arts & Design SUPERVISOR: Deputy Director, MTA Arts & Design LOCATION: 2 Broadway HOURS OF WORK: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (7.5 hours/day) SUMMARY: This position is responsible for providing high quality public visual and performing art including music, graphic posters, poetry, photography and performance to create a customer-friendly environment that is inviting and secure, resulting in an unmatched level of goodwill, and positive feedback from the ridership throughout the MTA network. Specifically, the Manager is responsible for providing professional level project management in planning, implementing, and evaluating multiple projects within the Percent for Art Program. From initial stages of site planning to project completion and conservation, in concert with capital construction staff and consultants, the Manager serves as the departmental coordinator and design representative for MTA Agency projects (Capital Construction, Metro-North, LIRR,Staten Island Railway, New York City Bus, Bridges and Tunnels). The Manager is the expert and responsible for artwork conservation for the Percent for Art collection and for architectural review. RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Organize and lead high quality competitive artist selection process following fair procurement practice to coincide with new capital construction or station projects. Identify and engage professional panel members and invite community representatives and elected officials to participate; liaise with community affairs staff, community members and elected officials in coordination with appropriate MTA agency to achieve appropriate support and approvals.
  • Commission approximately 10 capitally funded projects annually; oversee approximately 10-15 percent for art projects on an on-going basis. Negotiate and prepare contracts, guide artist and procurement/legal departments through contract negotiations and bid solicitations as needed through MTA Board approval. Monitor construction progress on each project, problem-solve engineering and technical design issues in coordination with construction and design managers and consultants from MTA agencies for capitally funded projects that must be delivered on time and within budget.
  • Communicate and collaborate with the project, architectural and engineering teams including agency staff, and projectrelated consultants and contractors; oversee artists’ work throughout design, fabrication, delivery and installation phases; report on federal grants as necessary.
  • Coordinate and lead department efforts to survey, assess, analyze, creatively problem-solve, expertly maintain, repair and document a growing and aging collection of more than 250 permanent artwork assets with a value totaling more than $12 million throughout the MTA network spanning 5,000 square miles.
  • Provide consultation to staff for siting, material selection and life-span conservation of new projects. On an annual basis, coordinate with internal staff, interns and consultants to create and implement a conservation plan.
  • Coordinate with all MTA operating agencies to guarantee that permanent public artwork and design standards are incorporated into each eligible capital program project to enhance the MTA system and provide positive feedback from ridership

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Professional knowledge of public art, design and architecture, and the related issues of integration;
  • Strong project management experience including the knowledge of and familiarity with technical issues for art integration and materials; and construction and urban design principles and terminology
  • Proven experience and expertise in conservation and related preservation fields.
  • Strong technical knowledge and experience in computer database and record-keeping programs and their use to develop and maintain the conservation database
  • Solid, successful experience in project administration, including overseeing budgets
  • Good working knowledge of duties in managing and maintaining a medium-sized art collection;
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills;
  • Ability to work independently yet participate in the department’s overall administrative requirements as a collaborative team player;
  • Strong design background;
  • Excellent oral presentation skills;
  • Exceptional writing skills; proven ability to write white papers, analysis, editorial, meeting minutes and related project status reports;
  • Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, iWork and MS Office; experience in Oracle Peoplesoft, preferred
  • Excellent, professional, interpersonal skills and sense of humor;
  • Knowledge of public agency administration/organization; and an appreciation for the role of public transportation in a vibrant metropolitan region
  • Knowledge of fundraising techniques and sources.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred, or equivalent in experience in Arts Administration, Art Education, Visual Arts, Art History or Art Conservation;
  • Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience working with arts organizations and artists;
  • Ability to lift 25 lbs.

OTHER INFORMATION As an employee of MTA Headquarters you may be required to complete an annual financial disclosure statement with the State of New York, if your position earns more than $90,020.00 (this figure is subject to change) per year or if the position is designated as a policy maker. TO APPLY: Please Visit http://www.mta.info/mta/employment/ .  Select Jobs at “MTA Headquarters” and search by Job Title “Manager, Arts Programs”   MTA is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/V/D