Public Art Project Coordinator

Position Title: Public Art Project Coordinator (PAPC)
Reports to: Director of Public Art and Placemaking
Location: Chicago, IL
Status: Full-time Contract

About Chicago Public Art Group

Chicago Public Art Group (CPAG) has been at the forefront of community-based public art for over five decades. We foster collaborations between artists and communities to create powerful public artworks that reflect and reshape our collective story. Through murals, mosaics, sculptures, and experimental new media installations, CPAG is a steward of Chicago's cultural memory and civic imagination.

We are entering a new phase of growth, with strategic commitments to innovation, equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This includes major public commissions, legacy conservation efforts, and strategic partnerships across civic, educational, and cultural institutions. Join us as we expand CPAG's presence and impact locally, nationally, and globally.

Role Overview

The Public Art Project Coordinator (PAPC) supports the planning, logistics, and delivery of CPAG's public art projects. Working closely with the Public Art Project Manager, CPAG artists, community partners, fabricators, and municipal stakeholders, the PAPC keeps projects on schedule, maintains accurate documentation, and ensures sites and stakeholders are prepared at each phase. The role is artist-first, detail-accurate, and service-oriented.

This is a full-time, on-site contract-to-hire role with an initial three-month term. It is not hybrid or remote and will require frequent off-site meetings and site visits throughout the year. Upon successful completion of the initial term, a regular full-time offer may be extended with a comprehensive benefits package. Employment is contingent on performance and organizational needs.

Key Responsibilities

Project Coordination and Execution

• Support active projects from design development through installation, maintaining calendars, task lists, and run-of-show documents
• Prepare agendas, capture notes, and track action items across internal and external teams
• Draft purchase orders and vendor agreements; process invoices; reconcile line items against approved budgets
• Coordinate permits, certificates of insurance, deliveries, access, equipment, and jobsite readiness in collaboration with the Project Manager
• Assist with samples, mockups, materials logs, and quality-control checklists; help stage and prep for installs

Community and Partner Engagement

• Serve as day-to-day contact for artists regarding logistics, travel, lodging, per diems, and materials sourcing
• Schedule and support stakeholder meetings, studio visits, public forums, and walkthroughs; provide hospitality for clients, partners, and VIPs
• Maintain and update artist roster, bios, portfolios, and availability; help coordinate selection panels and review sessions

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain complete, current project files including approvals, shop drawings, warranties, maintenance plans, and closeout binders
• Collect and track W-9s, COIs, permits, and safety documentation; monitor vendor compliance
• Document progress with photo and video; manage releases and metadata; contribute to reports for funders and municipal partners
• Steward CPAG studio, storage, and equipment; manage inventories and check-out systems and liaise with vendors for repairs and supplies

Qualifications

Required

• 2 to 4 years of experience in public art, arts administration, architecture or design, fabrication, construction, or project coordination
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple timelines, vendors, and stakeholders
• Working knowledge of procurement, permitting, insurance and certificates of insurance, and basic jobsite safety practices
• Familiarity with public art commissioning and municipal processes
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and project tools such as Airtable, Clickup, Asana, or Trello; strong file and version control habits
• Excellent written and verbal communication; culturally responsive and community minded
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation; ability to support occasional physical tasks on site

Preferred

• Knowledge of Chicago's public art ecosystem and CPAG's artist network
• Experience with art handling, fabrication vendors, or coordination alongside architects and engineers
• Basic proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud and visualization tools such as SketchUp or CAD
• Bilingual or multilingual applicants encouraged

Key Attributes for Success

• Artist-first service orientation with a solutions-focused mindset
• Detail-accurate, deadline-driven, and calm under pressure
• Clear, proactive communicator with strong follow-through
• Commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusive public engagement

To Apply

Submit your application through our online form at https://forms.gle/Kd3YrYyF8kZBNRkn9 by September 10, 2025. The form will allow you to upload your resume, brief statement of interest, and one to two relevant coordination samples (for example, schedules, logistics plans, or closeout documents). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through September 10, 2025.

CPAG is an equal opportunity employer.