Public Art Project Manager

Position Title: Public Art Project Manager

Reports to: Director of Public Art and Placemaking
Location: Chicago, IL
Status: Full-time, Exempt

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 Manager (PAPM) will play a central role in the planning, coordination, and delivery of CPAG's major public art projects. Reporting to the Director of Public Art and Placemaking and working in collaboration with CPAG artists, community stakeholders, fabricators, architects, and municipal partners, the PAPM will ensure all projects are completed on time, on budget, and in alignment with CPAG's mission and standards of artistic excellence.

This is a full-time, on-site position. It is not hybrid or remote. The role requires frequent off-site meetings and site visits throughout the year. Employment includes benefits and is contingent on ongoing performance and organizational needs.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

• Oversee active public art projects across various stages, from design development to installation
• Coordinate artist schedules, deliverables, and fabrication timelines
• Interface with government agencies, community partners, and contractors to facilitate permitting, compliance, and approvals
• Develop and monitor project budgets, timelines, and reporting schedules
• Support contract drafting and documentation in collaboration with CPAG staff and legal counsel

Community & Partner Engagement

• Serve as a liaison between CPAG, neighborhood partners, and municipal agencies
• Organize and facilitate stakeholder meetings and public forums when required
• Ensure project alignment with community input, public art best practices, and equitable development goals

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain up-to-date records, including but not limited to design approvals, maintenance protocols, and insurance documentation
• Ensure artists, vendors, and installers are compliant with all safety, licensing, and labor requirements
• Contribute to final reports and project evaluations for funders, partners, and city stakeholders

Qualifications

Required

• 3–5 years of experience in public art project management, cultural planning, or urban arts coordination
• Proven ability to manage complex timelines, budgets, and multi-stakeholder relationships
• Excellent communication, organization, and multitasking skills
• Working knowledge of public art commissioning, artist contracts, and municipal processes
• Comfort collaborating in diverse, multidisciplinary, and intergenerational settings
• Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation

Preferred

• Knowledge of Chicago's public art landscape and familiarity with CPAG's legacy and artist network
• Experience in construction environments, art handling, or working alongside architectural teams
• Fluency in budgeting tools and project management platforms (e.g., Airtable, Asana, ClickUp, Excel)
• Bilingual or multilingual applicants encouraged

Key Attributes for Success

• Collaborative leadership with a solutions-focused mindset
• Cultural sensitivity and deep respect for artist-led community processes
• Adaptability in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments
• A 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 2–3 relevant project samples. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through September 10, 2025.

CPAG is an equal opportunity employer.