With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

Agency Description

The Office of Arts, Culture and The Creative Economy (OACCE)  closes the gap in access to quality cultural experiences and creative expression through the support and promotion of arts, culture and the creative industries; connects Philadelphians to enriching, arts-infused experiences; links local artists and cultural organizations to resources and opportunities; and preserves the City’s public art assets. For more information, visit http://creativephl.org/.

The Community Arts Coordinator (CAC) is responsible for planning, developing, and coordinating of all neighborhood arts and cultural initiatives presented and supported by the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) including its Arts in Action program area. One of OACCE’s most successful and inclusive program areas, Arts in Action present 70-80 free, quality cultural experiences such as music and theater performances, and art making in neighborhoods across the city every year. The CAC is the neighborhood ambassador for OACCE and its initiatives; activating public spaces, engaging residents, and supporting local artists and performers.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain effective communications and strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders including: residents, neighborhood groups, local artists, and other City departments
• Serve as the point of contact for other City departments interested in including performing arts in agency events and activities as needed.
• Schedule, contract, and provide technical assistance related to presentation of arts and culture activities
• Coordinate Arts in Action programming with local artists and arts organizations that encourages creativity, vibrancy, and use of neighborhood public spaces throughout the city of Philadelphia through the following programs:
  • Performances in Public Spaces
  • Culture in Neighborhoods
  • Creative Avenues

• Establish efficient and effective processes for continued arts programming in Philadelphia’s public spaces
• Work with the Assistant Director to determine opportunities to improve the application and administrative processes related to the above programs.
• Work closely with community partners and residents to develop and support projects where applicable
• Maintain relevant online forms and database of artists
• In partnership with OACCE program staff, develop marketing materials to promote the above programs and their schedules.

Training and Experience: Bachelor Degree or comparable combination of education and experience are preferred. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years of experience in arts and culture programming, preferably in music and/or performing arts.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

The Community Arts Coordinator has an interest in and knowledge of the arts, and demonstrates a passion for extending meaningful cultural experiences throughout Philadelphia neighborhoods. Demonstrated ability to effectively work under pressure and changing priorities to meet deadlines is essential. Additionally, candidates must have:

• Demonstrated success in event planning and/or arts programming, including knowledge of the requirements necessary for a safe and successful event
• Experience in: budgeting, audience development, and program evaluation
• Knowledge of the local arts and culture ecosystem, especially a familiarity with small-to-medium sized arts and cultural groups
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Ability to multi-task and monitor multiple projects simultaneously
• Proven ability to lead outlined activities with little supervision
• Critical thinking skills with ability to learn quickly
• Experience interacting with the public and communicating to groups and in front of large crowds
• Experience working with community groups, residents, organizations
• Passion for community development and community-driven work

TO APPLY - Submit a cover letter, resume, 3 writing samples (no more than 5 pages total) and 3 references, including at least 1 that can speak to your performance in an arts-related capacity.

COMPENSATION - Compensation is an annual salary of $40,000 and includes an excellent benefits package (health, dental, and vision). This is a full-time exempt position. Evening work is required approximately twice a month, with the possibility for additional evening hours during program-heavy months.

Philadelphia residency is not required at the time of application. Once hired, employees have six months to move into and maintain residency in the City of Philadelphia as a condition of employment.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age,disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to pchr@ phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website at: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations