Job Number:

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

PROGRAM DIRECTOR – CULTURAL AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS (DCASE)

Programming Division, Performing Arts

Number of Positions: 1

(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $118,128

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 09/26/2024

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago.

DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago.

The Program Director - Cultural Affairs position will direct and manage a team responsible for the curation and programming of Performing Arts Programs in DCASE. This includes music, dance, and theater programs such as the Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Chicago House Music Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, World Music Festival Chicago, Chicago Summer Dance, Taste of Chicago, and other city-sponsored creative arts and cultural programs at the Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park. In this capacity, the position will perform the following duties:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Direct the performing arts staff engaged in the curation and development of music, dance and theater programming at DCASE venues, which include Millennium Park, Grant Park, Chicago Cultural Center, and other locations throughout the city
• Oversee the recruitment, selection, and contracting of local, national, and international artists and performers for DCASE festivals, programs, and events
• Develop and implement program objectives, standards, and processes for various performing arts programs, ensuring compliance and alignment with DCASE’s mission and strategic objectives
• Provide artistic and creative direction for DCASE programs, referencing current trends and best practice standards to reflect the highest quality presentation of music, dance, and theatre including current, classical, popular, and international
• Establish and manage professional networks and working relationships with public and private cultural presenting organizations, individual artists, and city arts communities, and manage frequent communication with these groups on behalf of DCASE
• Direct the preparation of performance budgets, review contracts and invoices for accuracy, and ensure expenses are in alignment with the program or event
• Manage supervisory and professional staff, providing oversight and direction to the development and implementation of various programs and events
• Prepare comprehensive reports with program status and effectiveness, statistical components, and narrative information
• Work with staff to research and write grant proposals and develop partnerships to support program activities and solicit program funding
• Oversee the preparation of promotional materials and the marketing of planned programs and events
• Develop performance standards, conduct employee performance evaluations, and ensure established work objectives and program standards are met
• Perform related duties as assigned

Additional duties may be required for this position

Location: Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)

78 E. Washington St., Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL 60602

Days: Monday – Friday

Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Must be flexible to work some mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel, specifically during

festival/event season.

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

· Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree, plus five (5) years of administrative experience in the area of visual arts, performing arts, creative arts programming, grantmaking, or arts administration of which two (2) years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience, provided that the minimum degree requirement is met

NOTE: You must provide your transcripts or diploma at the time of processing

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview which will include a written exercise as part of the interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral and written parts of the interview will be selected.

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

· Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Arts Administration, Music, Theatre or Dance, or a directly related field

· Previous work experience in performing arts or creative arts programming and/or administration, of which two years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position

· Previous experience leading, managing, or supervising a team or staff responsible for the plan and execution of programs and/or events

· Proficiency in the use of computer software products, Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet)

Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of music, dance, and performing arts programming and arts administration with specific knowledge of major festival and event production.

Abilities: Demonstrated leadership, planning, strategy, and management ability. Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality cultural programs, communicate, and work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds. Commitment to working collaboratively and serving as a team player on projects. Ability to multi-task and think creatively. Advanced knowledge of current trends and best practices in music, dance, and performing and creative arts programming.

Skills: Ability to use knowledge of music, theatre, and dance to develop interesting, dynamic and high-quality cultural programming. Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent writing, presentation and public speaking skills. Excellent organizational skills. Strong collaborator. Strong attention to detail. Computer skills, proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet research. Advanced skills in budgeting, forecasting, timeline management, and math (sufficient to prepare and monitor budgets).

Other requirements: Must be flexible to work some mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel.

Physical requirements: Able to sit, stand, bend, and walk for extended periods of time.

Working Conditions: Work indoors and outdoors in extreme weather conditions and noise. General office environment, using standard office equipment.

APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resource staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow any and all required Employment/Hiring Plan provisions, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience the City of Chicago has adopted the following ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces, and/or residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA) and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates to be referred to departments for consideration. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders, as Collective Bargaining Agreements define the hiring process for bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. To learn more about our hiring practices click here.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor