Airport Art Program Manager, Public Art

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, you’ll find a workplace culture that thrives on diversity and is anchored in our collective mindsets: collaboration, empathy, inclusivity, thoughtful decision-making, active listening, and always believing the best in people. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN:

• Location:  The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
• Hybrid Work Schedule: We offer a flexible hybrid schedule, with an opportunity for remote work based on operational requirements, while supporting both in-office collaboration and remote productivity. 
• Salary: The hiring salary for Airport Art Program Manager is starting at 97,781. The full pay range for Airport Art Program Manager is $83,574-$133,718.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), annual employer funded Lifestyle Spending Account which you can use to invest in your personal development and growth activities, parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan, 457 defined contribution plan, and more!
• Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.
• Application Deadline: November 18, 2024.

About the Job:

The Marketing, Arts & Air Service Development team is seeking a visionary and adaptable Airport Arts Program Manager with a focus on Public Art. As a key member of the Arts Program team, this individual will lead the creation and implementation of high-impact public art installations across SAN’s campus, providing travelers with a unique cultural experience that celebrates the vibrant spirit of San Diego.

The ideal candidate will manage the entire lifecycle of diverse art projects—from initial concept through to installation—coordinating closely with artists, contractors, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration into the airport environment. With a strong foundation in project management and a deep passion for public art, this is an exciting opportunity for someone who can navigate the complexities of an airport setting while making a lasting impact on the aesthetic and cultural experience at one of San Diego’s most recognized public spaces.

What You’ll Do:

• Oversee Public Art Projects and Contracts - Manages Airport Public Art projects, ensuring timely completion and budget adherence. Negotiates contracts with artists and vendors.
• Research and Site Recommendations - Identifies future public art opportunities and sites aligned with the arts master plan, recommending projects that enhance the airport’s cultural presence.
• Ensure Compliance and Collaboration - Coordinates with internal teams, permitting bodies, and public art networks to meet regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Manage Arts Program Administration - Organizes and administers assigned arts program areas, overseeing project timelines and budget management to ensure successful completion.
• Coordinate Project Meetings and Submission Processes - Facilitates project meetings with artists, contractors, and staff. Prepares and manages Calls for Submissions, RFQs, and RFPs as required.
• Lead Community Engagement - Oversees community involvement processes, including workshops, meetings, and outreach programs that foster public support for the Airport’s arts initiatives.
• Support the Arts Advisory Committee - Provides assistance to the Airport Arts Advisory Committee through guidance and supervision, ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Direct Art Maintenance and Conservation - Develops and implements maintenance and conservation plans for the Authority’s public art collection to ensure long-term preservation.

The Skills We Are Looking For:

1. Project Management - Competently determines processes to achieve project strategy; verifies project efficiency and collaboration to ensure timely completion.
2. Communication: To proficiently and tactfully exchange and interpret information verbally and in writing, facilitate, persuade and complete presentations.
3. Critical Thinking: Critically reviews and translates business requirements, data and information to specify solutions or alternative practice in support of business objectives and strategies. 
4. Problem-Solving/Agility: Use of effective judgement and self-direction to analyze situation, factors and collaboratively generate solution, readily adapts behavior or new work methods, evolving and unexpected situations.
5. Relationship Management: Builds and maintains relations with stakeholders, identifies and relates information, ideas and problems, champion’s initiatives and ideas based on collaborative solutions.

The Experience You Need to Have**:

• Five years of progressively responsible experience involving the development, management, coordination or administration of civic or community-based arts & culture programs, public or fine arts programs, cultural events management, or arts education programs; and any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in art, art history, arts administration, business administration, public administration or a closely related field.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy.

Preferred Education, Certification, and Licenses:

• Graduate degree in architecture, arts, arts administration, cultural management, construction management, public art studies, or a closely related field.
• Professional certifications related to architecture, construction, or project management: 
• General Contractor License
• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)

**Lacking some of the skills or experiences we've listed? No worries! Here at the San Diego International Airport, we're on a mission to cultivate a workforce as dynamic and diverse as the community we serve. While certain roles may require specific qualifications, we understand that talent comes in many forms. Some of our positions may not require specific degrees, and we're always open to individuals who bring a willingness to learn and a commitment to excellence. If you think this could be you, we encourage you to apply, and even if this position isn't the right role for you, we will add you to our database to consider for other opportunities in the future that align with your unique knowledge and skills. There's a chance we have the perfect spot for you to land!

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.