Cultural Space Project Manager

Cultural Space Project Manager 3.7 3.7 out of 5 stars Washington State $51.88 - $77.82 an hour - Full-time City of Seattle 241 reviews $51.88 - $77.82 an hour - Full-time Position Description Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS) works to build a more vibrant, connected, and equitable city, one where artists and cultural organizations can thrive in place. With renewed investments, expanded community partnerships, and a clear strategic direction, we are advancing programs that strengthen cultural infrastructure, prevent displacement, and keep arts and culture rooted in our neighborhoods. Within ARTS, the Creative Placemaking Division supports arts-based community development that shapes and sustains places where Seattle's creative community can flourish. We bring together work in cultural space, Arts & Cultural Districts, place-based arts activations, and the creative economy to support both placemaking and placekeeping. Guided by the City's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI), we collaborate across sectors and alongside communities to integrate arts and culture into local planning, foster community development, and strengthen the cultural anchors that help neighborhoods remain rooted in place. Through the Cultural Space program, we preserve, create, and activate cultural square footage; support artists and cultural organizations in planning for the future of their spaces; and work with developers to incorporate arts and culture into new projects. As the Cultural Space Project Manager , you will play an important role in this work by overseeing the Cultural Facilities Fund and Arts & Cultural Districts programs, cultivating strong community and district partnerships, and managing the programs, budgets, and processes that keep Seattle's cultural spaces vibrant and accessible! Job Responsibilities Here's more of what you'll be doing: Day-to-day project management : Facilitate grant selection processes, organize community peer-review panels, and ensure equitable distribution of funding. Support grantees : Provide applicants and awardees with technical assistance, project development support, and contract compliance guidance. Develop and manage resources : Gather, maintain, and present information on navigating City processes, supporting or expanding cultural space, and accessing cultural space assets and resources. Coordinate partnerships : Work with the Seattle Arts Commission, City departments, and community partners to implement programs.

Grant and contract oversight:

Negotiate awardee contracts, collect final reports, and process invoices for grant-funded projects. Community engagement : Build relationships with artists, cultural organizations, and the public, ensuring broad and equitable participation in funding opportunities.

Program development and administration:

Manage budgets, schedules, program design, and evaluation to ensure program success and compliance. Outreach and communications : Prepare blog posts, memos, reports, and presentations for community groups and elected officials, and participate in community outreach efforts on behalf of the department. Please note this job ad is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Qualifications We know that no candidate will meet every qualification, and that is not the expectation. We value transferable skills, lived experience, growth mindsets, and nontraditional career paths. If you are excited about this work and bring a blend of the qualities below, we want to hear from you!

Experience and skills in:

Grant management, arts administration, project management, and/or a closely related field Contract oversight, budgeting, and compliance within grant programs Work involving place-based initiatives such as urban planning, transportation, neighborhood planning, or cultural infrastructure Managing projects related to arts funding, cultural facilities, or community development Community outreach, coalition building, and engaging with underrepresented communities Writing for varied audiences, including legislation, memos, and public-facing communications Navigating complex systems and translating technical information for non-technical audiences Ability to: Build trusting, collaborative relationships with culturally diverse communities Work alongside partners to align goals and deliver shared outcomes Organize complex projects, manage timelines, and balance multiple priorities Synthesize community input, data, and program insights into clear, actionable recommendations Maintain strong organization and attention to detail Navigate technology, learn new systems, and provide technical assistance to constituents A passion for: Advancing racial equity and preventing displacement in cultural communities Strengthening the cultural life of Seattle neighborhoods Supporting artists, cultural organizations, and place-based creativity Additional Information This full-time, salaried position is classified as a Strategic Advisor 1, Exempt-L17, and reports to the Creative Placemaking Division Director. This role is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Seattle and PROTEC17- Strategic Advisor Unit. The full salary range for this classification is $51.88 - $77.82 per hour. Following a pay equity and budget analysis, the annual salary for this role is $112,752.00 ($54.00/hour).

Benefits:

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans Why work at the City of Seattle? At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it's a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. With 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role, you'll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example - inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused - while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Here are some tips on applying and interviewing (Download PDF reader) with us. To be considered, you must include a resume and cover letter with your application by the posted deadline at : https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle

Cover Letter:

Explaining why you want to do this work and how you meet the qualifications

Resume:

Summarize your experience, talents, knowledge, and skills Please note: The Office of Arts & Culture does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen or evaluate applications. Every application is reviewed by a member of our hiring team to ensure an equitable and human-centered process. Who may apply : This position is open to all individuals whose experience, skills, and abilities align with the qualifications above.

The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Pre-Employment Background Check :

Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Accommodations and Questions:

We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all. Individuals with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Nicolette.

Hornbeck@seattle.gov with any questions or to request accommodations. The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.