Manager of Public Art Operations, Calgary Arts Development

For best consideration, apply by: June 5, 2026
Closes: June 18, 2026

The Role

We are recruiting a full-time manager of public art operations to join our team. Reporting to the director of public art, this role supports the day-to-day systems, processes and administrative work that keep the public art program running well.

This position takes a systems-first approach to helping make sure our processes are clear, consistent and aligned with our Calgary Arts Development values. You will maintain and improve operational processes and policies, and bring forward recommendations when something could work better. Significant changes, new policies and major implementations are made in consultation with, and require approval from, the director of public art.

The manager of public art operations works closely with the manager of projects and programming, and contributes to organization-wide management and leadership discussions.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with the manager of projects and programming to ensure administrative systems and day-to-day operations run smoothly and reliably.
• Develop, document, maintain and share clear operational processes, templates and workflow across the public art team.
• Continuously assess existing systems and practices, identifying opportunities to streamline, strengthen or improve effectiveness.
• Prepare and present recommendations to the director for process improvements and manage the implementation of approved changes.
• Track key discussions, decisions and action items arising from leadership meetings, and make sure they’re reflected in our operational systems and followed up as needed.
• Help maintain, review and improve operational policies and procedures to support the goals and accountability of the public art program.

People Leadership & Team Support

• Provide leadership for direct reports (regular check-ins, coaching, goal setting and performance support).
• Support and guide public art contractors in understanding and following operational procedures and processes.
• Co-ordinate management initiatives with the manager of projects and programming to ensure operational and project work stay aligned.
• Help create a supportive, inclusive team environment where people can do their best work.
• Lead training initiatives to optimize smooth operations across public art programs.

Policies & Administration

• Support the director with reporting and tracking key performance indicators and other data.
• Prepare reports and summaries to support the director, as assigned.
• Bring forward policy/process recommendations and implement changes once approved by the director.
• Code invoices accurately and in a timely manner, as needed.
• Be responsible for an organized records management system across the department.
• Train and support the public art team in maintaining their files according to our records management system.
• Recommend the implementation of new software tools, as needed.

Risk & Compliance

• Build and promote a strong health and safety culture within the public art team and on project sites.
• Participate as a member of Calgary Arts Development’s Health and Safety team.
• Proactively track compliance requirements and flag potential risks to the director early, to support safe, responsible operations.

Cross-Organization Leadership & Communication

• Contribute to organization-wide planning and leadership conversations, bringing a public art operational lens.
• Work with colleagues across the organization to keep information flowing and responsibilities clear.
• Communicate clearly, kindly and consistently, especially when timelines or processes shift.

Who Are You?

You’re committed to growing your awareness of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and reconciliation and you want to help build systems that reflect those values.

You understand the concept of public dollars being invested to develop a public program for public good. You will help support a program that ensures the needs and wants of Calgary’s citizens are central to its vision. Your work will help the public art team build new relationships and help artists access new opportunities.

You understand and have lived in a relational approach versus a transactional approach to community building and relationship building.

You are passionate about the importance of the arts and creativity in our lives, and are curious about different approaches and ways of working and learning.

You’re not all things to all people, but you’re probably already a few of these things:

• You are a champion for the role that public art plays in strengthening our community.
• You are passionate about working with people and building relationships.
• You bring five-plus years of operations, administration and management experience in an arts, non-profit or municipal environment (public art experience is an asset).
• You have five-plus years of experience building, maintaining and documenting clear, consistent systems and processes, improving workflows and implementing approved changes.
• You have five-plus years of experience supervising and managing a team, preferably in the arts and culture sector.
• You’re highly organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple priorities, track details, meet deadlines and support others with the information they need to succeed.
• You’re comfortable in collaborative, consultative decision-making environments.
• You can work within organizational constraints with patience and professionalism.
• You’re confident in working with budgets, spreadsheets and administrative tools (such as Microsoft Planner); you use data and reporting to support planning and decisions.
• You have experience writing and reviewing legal contracts. Experience reviewing contracts specific to commissioning public art is a bonus.
• You have experience leading a team safety culture.
• You write clearly and confidently, including executive-level reports.
• You have proven leadership skills and are confidant making decisions and taking initiative when necessary.
• You are an excellent communicator.
• You can be flexible and adaptable when priorities change without notice yet can maintain your focus and meet prior deadlines.
• Your values align with Calgary Arts Development as a values-based organization.

If you’re interested in this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you. If you’re still deciding, you can learn more about us at calgaryartsdevelopment.com. If you have questions about the role, please reach out to jointheteam@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.

How to Apply

Please indicate your interest by emailing jointheteam@calgaryartsdevelopment.com with your resume and cover letter. Please use the subject line: Manager of Public Art Operations Job Posting.

We also ask that you include a written response with your application of no more than 250 words to the following question: “What is public art and why is it important to civic life?”

For best consideration, apply by June 5, 2026. Interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis and the job posting will officially close on June 18, 2026, or when a suitable candidate is found. There may be strong internal candidates under consideration for this role.

Minimum annual salary is $80,000 in addition to a flexible, hybrid work environment, an extended health benefits package and a matching RRSP program.

If you would like to request application assistance, please contact jointheteam@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or call 403.264.5330 x 124.