Canal Convergence Public Art Coordinator

SUMMARY

The Canal Convergence Public Art Coordinator is responsible for the end-to-end project management and execution of temporary, light-based public art installations for the annual Canal Convergence event. This role partners closely with the Deputy Director to deliver a high-quality,  immersive arts and entertainment experience by coordinating artwork production, installation, event logistics and implementation, and cross-departmental collaboration. The Canal Convergence Event Coordinator serves as a key liaison between artists, internal teams, contractors, and vendors to ensure projects are completed on time, on budget, and aligned with the artistic vision of the event. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Under direction of supervisor)

Project & Artwork Coordination

· Manage the full lifecycle of assigned temporary public art installations, including planning, fabrication oversight, logistics, installation, public engagement, maintenance, and de-installation. 

· Coordinate artists' communications from selection through execution, ensuring clarity of expectations, timelines, and deliverables. 

· Oversee artwork shipping, storage, and site placement logistics in alignment with site constraints and safety requirements. 

· Monitor project timelines and budgets, proactively identifying risks and implementing solutions to ensure successful delivery. 

Curation & Artistic Coordination

· Support the Deputy Director in the curatorial process, including artist research, artwork selection, and site placement strategy. 

· Contribute to the development of a cohesive artistic vision by evaluating feasibility, audience engagement, and spatial considerations. 

· Build and maintain relationships with local, national, and international artists to expand the event’s creative network. 

Event Operations & Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Collaborate with internal departments (Marketing, Development, Production, and Operations) to ensure seamless integration of artwork, programming, and event logistics. 

· Partner with marketing and communications teams to develop accurate and compelling content for web, social media, press, signage, and collateral materials. 

· Support overall event operations, including on-site coordination, troubleshooting, and real-time problem solving during installation and event days. 

Vendor & Contractor Coordination

· Source, coordinate, and manage vendors, contractors, and installation crews, ensuring work is completed within scope, timeline, and budget. 

· Obtain and evaluate bids, rental quotes, and service agreements as needed. 

· Ensure compliance with safety standards, permitting requirements, and site regulations. 

Staffing & On-Site Leadership

· Assist in recruiting, hiring, and training temporary event staff. 

· Provide on-site supervision and direction to staff, volunteers, and installation teams during event build and activation. 

· Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented environment during high-pressure event timelines. 

Administrative & Financial Support

· Track and reconcile project budgets, process invoices, and maintain accurate documentation. 

· Support grant applications, sponsorship materials, and reporting by contributing project details and outcomes. 

· Maintain organized project records, timelines, and communication logs. 

Creative Planning & Organizational Contribution

· Contribute to brainstorming and long-term planning for future Canal Convergence events and related programming. 

· Participate in fundraising and donor engagement activities as needed. 

Performs other duties as assigned to support the success of the event and the organization. 

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education: 

· Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Event Management, Fine Arts, or a related field preferred. 

· Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience considered. 

Experience:

· 3-5 years of experience in event productions, public art coordination, project management, or a related field. 

· Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with tight timelines and budgets. 

· Experience working with artists, fabricators, or creative teams strongly preferred. 

· Background in outdoor events, festivals, or public-facing cultural programming highly desirable. 

Attributes:

· Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

· Excellent communication and relationship-building skills and ability to work effectively with artists, vendors, and cross-functional teams. 

· Highly organized with a strong attention to detail and follow-through. 

· Creative thinker with an appreciation for contemporary public art and audience engagement.

· Ability to problem-solve quickly and effectively in dynamic, fast-paced environments. 

· Financial acumen with experience tracking budgets and managing expenses. 

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Asana, and/or other project management tools. Experience in design or creative platforms is a plus. 

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a high degree of initiative. 

Work Environment:

· This role operates in both office and outdoor event environments, including extended periods on-site during installation and event days. 

· Requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours leading up to and during the annual event. 

· Ability to lift and move materials up to 45 lbs. 

· Must be able to work in varying weather conditions

· This position is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. 

· Required to stand on a frequent basis, with walking and sitting as part of daily function. Must be able to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear. 

· Specific vision abilities required for the position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

· Must be able to work at heights over 8 feet and occasionally work on the canal (waterway on dock floats). Exposure to moving mechanisms, high, precarious places. 

Other requirements:

· Must be age 21 or older.

· Must possess a valid driver’s license and driving record which is acceptable to the organization’s insurance carrier. 

· Use of and operations for scissor lifts, forklifts and aerial lifts. Forklift and aerial lift training can be provided.