Art in Public Places Director

Position Summary/Objective

Under the supervision of the President & CEO and Chief Strategy Officer, the AiPP Director will establish vision, policies, partnerships, and infrastructure needed to position public art as a catalyst for community identity, civic pride, economic vitality, and cultural expression across Greater Columbus.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished public art professional who combines strategic thinking with practical implementation, is passionate about working with artists and communities, and thrives on building innovative programs that inspire lasting public benefit.

In addition to the responsibilities listed, GCAC employees are expected to support the smooth and efficient operation of the organization. Employees may be required to attend meetings, conferences, or trainings to maintain proficiency. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

• Lead and direct the implementation of an AiPP program, translating strategic priorities into annual work plans, policies, partnerships, measurable outcomes, and long‑term program sustainability.
• Develop and administer comprehensive project management systems for AiPP initiatives, including project scopes, artist procurement, budgets, contracts, schedules, permitting, fabrication, installation, documentation, risk management, and project evaluation.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with municipalities, developers, corporations, educational institutions, neighborhood organizations, cultural organizations, and philanthropic partners to expand public art opportunities throughout Franklin County.
• Develop equitable artist selection processes that expand opportunities for local, regional, and underrepresented artists through transparent calls for artists, selection panels, community engagement, and commissioning practices.
• Design and implement meaningful community engagement strategies that ensure residents, neighborhoods, and stakeholders actively participate in shaping public art projects and that community voices are reflected throughout the creative process.
• Develop policies and administrative procedures governing public art commissioning, collections management, conservation, maintenance, deaccessioning, gifts and loans, artist agreements, and other program operations consistent with national best practices.
• Oversee stewardship of public art projects, including maintenance planning, conservation, inventory management, condition assessments, documentation, signage, and long‑term asset management.
• Develop and manage program budgets and diversified funding strategies, including public funding, private philanthropy, corporate sponsor ships, grants, earned revenue opportunities, and fee‑for‑service public art consulting.
• Monitor program performance and evaluate community impact, establishing measurable outcomes, preparing reports for executive leadership, the Board of Trustees, funders, and community stakeholders, and using data to continuously improve the program.
• Collaborate across GCAC departments to integrate public art into organizational initiatives.
• Provide leadership and supervision for public art consultants, interns, artist teams, and contracted professionals by fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing culture focused on innovation and public service.
• Represent GCAC publicly through presentations, conferences, media interviews, community meetings, and professional organizations, serving as a visible advocate for the role of public art in strengthening neighborhoods, supporting artists, and enhancing quality of life.
• Identify emerging trends, policies, and best practices in public art, creative placemaking, and cultural planning, recommending innovative approaches that position Greater Columbus as a national leader in public art and civic design.

• Significant experience leading complex public art programs or initiatives.
• Knowledge of current public art practices, artists working in the public realm, and national trends.
• Experience administering public art programs (e.g., art in private…