Director, Arts & Cultural Affairs

Job Title

Director, Arts & Cultural Affairs

$124,516 - $200,470. Salary Grade: 30. FLSA:
Exempt

Director

Full-time

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology. Industries:
Government Administration

Atlanta, GA

The purpose of this classification is to direct, plan, and oversee programs, services, and initiatives that promote arts, culture, and heritage within the County.

• Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff; oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; reviews timesheets; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and County administrators and elected officials; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures.
• Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; and provides progress and activity reports to County administrators and elected officials.
• Directs the vision, planning, and implementation of long‑term goals, objectives, and policies for the County’s arts and cultural affairs programs and facilities; establishes strategic priorities aligned with County goals and community needs; evaluates emerging trends in the cultural sector to guide policy and resource decisions; and fosters innovation, cultural equity, and sustainability in all program areas to ensure the department remains responsive and forward‑thinking.
• Plans, designs, and administers a wide range of arts and cultural programs, including public art initiatives, community festivals, cultural heritage projects, and arts education efforts; allocates resources and oversees program delivery to ensure efficiency, quality, and inclusivity; monitors program outcomes, evaluates performance, and implements improvements based on data and community feedback; and coordinates staff and contractors to ensure programs meet objectives and reflect the County’s diverse cultural landscape.
• Develops, oversees, and monitors the departmental budget to ensure fiscal accountability and alignment with program priorities; identifies funding opportunities, prepares grant applications, and negotiates sponsor ships and partnerships that support and expand cultural programming; tracks expenditures, forecasts financial needs, and prepares financial reports for executive and elected officials; and manages contracts and procurement processes in compliance with County regulations.
• Builds and sustains strong relationships with artists, cultural organizations, community leaders, and the general public to ensure broad participation in arts and cultural initiatives; organizes community forums, stakeholder meetings, and outreach events to gather input and promote transparency; designs programs that are accessible and inclusive, representing the diversity of the County’s population; and acts as a visible ambassador for arts and culture within the community and across regional networks.
• Researches, drafts, and recommends cultural policies and strategies that advance community engagement, creative economy growth, and cultural preservation; advises County leadership and governing boards on cultural priorities, best practices, and policy impacts; prepares and presents comprehensive reports, policy briefs, and recommendations to boards, commissions, and executive leadership; and collaborates with legal and administrative staff to ensure policies comply with County, state, and federal regulations.
• Manages the planning, commissioning, acquisition, installation, and maintenance of public art and cultural assets; leads artist selection processes, coordinates with design professionals, and ensures compliance with public art guidelines; oversees the conservation and documentation…