Director, Arts and Cultural Affairs

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

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

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

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;…