Assistant Manager, Arts & Design

Description

This position is eligible for teleworking, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.    

Opening:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective:

This position is responsible for providing essential arts administration and project management tasks associated with the department’s growing portfolio of new and planned projects, programs and initiatives, as well as providing high quality support and expertise to develop, maintain and document the MTA public art collection. This position will help to provide an enhanced transit environment that is inviting and customer-friendly, resulting in an unmatched level of goodwill, and positive feedback from the ridership throughout the MTA network.

Specifically, this position will work with the deputies and managers in all aspects of the departmental permanent and temporary art projects, programs, initiatives and activities. The Assistant Manager will perform core functions on the management of the permanent art program including but not limited to preparation, curatorial research, communication, organization and documentation of the artist selection process; reviewing fabrication plans and details; coordinating and monitoring delivery and installation details; organizing and increasing public outreach to assure diverse selection pools; monitoring payments and the project closeout.  The Assistant Manager will evaluate and develop design decisions for graphic projects, promotional materials and presentations for internal and external use. The Assistant Manager will support the A&D leadership on special projects with a short turn-around time, providing project management coordination, communication and graphic support if necessary.  This position will fulfill a core function with new and existing programming initiatives such as the MTA system-wide Digital Art initiative, processing operating and capital budget requests and invoices, contract preparation, procurement requirements, collection maintenance, weekly and quarterly reporting, developing and maintaining A&D press and mailing lists.

Additionally, this position may be responsible for formulating high quality social media content and material, A&D Website content and maintenance, and the A&D app. Alternatively a conservation-focused version of this position will assist the Deputy Director in the ongoing conservation, maintenance, remediation/mitigation and photo-documentation of all aspects of the growing MTA Permanent Art program, including but not limited to surveying, analyzing, researching, repairing, maintaining and restoring the nearly 400 permanent artworks installed throughout the MTA system. Position shall evaluate and test proposed materials and fabrication methods for new permanent art installations including review of test results prepared by outside firms and performing in-house testing on proposed materials and methods. In addition, Position shall provide digital photographic documentation of all projects, programs and events as requested for documentation, archival and outreach purposes and will provide digital media support for implementing departmental app, mapping and video editing.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the deputy directors and managers in all aspects of commissioning and managing permanent and temporary art projects and programs including planning, research and selection process, procurement and legal procedures, fabrication/production details, delivery, installation, archiving/documentation and conservation.
• Track and monitor Permanent Art projects with Project Managers from inception to installation including identification of sites, materials, fabrication methods receipt and conservation of original artwork, tracking capital expenditures for deputy directors and managers to monitor capital budgets and schedule.
• Function as a key member of team responsible for collection conservation. Survey, assess analyze, and creatively problem-solve a growing and aging collection of more than 400 commissioned permanent artwork assets throughout the MTA network spanning 5,000 square miles.
• Serve as liaison with operating agencies and outside vendors for fabrication and installations to ensure that all projects are being completed within schedule and budget. Maintain schedules and database for percent for art program.
• Provide administrative and organizational support for all educational and other public outreach initiatives including presentations, lectures, panels, tours, special events and publications.
• Prepare high-quality social media content for various platforms, draft text and prepare supporting images, post, engage with followers, and compile data on user-engagement.
• Work with the Manager responsible for the A&D Archive and departmental team to compile all departmental archival data and assets for internal and external audit, research, scholarship and educational outreach.
• Facilitate project coordination with all MTA and outside agencies/vendors for ongoing and unique projects, special events/programs and new initiatives (re-branding, licensing, graphics).
• Ensure the MTA's interest in quality design is reflected in the creation and production of all projects including presentations, printed materials, social media/branding, website, app, and licensed products.
• Website support requires communication and interface with the MTA web service team, graphic work, data preparation and review.
• Develop and coordinate content for the Arts & Design guide hosted on the Bloomberg Connects app.
• Support the Director and the Deputy Director on special projects that typically have a short turn-around time.  Support A&D senior staff to prepare presentation, design marketing and documentary material on regular basis for internal and external customers; assist with development, coordination and implementation of two-three special events annually.
• Assist Managers with special coordination needs for all program areas (Lightbox, Graphics, Poetry, Digital, Music, special exhibits, tours, events, etc.).
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to organize, control, prioritize and follow-up high volumes of documentation, analysis, assignments and reports independently within deadlines
• Exceptional organizational, administrative, project management and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral, written and presentation skills.
• A combination of knowledge, familiarity and experience with contemporary art curatorial practices, public art commissioning, contemporary artists and critical thinking.
• Considerable knowledge and expertise of all materials, analysis and techniques employed in restoration and public art conservation.
• Proven ability to work with staff and management teams in a courteous, cooperative and professional manner; interact with public politely and professionally during routine project work.
• Keen eye and proven experience in creatively solving problems within tight budgets, time constraints and challenging field conditions.

Required Education and Experience

• BA or BS in Fine Arts or Arts Administration or equivalent work experience, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years of proven experience in arts administration, public art management or a satisfactory equivalent of education and experience.

The Following is/are preferred:

• Graphic Design knowledge and experience (Photoshop, InDesign, or comparable applications). Fluid in MS Office suite and relational database management (FileMaker Pro) or comparable applications preferred.
• Visual art knowledge and expertise in art handling and proven conservation methods.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.