Division Manager, Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment

Job Description:

Division Manager, Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment Division Manager

Purpose:

Under minimal direction, this position organizes, develops, and manages core programs within a division of Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Provides leadership, strategic direction, and management for a division/unit within Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment.
  
• Sets division policy and ensures division is aligned with department goals.
  
• Responsible for overseeing the management of all aspects of the development and implementation of existing and new programs under their direction.
  
• Recommends, develops, or modifies program procedures, guidelines, standards, and policies to achieve program goals and objectives, and determines changes that need to be made in program policies and procedures based on feedback from customers, officials, service providers, and community groups.
  
• Prepares and monitors division/section budget.
  
• Performs economic forecasting and evaluation of division/section-related programs.
  
• Prepares financial summaries/reports for management review. Develops and establishes goals and priorities for departmental programs. Performs short- and long-term planning.
  
• Builds strategic alliances among community-based organizations (public, private and/or not-for-profit).
  
• Conducts needs assessment studies.
  
• Evaluates program operations for effectiveness and efficiency.
  
• Ensures compliance with Federal, State, and City codes, ordinances, and regulations.
  
• Enforces quality assurance/quality control initiatives.
  
• Attends meetings and conducts presentations to City Council, Boards, and Commissions.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
  
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and methods.
  
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  
• Knowledge of community resources available and how to use them effectively.
  
• Knowledge of municipal government operations and applicable regulations.
  
• Knowledge of contract writing, negotiating techniques, contract law, bid evaluation and cost/price/value analysis.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem-solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  
• Ability to negotiate, making independent judgments.
  
• Ability to resolve contractual or purchasing issues.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all dealings and maintain confidentiality as required.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the job plus five (5) years of related experience, including three (3) years which were in a leadership or supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Valid Texas Class C Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing large-scale public sector portfolios (e.g., $20M+), including program design, evaluation, and reporting.
  
• Strong background in contract administration and compliance oversight, preferred with government.
  
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams of 10+ professional staff.
  
• Proven ability to develop, manage, and monitor complex budgets,
  
• Experience advancing strategic initiatives, such as cultural policy or international engagement efforts.
  
• Track record of leading cross-departmental and intergovernmental collaboration.
  
• Ability to manage high-profile, sensitive, and complex projects.
  
• Subject-matter expertise in arts funding, cultural policy, community development, or the creative sector.
  
• Experience representing organizations in public settings, including boards, commissions, or governing bodies.
  
• Strong data and performance management skills, including KPI tracking, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts.
  

Notes to Candidate:

About Us!

The Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) is your hub for the City of Austin’s diverse cultural initiatives.

We are committed to fostering a vibrant, creative ecosystem that celebrates and supports Austin's artists, musicians, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions. ACME is a centralized hub offering resources, funding opportunities, and strategic programs that promote local talent and drive economic growth.

About the Position!

The Division Manager for Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment provides strategic, administrative, and programmatic leadership for the Cultural Affairs and Investments Division within the department. Working under minimal direction, the Division Manager serves as a key departmental leader who translates policy into action, strengthens community and stakeholder partnerships, and ensures compliance, accountability, and high-quality outcomes across all division activities.

Schedule: M-F, 8 AM - 5 PM (hours may vary based on business need)

Salary Range: $91,080.00-117,000.00

Location: 5202 E Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78744, Ste 400

Driver's Requirement:

This position requires a Valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Job Offer is contingent on having a driving record that meets the City’s Driver Record Evaluation Standards.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-04-21