PROJECTS ADMINISTRATOR

Job Description - PROJECTS ADMINISTRATOR (416466)

Job Description

PROJECTS ADMINISTRATOR

Job Number:

416466

Description

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

PROJECTS ADMINISTRATOR

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS & SPECIAL EVENTS (DCASE)

Executive Administration Division

Number of Positions: 1

(additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $91,788

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 7/30/2026

All qualified and interested candidates must apply online at

www.cityofchicago.org/careers

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city - to strengthen and celebrate Chicago.

DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago.

The Projects Administrator position in the Executive Administration Division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) will help inform the development and implementation of cultural policies and programs, providing research, evaluation, strategic planning, assessments, and quality standards for cultural policies, strategies, and program development at DCASE and in collaboration with other city agencies and the cultural sector at large. As a member of the Executive Administration Division, this position reports directly to the First Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of DCASE. In this capacity, the position will be responsible for the following:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Work with various city departments and agencies, including but not limited to the Mayor's Office, Law, Budget, Procurement, and Legislative Affairs, on new and revised regulations that impact the arts, and advise on, review, edit and solicit industry feedback on proposed new arts-related licenses, ordinances, and policies
• Work with senior leadership and outside consultants to lead cultural research and evaluation projects, and to implement cultural data collection standards and metrics citywide
• Create inventory of programs and existing conditions, research best practices, and organize industry specific focus groups to enhance the City's ability to assist the arts and to promote Chicago as a global arts center
• Work with senior department leadership including deputy commissioners and program directors in the implementation to establish, implement, and enforce new policies, procedures, standards, and government requirements
• Identify critical points and problems affecting the arts and culture sector. Develop and initiate corrective actions, and provide counsel, support, and preventive measures to resolve issues
• Work with internal teams to identify and develop event action plans, goals, outcomes, timelines, and comprehensive budgetary, fundraising, and marketing and promotional plans for cultural programs and services
• Lead and conduct meetings with program managers, community groups, and stakeholders to determine strategic goals and priorities
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports that identify cultural policy recommendations, program plans, budgets, funding requests, summaries, analyses, actions, procedures, and policies documenting activities, issues/complaints, compliance and auditing requirements, presentation material, and supporting materials for requested actions
• Attend programming activities/events, follow up on work assignments, and establish evaluations, methods, and procedures for evaluating completed activities/events
• Maintain professional knowledge and develop new relationships for the exchange of ideas and perspectives by keeping current on industry and government standards and requirements, attending workshops and informational meetings, reviewing professional publications, and continuing partnerships and collaborations
• Provide guidance and assistance that are consistent with the overall direction of the department, develop and implement policies and procedures, and research a variety of topics including new programs, grant availability, and professional development
• Participate in a variety of internal and external meetings involving a range of issues related to regulatory requirements, program offerings, funding statuses, collaborations and partnerships, and participation levels
• Attend and assist with other DCASE events, programs, and activities
• Perform other related duties as required for this position

Location: Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)

Executive Administration Division

78 E. Washington St., Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL 60602

Days: Monday - Friday (occasional weekend hours will be required)

Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm (occasional early morning or evening hours will be required)

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CAREER SERVICE

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Nine (9) years of work experience in project management, OR
• Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree in Business or Public Administration or a field of study directly related to the responsibilities of the position PLUS seven (7) years of project management work experience, OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor''s in Business or Public Administration or a field of study directly related to the responsibilities of the position PLUS five (5) years of project management work experience, OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree or higher in Business or Public Administration or a field of study directly related to the responsibilities of the position PLUS four (4) years of project management work experience

NOTE: You must provide your transcripts or diploma, professional license, or training certificates at time of processing, if applicable

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires applicants to complete an interview which will include a written exercise as part of the interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral and written parts of the interview will be selected.

Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:

• Master's degree in Arts Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business Administration, Political Science, Business Law, or in a field of study directly related to the responsibilities of the position
• Previous work experience in public or cultural policy development, project management or related cultural program management work
• Previous work experience in fiscal and fundraising operations and contract negotiations/agreement; preparing, tracking, and monitoring budgets, reviewing financial documents
• Previous work experience in Chicago (or large urban cities) arts and cultural organizations, communities, and/or non-profit sectors
• Previous work experience in communications, including presentations and public speaking, and cultivating relationships with a variety of stakeholders
• Previous strategic planning and leadership experience related to the responsibilities of the position
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet)

Knowledge: Excellent strategic planning and leadership experience including direct leadership of program professionals and team building. Considerable knowledge of public policy, cultural policy and/or government systems and structures. Considerable knowledge of fiscal and fundraising operations and contract negotiations. Knowledge of and/or experience in a variety of cultural art genres. Knowledge of local, federal, and state laws, regulations, codes, and policies.

Abilities: Demonstrated leadership and management ability. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in partnership with people of diverse backgrounds. Commitment to working collaboratively. Ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks. Ability to negotiate and secure contractual agreements when necessary. Able to use social media to advance and promote programs.

Skills: Considerable strategic planning, analytical, assessment, leadership, budgeting, and marketing skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent communication, writing, presentation, and public speaking skills. Excellent organizational skills with extreme attention to detail. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet. Good math skills (sufficient to prepare and monitor budgets).

Other Requirements: Must be able to work some evenings, weekends, holidays, and able to travel.

Working Conditions: General office environment, using standard office equipment. Some outdoors in inclement weather during festivals, programs, events.

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APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on the information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resources staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow all required employment/hiring plan provisions, federal, state, and local laws, and collective bargaining agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience, the City of Chicago has adopted ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA), and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. The learn more about our hiring processes, please click here.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.

The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.

City of Chicago

Brandon Johnson, Mayor

Job Posting

: Jul 16, 2026, 10:30:00 AM |

Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External

: Jul 31, 2026, 10:29:00 AM

BU: 09 | Salary: $91,788/Annually

Pay Basis

:Yearly