Arts & Culture Manager

Department: Arts & Culture

Job Title: Arts and Culture Manager

Reports to: Arts & Culture/Parks & Recreation Director

Status: Fulltime, Exempt

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

The Arts and Culture Manager is responsible for leading all programming, staffing, budgeting, and facility use for the City of Salida’s Arts and Culture Department, including the Salida SteamPlant Event Center and affiliated venues. This position directly supervises Event Coordinators, technical and facilities personnel. Key responsibilities include strategic planning, budget management, community engagement, and ensuring exceptional customer service. The Manager ensures high-quality, inclusive, and accessible programming and events that reflect the needs and values of the Salida community. This role requires strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, strong leadership, and a commitment to providing outstanding client experience.

REPORTING & ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

The Arts and Culture Manager reports directly to the Arts & Culture/Parks & Recreation Director, operating with a high degree of independence, receiving minimal instruction on day-to-day tasks and general direction on new or unfamiliar assignments. The Arts and Culture Manager is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the work of Arts and Culture Staff and for creating and maintaining relationships with clients, event service providers and the community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or marginal duties that may be required. The City of Salida reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of the job at any time.

Administration

• Develop and manage the department’s budget in coordination with the Arts & Culture/Parks & Recreation Director, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Track and adjust pricing, marketing, and event strategies based on market trends and Council direction.
• Provide regular booking and performance reports to the Director.
• Oversee scheduling, event management, food and beverage, and financial systems.
• Implement systems that ensure effective, equitable, and efficient facility operations.
• Work collaboratively with administrative staff to align services across departments.
• Ensure Cost Recovery Goals are being met, based on direction from City Administrator and City Council.

Staff Supervision & Leadership

• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise staff including Event Coordinators, Tech staff, and Facilities staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching and professional development.
• Maintain staff scheduling for all City event venues, including the SteamPlant, Scout Hut, and parks to ensure event set up, execution, tear down, and follow up.
• Lead regular team meetings and ensure adherence with City personnel policies and procedures.

Event Management & Execution

• Oversee events from booking to completion, including planning, communication, on-site execution, and post-event review.
• Ensure compliance with permits, alcohol regulations, and noise ordinances.
• Provide on-site leadership during key events to ensure event readiness, professionalism, and high-quality guest experience.

Program Development & Community Engagement

• Assist in the creation of and support arts, culture, and heritage programs for diverse community audiences.
• Working with the Arts and Culture Program Supervisor to foster partnerships with artists, nonprofits, schools, and local businesses.
• Promote inclusive and culturally responsive programming.
• Represent the City at regional arts and culture meetings and public forums.

Facilities & Operations

• Monitor the condition of event facilities and grounds for safety, cleanliness, and event readiness.
• Communicate and coordinate repairs, maintenance, and improvements with appropriate staff or departments.
• Lead the development of marketing strategies and materials to increase venue use.
• Finalize, maintain, and regularly update SOP manuals for Arts and Culture staff.

Strategic & Operational Planning

• Contribute to long-term planning for facility improvements and cultural initiatives.
• Analyze event and operational data to improve services and client satisfaction.
• Ensure client communications, vendor relations, and internal coordination are professional and timely.
• Lead the development and implementation of a sales and marketing plan, in order to increase bookings and event attendees.
• Proactively seek opportunities to improve operations, reduce turnaround times, and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive training and onboarding manual for all Arts and Culture Staff to ensure consistent knowledge transfer and expectations.
• Organize and lead a monthly team meeting that includes ECs, Tech staff, and Facilities staff to review upcoming events, address issues, and align operational protocols.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Principles and practices of event planning, production, and venue management.
• Strong customer service orientation and the ability to effectively resolve conflicts, complaints, and inquiries.
• Proficient in the use of personal computers and standard office equipment; must be comfortable using Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, web-based tools, and systems.
• Budget development, financial oversight, and cost control measures
• Marketing and promotional strategies, including social media, advertising, and community outreach.
• Proven ability to manage deadlines and work collaboratively with the public, clients, and internal teams.
• Personnel management, including hiring, training, supervision, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Customer service and relationship-building with a wide range of stakeholders including clients, vendors, artists, and the community.
• Facility maintenance standards and operational procedures.
• Strong organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proactive and dependable; able to serve as the department’s "go-to" resource for addressing needs and responding to ad hoc requests.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, based on arts and culture programming and event needs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional coursework or certification in event management, hospitality, sales, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in event management, arts and culture programming, or operations management.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience, including hiring, training, and performance management of staff.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, coordinating logistics, and leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in event coordination, food service, and knowledge of safe alcohol service practices are strongly preferred.
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Primary duties are performed on-site at the SteamPlant Event Center and the Scout Hut, with occasional work at other City facilities or event venues.
• Must be physically capable of operating event-related equipment and performing event setup, including the arrangement of tables, chairs, and other furnishings.
• Work is physically demanding and may require sustained periods of bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, and stretching.
• Must be able to safely maneuver across varied terrain, surfaces, and physical structures.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Requires flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to ensure appropriate supervision and support of scheduled events and activities.

Compensation & Benefits

Hiring Range: $63,000 - $84,000 annually - Dependent on experience

The City of Salida offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

The City offers a full benefits package for this position including medical/dental/vision insurance plans, 401(a) with employer contribution and 457 retirement plan options, Personal Time Off accrual, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability benefits, and a swim benefit at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center.