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Project Manager

Public Art Fund (PAF)

The Project Manager oversees and coordinates the realization of multiple site-specific commissions for high-profile public venues, working with artists, galleries, partners, and contractors on budgets, contracts, permits, fabrication, installation, and project close-out. Public Art Fund is New York's leading presenter of contemporary art in public spaces, presenting exhibitions by significant artists in New York City and beyond since 1977.

Location
New York, New York
Arrangement
Onsite
Level
Mid-level
Employment
Full time
Salary
$71.3K - $75.6K
Date added
2026-10-01
Last checked
2026-10-18

Overview

Public Art Fund (PAF), New York’s leading presenter of contemporary art in public spaces, seeks a Project Manager to join its Project Management Department. Public Art Fund has presented exhibitions by the world’s most compelling and significant artists in New York City and beyond since 1977. These projects set the standard for excellence in the field, giving urban space new meaning, while engaging diverse audiences and making culture accessible to all. The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the realization of multiple site-specific commissions for high-profile public venues. Working directly with artists, galleries, public and private partners, and consultants and contractors, this position reports to the Associate Director of Projects and works collaboratively within the department, and also works closely with members of PAF’s Curatorial, Creative Partnerships, Communications, Finance, and Development teams to support all essential department activities and institutional initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative

  • Create and manage project budgets, schedules, and other project materials in consultation with Finance and other departments
  • Maintain departmental and project files and contacts on institutional server and in Salesforce database
  • Represent Project Management Department at internal and external meetings as required
  • Support Project Management Department with exhibition-related reporting and staff meetings, and other activities when necessary

Project Management

  • Work closely with artists, fabricators, and other vendors to develop and manage the production, packing, and transport of artworks; including reporting insurance values and transportation logistics to insurance agent
  • Draft and negotiate contracts with artists, galleries, partners, and vendors in consultation with external legal counsel; including coordinating artist travel and hospitality when required
  • Create proposals, secure permits, and liaise with relevant city agencies, site owners and/or exhibition partners
  • Research feasibility, fabrication methodology, and technical considerations of projects in collaboration with curators or partners; including making recommendations and facilitating project visualization needs
  • Coordinate fine art and liability insurance, create condition reports, and oversee ongoing maintenance of projects
  • Oversee installation and de-installation of projects, supervise installation crews, and manage on-site logistics and exhibition maintenance
  • Manage project close-out including documentation, reporting, updating project budgets, condition reporting, facilitating debriefs, and producing institutional records for future exhibition opportunities

Other Responsibilities may include

  • Coordinate production of artistic and institutional activities and materials
  • Coordinate handling and movement of artwork (e.g. prints, paintings, limited editions)
  • Contribute to planning and execution of annual Spring Benefit and other fundraising activities
  • Provide project management expertise to other departments as needed
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Skills & Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in related areas of study (e.g. visual arts, project management, construction management, architecture or design.)
  • 3-5 years professional experience in arts project management, exhibition organization, art fabrication and installation
  • Experience working with contemporary art/artists, fabricators, and art installers; knowledge of art fabrication and engineering methods and processes
  • Experience developing and managing budgets; ability to adhere to budgetary constraints
  • Working knowledge of power tools and general construction methods; ability to perform outdoor physical tasks as part of the install/de-install of artwork
  • Competency with Microsoft Office Suite, G-Suite, Adobe Creative suite, Google SketchUp, or equivalent visualization programs, etc.
  • Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills, initiative, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously to meet deadlines
  • Proven ability to problem solve and think creatively
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends

Physical Demands

The Project Manager is a full-time exempt position. Work is primarily performed in an office environment, on a hybrid schedule. Hours outside of the scheduled work times are an occasional requirement of the position. Salary is $71,280 - $75,620 per year and employment package includes medical, dental and vision insurance, generous paid time off, as well as other ancillary benefits.

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