Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Program Manager

Description/Special Instructions

The City of Elk Grove is now accepting applications for the position of

ARTS, CULTURE, AND CREATIVE ECONOMY PROGRAM MANAGER

The City of Elk Grove, Office of Economic Development seeks a highly qualified individual to serve as the city’s first Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Program Manager. The position plays a critical role in ensuring the city has a thriving arts and culture scene that accelerates and anchors the local economy. The incumbent has a unique opportunity to build the program from the ground up. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of arts and culture and creative industries and can formulate and translate a broad vision of success into actionable strategies that align with municipal goals and community priorities.

The preferred candidate:

• Understands and embraces the intersection of culture and economy.
• Is highly skilled at program development, strategic planning, project management, budgeting, marketing and communications, event production, public art management, commission and committee administration, and public speaking.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic, and supportive environment.
• Is dependable, flexible, and has a can-do attitude.
• Works well both independently and as a key member of a small, close-knit team.
• Excels at building partnerships across the departments, agencies, institutions, and industries that drive culture and economy.
• Has an oral and written communication style that is clear, concise, and engaging.
• Is passionate about Elk Grove, public service, and local government.
• Is politically astute yet apolitical.

If this is you, consider joining one of the most innovative and forward-thinking economic development departments in California and accelerate your career with us.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline: (subject to change)

Filing Deadlin e: December 24, 2025, at 11:59 pm
Oral Board Interviews: January 8, 2026 (Virtual)
Selection Interviews: January 13, 2026 (In Person)

The City offers a competitive salary and generous benefit package including CalPERS retirement benefits, a deferred compensation match and more.

Why work for the City of Elk Grove? Proud Heritage. Bright Future.

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Elk Grove is a vibrant, family-friendly community of approximately 174,775 people in the Sacramento, California region, located 14 miles south of the State Capital and 60 miles east of the Bay Area. Elk Grove is a young, ethnically diverse, modern city that was incorporated in 2000. Elk Grove has low crime, excellent schools, over 100 community parks and 28 miles of trails, plentiful dining and shopping options, numerous annual events and festivals, and over 270 sunny days per year.

Representative Duties

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the City’s Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Program and related programs, including incentives, projects, strategies, activities, and efforts that align with the City’s mission and goals to support, promote, and grow the City’s arts, culture and creative economy sectors; provides complex and responsible support to a department director; and performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from a department director. Exercises technical and functional supervision over program staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This classification is primarily responsible for planning, organizing, and managing arts, culture and creative economy programs. Incumbents are responsible for diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the programs. Employees serve as a specialist, liaison, and advocate for the programs, with regular contact and interactions with City senior management positions, other public agencies, community organizations, and members of the public.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Assumes management responsibility for the City’s Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Program and other related and assigned programs including program incentives, projects, strategies, activities, and efforts.
Develops, implements, and updates a comprehensive Arts and Creative Economy Strategy and related programs, incentives, projects, activities, and efforts.
Manages and oversees the City’s public art programs including identification of art, locations, and funding, facilitating the selection of artists, contract negotiation and compliance, fabrication and installation, and maintenance.
Manages and oversees the City’s public art collections including the tracking, cataloging, and marketing of its public art portfolio.
Plans, produces, and coordinates arts and culture events and exhibitions.
Serves as staff liaison to the City’s Arts and Creative Economy Commission, including arranging meetings times and locations, preparation and posting of agendas, assisting the chair with running the meeting, facilitating Commission participation in programs and events, and consulting and engaging Commissioners to provide advice and input.
Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends, within policy, appropriate service, and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of the program budgets; determines funding needed for equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding
Provides technical subject matter expertise to staff related to arts and culture and creative economy programs and activities.
Prepares and presents a variety of administrative and technical reports and business correspondence; presents reports to internal and external stakeholders.
Manages grant and incentive programs; manages Request for Proposal or Qualifications processes; administers grant writing/fundraising/fiscal support activities.
Builds and maintains relationships with local, regional, state, and national arts, culture, and creative economy organizations and institutions that benefit the City’s Arts and Creative Economy Program and related programs; attends and represents the City at industry events, trade shows, and educational conferences.
Serves as liaison and ambassador for assigned functions with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces as necessary.
Provides staff assistance to executive leadership; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; establishes and maintains reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.
Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Oversees the work of assigned staff and consultants.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:
Program management principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, project management, budget development and administration, and contract administration and management.
Principles and practices of leadership.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Principles, practices, and trends in arts administration, cultural planning, and creative economy development.
Methods for integrating arts, culture, and creative industries into community and economic development initiatives.
Local, regional, and national trends affecting artists, creative entrepreneurs, cultural organizations, and related industries.
Methods for measuring the economic and social impact of arts and creative economy initiatives.
Public art programs and processes, including artist selection, fabrication, installation, and maintenance considerations.
Marketing, communications, and community storytelling strategies to promote cultural initiatives and creative talent.
Principles, practices, methods and techniques to meaningfully engage with the community.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of assigned areas of responsibility.
Principles and practices of grant writing and administration.
Roles, responsibilities, and functions of advisory bodies and commissions within municipal government.
Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to assigned areas of responsibility.
Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports and general business correspondence.
City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service and effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging concepts and principles, including their significance in organizational dynamics and the functioning of the City and their impact on fostering innovation and collaboration.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

Plan, develop, and manage complex programs and projects advancing arts, culture, and creative economy goals.
Assist in developing and implementing strategic, long-, intermediate-, and short-range plans, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards that drive successful outcomes, achieve organizational objectives, and effectively prioritize and address City and community needs.
Build and sustain partnerships with artists, creative businesses, community organizations, educational institutions, and public agencies.
Translate cultural and economic data into actionable policy recommendations and program strategies.
Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of arts, culture, and creative economy programs using qualitative and quantitative measures; and make necessary changes and improvements.
Prepare and administer program and project budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions.
Stay informed on evolving cultural, social, and economic trends influencing the creative industries.
Engage, consult, and collaborate with commissioners to provide informed advice, recommendations, and input on arts, culture, and creative economy initiatives.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Engage with a diverse public and workforce, facilitating inclusive service delivery and implementing equitable City policies.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in fields related to economic development, arts and culture, and / or creative economy and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in economic development, arts and culture, and creative economy or related industries, or a combination thereof.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate valid California driver’s license. This requirement may be waived for individuals who are unable to obtain a driver’s license due to a disability.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and electronically. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals with disabilities who are qualified to perform essential functions of a position or positions within this classification.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees primarily work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

FLSA Status: Exempt

The information listed above is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. The City of Elk Grove is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and professionalism. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, should special accommodations be necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Department at (916) 478-2230.

CITY OF ELK GROVE

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SUMMARY - NON REPRESENTED

Annual Leave (vacation/sick)
Upon Hire 176 hours 6.77 hours per pay period
5 Year Anniversary 216 hours 8.31 hours per pay period
10 Year Anniversary 232 hours 8.92 per pay period
15 Year Anniversary 256 hours 9.85 hours per pay period
20 Year anniversary 272 hours 10.46 per pay period

Deferred Compensation

Employee may participate in a 457 deferred compensation plan up to maximum allowed by law.

Deferred Compensation - City Match

The City will match up to 4% of employee's salary to a deferred compensation plan. There is a 1 year vesting period.

Employee Assistance Program

Available to employee and immediate family.

Flexible Spending Account

Covers IRS approved medical and/or approved dependent care expenses to be paid on a pre-tax basis.

• Medical spending up to $3,300.00 annually.
• Dependent care up to $5,000 annually.
• Adoption Assistance FSA up to $16,810 annually.

Health (Medical) Insurance
The City participates in the CalPERS Health Plan (PEMHCA) and offers a "cafeteria plan," which includes a monthly City contribution that an employee may apply toward premiums for medical insurance.

The City's Contribution rates for the 2025 plan year are as follows:

Single: up to $1,001.61 per month
2-Party: up to $2,003.22 per month
Family: up to $2,604.19 per month

Employees who show evidence of other group health insurance coverage and waive enrollment in a CalPERS health plan shall receive a taxable in lieu cash fringe allowance of $300 per month.

Dental Insurance
100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents if enrolled in the City's medical plan.

Vision Insurance
100% City paid for employee and eligible dependents if enrolled in the City's medical plan.

Pet Insurance
City employees are eligible to purchase pet insurance at a discounted premium rate through MetLife.

Supplemental Health Insurance
The City provides supplemental health insurance up to $15,000 per year for eligible participants.

Retirement Health savings Account

City provided defined contribution program for IRS-eligible medical expenses upon retirement.

Holidays

Twelve (12) paid holidays per year and sixteen (16) floating holiday hours per fiscal year. Employees who are assigned by the Police Chief to work shifts receive a 5% Holiday Pay Differential in lieu of paid holidays and eight (8) floating holiday hours per fiscal year.

Alternative Work Schedules
Available depending on Department

Life Insurance

City provides Life insurance at 1X base salary with a minimum of $50,000 and maximum of $300,000. Additional life insurance may be purchased by employee up to a maximum of $500,000.

Military Leave

The City will pay qualified employees any difference between his/her base salary and the amount received in military reserve pay for regularly scheduled annual training that requires the employee to take military leave from his/her regular work week.

Retirement -PERS
Your CalPERS Pension formula will be dependent upon your hire date with the City of Elk Grove and/or your status with any Public Retirement System.

• 2.7% at 55 if hired before 8/12/12.
• 2% at 55 if hired after 8/12/12 and a current Classic member of CalPERS.
• 2% at 62 if hired after 1/1/13 and not a Classic member of CalPERS.

Internal applicants will remain in their current retirement formula unless they are moving from a safety to miscellaneous classification.

Short Term/Long Term Disability

• The City provides Short-Term Disability coverage @ 66.67% of income, up to a maximum benefit of $2,300 per week and Long-Term Disability coverage @ 66.67% of income, up to a maximum benefit of $15,000 per month.
• The City also provides Paid Family Leave coverage @ 60-70% of weekly earnings up to a maximum of $,1623 per week.

City employees DO NOT contribute to the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program.

Social Security

City offers an IRS qualifying retirement plan, therefore, employees do not currently participate in the Social Security program.

Tuition Reimbursement

80% up to $2,000/year for City related Certification programss.
80% up to 3,500/year for Associates, Bachelors or Masters Degree

Wellness Program

Amazing on-site Wellness Coordinator and multiple fitness and wellness classes such as yoga and pilates available throughout the week!

Closing Date/Time: 12/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Elk Grove

• (916) 478-2208

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