Position: Arts Center Manager
Department: Parks & Recreation
Division: Rebekah Stark Johnson Community Arts Center

Rate of Pay: $52,000/yr.

Nature of Work:
The Arts Center Manager is responsible for the overall management and operation of the Rebekah Stark Johnson Community Arts Center, ensuring its effective use as a hub for arts programming and community engagement. This position involves facility management, program development, tenant and production contract oversight, scheduling, and strategic planning.

The Arts Center Manager will coordinate and develop a variety of arts-related classes, workshops, and special events, fostering cultural enrichment and artistic expression within the community. As the facility manager, they will oversee building maintenance, address necessary repairs, and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for artists, tenants, and visitors.

Additionally, this role serves as a key member of the administrative programming team for Parks and Recreation, contributing to citywide cultural initiatives and events. The Arts Center Manager will actively engage with local artists across all mediums, fostering relationships that encourage artistic collaboration and programming. They will work to support, promote, and maintain open communication with the community to increase awareness and maximize the use of the building as a creative space.

Through individual and collective arts opportunities, the Arts Center Manager will support Hattiesburg’s mission of becoming the premier city in the Gulf South, leveraging the arts as a driver of community engagement and cultural vibrancy.

Examples of Work:
1. Program Management & Instruction
• Prepares, delivers, and organizes arts programming and instruction for children, teens, and adults across a variety of mediums.
Includes weekly free art class for children ages 6 to 11, monthly studio time for teens and instruction for Parks and Recreation Summer Camp weekly.
Adult programs include, but are not limited to, Watercolor Wednesday, Acrylic Painting, Weaving/Crochet.
• Reviews programs for quality assurance and makes adjustments based on participant needs, participation and feedback and availability of funding. Provides for and regulates content and materials based on participant abilities, needs, interests ensuring inclusion.
• Coordinates monthly art markets, including vendor coordination (over 2-3 dozen) and hosting free children’s activities.
• Creates opportunities for tenant, community and artist engagement though programs, events, routine meetings and grant opportunities. Programs may be outside of routine working hours.

2. Staff & Volunteer Coordination
• Recruits, trains, and supervises seasonal staff and volunteers for programming at the Rebekah Stark Johnson Community Arts Center and other events or programs coordinated by the City of Hattiesburg (i.e. Parks and Recreation Summer Camp, Live at 5, New Years).
• Trains, plans and implements project coordination for groups of volunteers and students to assist with arts programming and beautification projects.

3. Space & Event Management
• Manages rental spaces (currently 20 studios), including studios, classrooms, theater, and event spaces, maintaining records of rental fees and maintenance requests.
• Coordinates client events, including preparing contracts, ensuring city, state and any necessary compliance, and collaborating with vendors for supplies and services.
• Coordinates the maintenance of program equipment and supply inventories; makes approved purchases; distributes equipment, uniforms, and supplies to appropriate parties.
• Organize regular building maintenance, coordinating work orders and securing quotes for repairs when needed from outside vendors.
• Assists with community events such as Live at Five, Trick or Treat on Main Street, and New Year’s Eve Confetti Countdown.

4. Budgeting, Maintenance & Communication
• Assists in budget monitoring for programs and prepares reports and evaluations for yearly review.
• Organizes building maintenance and coordinates repairs as needed.
• Writes promotional content and coordinates social media efforts for Parks and Recreation events related to the arts.
• Collaborates with local organizations and the Downtown Hattiesburg Association to promote programs and events.
• Maintains organized, clear, up to date records in compliance with state and local requirements.
• Participating in and communicate to local, state, and national organizations (i.e. Downtown Hattiesburg Association, Hattiesburg Arts Council, Visit Hattiesburg, Hattiesburg Convention Commission, universities, local schools) related to assigned program areas.
• Work with team members across the city’s workforce to implement solutions to help connect individuals to unique and innovative arts opportunities.

Other duties as designated by the Director, the Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Communications Officer, or the Mayor.

Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with four (4) years of related experience or a master’s degree with two (2) years of related experience is preferred, but not required. A strong background in the arts is highly desirable, along with experience in higher education, public or non-profit sectors, event coordination, fundraising, and grant management.

Candidates should be able to show experience or a foundational understanding of writing contracts, grants, and programming reports. Candidates should have proficiency in word processing, graphic design, and digital photography software. Candidates must be willing and able to work evenings and weekends as needed. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to successfully complete all hiring components as required by city policy.