Deputy Director at City of Chicago

Deputy Director Job Number: 9684-DCASE-2025 Description JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Deputy Director City of ChicagoDepartment of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)Visual Arts Division Starting Salary: $139,140.00 This position is Shakman Exempt Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 01/14/2025.The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago's artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago's non-profit arts sector, independent working artists, for-profit arts businesses, and arts corridors citywide; providing a framework to guide the City's future cultural and economic growth, via "Arts77," a citywide arts recovery and reopening plan for all of Chicago's 77 community areas; marketing the City's cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and supporting high-quality, free, and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors. DCASE offers more than 2,000 high-quality free exhibitions, concerts, theatrical and dance performances, films, lectures and discussions, family events and other programs each year at venues across the city, including the presentation of major cultural events like Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago Gospel Music Festival, Chicago SummerDance, Taste of Chicago, and more. DCASE manages a wide range of projects that advance the City of Chicago and its vibrant neighborhoods, including youth arts initiatives, cultural grants, markets, public art installations, community concerts celebrating Chicago's music legacy, neighborhood festivals and events, and positioning Chicago as a hub for film and TV production. The Deputy Director, Visual Arts Division is a senior-level management position reporting to and working with the First Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. The primary responsibilities include developing and implementing the division's strategic plan and vision and directing others toward a comprehensive visual arts program consisting of Exhibitions, Public Art, and Arts Education. Oversee exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, City Galleries, other city locations, and traveling exhibitions; maintenance of the city's Public Art Collection and works submitted by artists; and public programs including the City's percent-for-art program and other neighborhood public art projects on behalf of the City of Chicago and its citywide initiatives. ESSENTIAL DUTIES The Deputy Director establishes objectives, benchmarks, policies, and divisional goals in alignment with DCASE's goals and mission. The Deputy Director also develops work standards and oversees the implementation of new or modified processes; prioritizes division workload and assignments; oversees the work of unit directors responsible for supervising and evaluating the work of coordinating staff; develops exhibitions and helps secure funding for DCASE exhibitions and public art activities; reviews and approves reports ensuring quality and completeness; evaluates division operations and oversees the development and modification of policies and procedures to improve areas of deficiencies; analyzes and troubleshoots problematic issues relative to division activities and recommends alternative solutions; interprets department policies and procedures to staff; directs and coordinates special projects and studies; directs staff training and development activities; directs the coordination and preparation of the division's annual budget and works with the Finance and Administration Team on contracts and fundraising; works with the Marketing and Communications Team on marketing and promotional strategies; supervises the preparation of operational and administrative reports summarizing division activities; and performs/completes other duties as assigned. RELATED DUTIES Serves as a liaison with operating departments, governmental agencies, private foundations, contractors, and consultants responsible for implementing programs and projects.Additional duties may be required for this position. Location: Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) 78 E. Washington St., Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL 60602Days: Monday through FridayHours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pmMust be flexible to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work indoors and occasionally outdoors in extreme weather conditions and noise. Qualifications THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM THE CAREER SERVICE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Training and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree preferred, in Arts Administration, Visual or Performing Art, Arts Education, Art History, Architecture, Urban Planning, Museum Studies, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a directly related field, supplemented by ten years of progressively responsible managerial or project management experience of which five years are in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Knowledge: Excellent managerial and/or supervisory experience including direct leadership of program professionals, administrative, and clerical staff, and team building; considerable knowledge of fiscal and fundraising operations and contract negotiations; demonstrated considerable knowledge of and/or experience involving various art disciplines, including visual arts (exhibitions and public art); knowledge of local, federal, and state laws, regulations, codes, and policies; and must have established relationships with local and national performing artists, cultural organizations, presenters, curators, and other producers of arts programming. 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, manage multiple tasks, create timelines, and meet deadlines; able to use social media to advance and promote programs; and capable of scheduling and producing a robust season of high-quality exhibitions and public programming consistent with organizational goals and within budget. Skills: Considerable leadership, budgeting, strategic planning, and marketing skills; excellent interpersonal skills; excellent communication, writing, presentation, and public speaking skills; proven organizational skills; extreme attention to detail; strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet; good math skills (sufficient to prepare and monitor budgets); and ability to negotiate and secure contractual agreements when necessary. Other Requirements: Must possess a proven record of success in managing arts-related programming; managing and supervising staff; preparing budgets; and speaking in public. Must be flexible to work some early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and travel. Work indoors in a general office environment and occasionally outdoors in extreme weather conditions and noise. SELECTION REQUIREMENTS This is an appointed position, exempt from the Shakman decrees. Education & Employment Verification: Please be advised that if you are selected to be hired you must provide, upon request, adequate information regarding your educational and employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position for which you are applying. If the City of Chicago cannot verify this information, any offer extended to you will be withdrawn and you will not be hired. Residency Requirement: All employees of the City of Chicago must be actual residents of the City as outlined in 2-152-050 of the City of Chicago Municipal Code. Proof of residency will be required. If you would like to request reasonable accommodation due to disability or pregnancy in order to participate in the application process, please contact the City of Chicago, Department of Human Resources at (312) 744-4976 (voice) or (312) 744-5035 (TTY). Please be prepared to provide information in support of your reasonable accommodation request.For Information on our employees benefits please visit our benefits website at:https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.htmlFor Information on our salary and title structure visit our classifications website at:https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp_info/JobClassification/2025_Classification_and_Pay_Plan.pdf The City of Chicago is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Military Friendly, and Fair Chance Employer. City of ChicagoBrandon Johnson, Mayor Job Posting: Dec 15, 2025, 2:59:28 PM | Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External: Jan 15, 2026, 5:59:00 AM Salary: $139,140 Pay Basis:Yearly