Lead Public Art Program Coordinator
/ORGANIZATION:
City of New Westminster
DEADLINE:
Jan. 30, 2026
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
As a central hub in the Metro Vancouver area, the City of New Westminster delivers a broad spectrum of urban services to over 85,000 residents. New Westminster is rich in history with a viable and thriving economy and has a population representative of the diversity of the region. The City is staffed by talented and dedicated employees who work together to achieve its strategic vision. We have earned a proud reputation for civic leadership, service delivery, and outstanding employee relations.
WEBSITE:
http://www.newwestcity.ca/employment
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The City of New Westminster is seeking a dynamic individual to support the interests of the community by joining the team as the Lead Public Art Program Coordinator.
Reporting to the Manager of Community Arts & Theatre, you will plan, develop, and implement new permanent and temporary public art projects and related educational programs and events, as well as coordinate the maintenance and preservation of the City’s public art inventory.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Plan, oversee, and lead the development and implementation of the City-wide public art program, public art projects, and related programs and services in alignment with policies, cultural strategies, and community objectives.
Provide strategic advice, expertise, and guidance to internal and external contacts, including City departments, developers, and community partners, to integrate public art into civic infrastructure, capital projects, and neighbourhood plans.
Collaborate with engineers, architects, and artists to ensure design integrity, feasibility, and regulatory compliance.
Conduct research and analysis of social, economic, cultural, and artistic data; prepare reports, concept plans, and recommendations to support policy, bylaw, and program development related to public art initiatives.
Lead complex planning and policy processes related to the public art portfolio, including revising existing policies and preparing draft policies and guidelines.
Provide input into community-wide and inter-departmental planning policies, area plans, zoning considerations, and other planning initiatives related to public art.
Develop strategies and campaigns to promote community awareness, engagement, and participation in public art; facilitate public consultation and advisory committee processes.
Plan and convene review panels to adjudicate public art proposals and work with advisory group members, including Indigenous Elders, educators, community members, and art experts.
Develop artist calls and contracts with artists, contractors, and specialized service providers.
Oversee and evaluate the work of external artists, contractors, and service providers, ensuring compliance with project goals, budgets, schedules, and safety standards.
Build strong relationships and partnerships with internal and external interest holders, including community groups, organizations, businesses, and the public.
Integrate City values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism into the public art program.
Ensure accurate documentation and management of the City’s public art collection, including preservation, conservation, restoration, and deaccessioning as required.
Coordinate and facilitate unveiling events and educational programs related to public art projects.
Prepare policies, guidelines, project plans, reports, and presentations related to the public art program.
Provide administration and oversight of the City’s public art reserve fund and associated operating and capital budgets.
Perform related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
University degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Fine Arts, Art History, Cultural Resource Management, or a related discipline, plus considerable related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of community development, community art, and public art.
Considerable knowledge of relevant rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of community needs and sector best practices related to municipal public art planning.
Considerable knowledge of design, construction, and fabrication processes related to public art and civic infrastructure.
Considerable knowledge of public art conservation and maintenance practices, including condition assessment and restoration planning.
Demonstrated experience in public art program implementation and project management.
Experience facilitating and supporting community committees and committees of Council.
Experience developing, maintaining, and reporting on operating and capital budgets.
Knowledge of a wide variety of artistic media.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse interest holders.
Superior writing and communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite.
Ability to work a non-standard work week as required.
Ability to pass and maintain a clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector.
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online with your resume and cover letter in one document at www.newwestcity.ca/employment by January 30, 2026.
REMUNERATION:
$42.45 to $50.13 per hour (2024 rates) plus a comprehensive benefits package.
