Description:
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
PROJECTS ADMINISTRATOR
DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS & SPECIAL EVENTS (DCASE)
Finance and Development Division
Number of Positions: 1
(additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)
Starting Salary: $89,112.00
Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CST on 11/5/2025
All qualified and interested candidates must apply online at
www.cityofchicago.org/careers
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city - to strengthen and celebrate Chicago.
DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago.
The Projects Administrator position will report to the Deputy Commissioner of the Finance and Development Division and help with the development and implementation of fiscal and administrative policies, processing payments, collecting and reconciling revenue to assist with financial compliance and to help support the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) fulfill its mission. The work will include providing research, evaluation, strategic planning, assessments, and quality standards for the department. In this capacity, the position will perform the following:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Work with various city departments and agencies, including but not limited to the Mayor's Office, Law, Budget, Procurement, and Legislative Affairs
Assist with interactions in all legislative matters with City Council including the annual DCASE ordinance as well as other departmental issues as required including concessions, permits, and other issues as they arise
Run reports on expenditures and create timelines to track multiple projects and compliance and auditing requirements, presentation material, and supporting materials for requested actions
Assist with special projects as directed by the Deputy Commissioner including but not limited to sponsorships for major DCASE events and revenue models to help sustain DCASE events and programming
Work with internal teams to identify and develop event action plans, goals, outcomes, timelines, comprehensive budgetary, fundraising, and marketing and promotional plans for DCASE related programming
Attend programming activities/events, follow up on work assignments, and establish evaluations, methods, and procedures for evaluating completed activities/events
Maintain professional knowledge and develop new relationships for the exchange of ideas and perspectives by keeping current on industry and government standards and requirements, attending workshops and informational meetings, reviewing professional publications, and continuing partnerships and collaborations
Provide guidance and assistance that are consistent with the overall direction of the department, develop and implement policies and procedures, and research a variety of topics including new programs, grant availability, and professional development
Participate in a variety of internal and external meetings involving a range of issues related to regulatory requirements, program offerings, funding statuses, collaborations and partnerships, and participation levels
Perform other related duties as required
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 60602
HOURS: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday
THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CAREER SERVICE.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Arts Administration, Urban Planning, Political Science, Business Administration, Business Law, Finance, Accounting or field of study directly related to the responsibilities of the position. Plus, five years of project management work experience.
SELECTION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires applicants to complete an interview which will include a written exercise as part of the interview. The interviewed candidate(s) possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, based on the oral and written parts of the interview will be selected.
Preference will be given to candidates possessing the following:
Master's degree in Arts Administration, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Business Administration, Political Science, Business Law, Finance, Accountingor in a field of study directly related to the responsibilities of the position
Previous work experience in public or fiscal policy development, project management or related cultural program management work
Previous work experience in fiscal and fundraising operations and contract negotiations/agreement; preparing, tracking, and monitoring budgets, reviewing financial documents
Previous work experience in Chicago (or large urban cities) arts and cultural organizations, communities, and/or non-profit sectors
Previous work experience in communications, including presentations and public speaking, and cultivating relationships with a variety of stakeholders
Previous strategic planning and leadership experience related to the responsibilities of the position
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet)
Knowledge: Excellent strategic planning and leadership experience including direct leadership of program professionals and team building. Considerable knowledge of public policy, and/or government systems and structures. Considerable knowledge of fiscal operations and contract negotiations. Knowledge of and/or experience in a variety of cultural art genres. Knowledge of local, federal, and state laws, regulations, codes, and policies.
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 and manage multiple tasks. Ability to negotiate and secure contractual agreements when necessary. Able to use social media to advance and promote programs.
Skills: Considerable strategic planning, analytical, assessment, leadership, budgeting, and marketing skills. Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent communication, writing, presentation, and public speaking skills. Excellent organizational skills with extreme attention to detail. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet. Good math skills (sufficient to prepare and monitor budgets).
Other Requirements: Must be able to work some evenings, weekends, holidays, and able to travel.
Working Conditions: General office environment, using standard office equipment. Some outdoors in inclement weather during festivals, programs, events.
For information about City of Chicago employee benefits, please click here (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/benefits-office.html)
For information about City of Chicago salaries and job titles, please click here (https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dhr/supp\info/JobClassification/2025\Classification\and\Pay_Plan.pdf)
APPLICATION EVALUATION: Initial evaluation will be based on the information provided on the application and the documents submitted. Department of Human Resources staff will review applications after the final posting date. Staff will follow all required employment/hiring plan provisions, federal, state, and local laws, and collective bargaining agreements when applicable. Staff will apply hiring preferences as required by the municipal code. Placement on an eligibility list is not an offer or guarantee of an interview nor employment with the City of Chicago
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: To further our commitment to hiring applicants with diverse experience, the City of Chicago has adopted ordinances 2-74-020 and 2-74-075. The ordinances provide a preference to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and who are veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States, residents of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Areas (SEDA), and/or Chicago Public School (CPS) high school graduates. These hiring preferences do not apply to bidders. For positions covered by a collective bargaining agreement, bidders will be considered before external candidates. The learn more about our hiring processes, please click here. (https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dhr/provdrs/emp.html)
ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT.
The City of Chicago in an Equal Employment Opportunity and Military Friendly Employer.
City of Chicago
Brandon Johnson, Mayor
