Art Project Manager at Friends of the High Line

Reporting to the High Line Art Director of Exhibitions, the High Line Art Project Manager is responsible for supporting the production of High Line Art projects and live events.

Working directly with artists, contractors and fabricators, nonprofit institutions, public and private partners, and galleries, the project manager supervises High Line Art commissions from an initial concept through fabrication and installation while overseeing the day-to-day maintenance of existing artworks and workspaces. The project manager is the primary liaison to the High Line’s Maintenance and Operations team, working closely with the facilities, events, and horticulture teams to coordinate the use of common spaces and access to the gardens. The successful candidate will be willing to take on challenging projects and find unconventional solutions to problems.

This is a full-time, non-exempt role. The project manager will work five days a week (9 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday) and select evenings and weekends as needed.

The annual salary range for this position is $75,000 - $85,000

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work with the Director of Exhibitions and artists to research and create feasibility studies and technical implementation plans for future projects, including renderings, technical requirements, written descriptions, estimates, etc.
• Work closely with the Director of Exhibitions artists, fabricators, and other vendors to research, develop, and manage artwork production.
• Coordinate logistical details for receiving, staging, and installing artwork.
• Create contracts with artists and vendors using existing templates.
• Act as liaison to exhibiting artists and their representatives, including arranging travel and accommodations.
• Create and monitor project schedules to ensure on-time installation.
• Liaise with High Line Maintenance and Operations teams to coordinate space use and park access.
• Coordinate between Planning & Design and park Operations departments to ensure successful execution and oversight of projects,confirming that all projects are on the institutional master calendar and that internal resources are allocated and scheduled.
• Serve as High Line point of contact for outside installation crews, and manage on- and off-site logistics, training vendors in park-specific protocols (e.g., how to properly access plant beds).
• Liaise with NYC Parks and other city agencies as needed for necessary agency approvals
• Create communication processes and documents to ensure that all affected stakeholders are aware of the impact of projects on the park.
• Conduct regular maintenance of artwork, including cleaning and technical troubleshooting.
• Organize and maintain safe and clean on- and off-site storage and production spaces, and develop an inventory of tools and equipment.
• Coordinate event and performance set-up and breakdown, including sourcing and set-up of A/V equipment, permitting, and liaising with internal departments.
• Update project budgets in consultation with the production director and chief curator.
• Prepare and coordinate loan forms, contracts, permitting, and insurance; compile and archive invoices, contracts, and payments.

Requirements

The High Line is guided by a series of values through which we make decisions, including hiring. These values include proactively creating access points for all people, regardless of race, income, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. They also include seeking out a diversity of experiences; in listening, respecting, and learning from multiple voices, perspectives, and modes of participation.

As part of our commitment to living up to these values and advancing equity within our organization and through our work, we are committed to an equitable hiring process. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people from a broad range of lived experiences, including members of historically marginalized communities.

Desired experience of a successful candidate may include the following, but candidates will not be screened exclusively based on meeting these qualifications:

• Minimum of three to five (3 - 5) years of professional experience in arts project management, exhibition organization, or other relevant experience in the field.
• Experience working with artists in a gallery, studio, museum, or fine art institution.
• Supervisory experience; ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team.
• Experience developing and managing budgets; ability to creatively work within budgetary constraints.
• Ability to work independently, multi-task, solve problems, and collaborate with a variety of colleagues, external vendors, contractors, designers, and partners at all levels.
• Experience working with artists, fabricators, and art installers.
• Working knowledge of power tools and general construction methods; ability to perform outdoor physical tasks as part of the install/de-install of artwork.
• Strong organizational skills and capability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously to meet deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail, creative thinking, and ability to problem solve; diplomatic attitude.
• Excellent negotiation and verbal and written communication skills.
• Competency with Microsoft Office Suite, G-Suite, and graphics/design programs in 2D (Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design, etc.) and 3D (Rhino, Sketch-up, or similar).
• Knowledge of contemporary art.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends.
• Ability to work outdoors, in extreme weather conditions
• Valid NYS driver's license.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area of study (e.g. visual arts, project management, construction management, architecture, design, etc.).
• Experience working in a cultural institution such as a museum, park, or library
• Knowledge of art fabrication methods and processes is preferred.
• Understanding of contracts and insurance.

Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills with a high level of attention to detail and the ability to support several projects simultaneously.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter: able to work independently as well as be a team player
• Forward-thinking: able to anticipate potential problems and plan for the unexpected
• Creative thinker
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness and ability to work occasional weekends and weeknights, as needed
• Willingness and ability to work in an outdoor environment
• Willingness and ability to traverse the High Line on a regular basis

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 20 Vacation days, 7 sick days, and 10 paid holidays with 2 floating holidays (prorated based on start date).
• Contribution in a 403(b) retirement plan
• Commuter benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid primary and secondary caregiver leave
• Supplemental short-term disability insurance and paid life insurance
• Winter Fridays
• Growth and Development career opportunities
• Discounted Citi Bike Membership
• Discounts with vendors on the High Line & around the Meatpacking neighborhood
• Free entrance to Whitney Museum

About Friends of the High Line

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. We’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities through our work with communities on and off the High Line.

Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City.

Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York, and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.

EEO Statement

The High Line is guided by a series of values through which we make decisions, including hiring. These values include proactively creating access points for all people, regardless of age, sex, color, creed, race, income, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

As part of our commitment to living up to these values and advancing equity within our organization and through our work, we are committed to an equitable hiring process. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with a broad range of lived experiences. This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.