JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

PROGRAM DIRECTOR – CULTURAL AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS (DCASE)

Marketing and Communications Division

Number of Positions: 1

(Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval)

Starting Salary: $ $118,128 - $133,524

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 03/21/2025

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.

Under general direction, the Program Director - Cultural Affairs position will assist in directing marketing, public relations, social media, web and e-communications for a wide range of cultural programs for the public and local arts sector on behalf of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Marketing and Communications Division. In this capacity, the position will perform the following

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Assists in the development and management of integrated internal and external public relations and communications operational objectives, work plans, and strategies for DCASE, including media relations, community relations, internal and external communications, media releases, social media, Web content, marketing, and promotion of programs, events, and festivalsAssists in developing and implementing policies and procedures; and develops and assists in the preparation of programming budgets, monitoring expenditures, and preparing reportsSupervises, hires, trains, and motivates professional staff and interns in public relations programs, marketing strategies and campaigns, press outreach, media events, web, and e-communications; and makes recommendations on staff training and professional development opportunitiesContacts the media and public as designated, assists in providing information for responses to daily press inquiries, assists in creating speeches and drafting correspondence and media messages, and educates and provides communication expertise and insight on DCASE’s mission, history, current and upcoming programs, events, initiatives, and activitiesWrites and edits content for marketing materials using the DCASE editorial style manual for brochures, advertising, e-newsletters, etc.; plans and makes recommendations on department advertising including media buying; and researches and identifies current and industry trends and professional best practice standardsCoordinates with staff in the creation, design, writing, and editing of reports, correspondence, and promotional materialsReviews and approves written and designed promotional materials produced by DCASE partners to ensure a consistent and unified voice and identity for the departmentLeads marketing and audience development activities by working with department programmers to develop comprehensive marketing plans for programs and eventsReceives, reviews, compiles information, and responds on the department’s behalf to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requestsParticipates in a variety of internal and external meetings involving a range of issues related to public information issuesPrepares and maintains activity reports of assigned programs, projects, and events ensuring objectives and program standards are metPerforms related duties as assigned

Additional duties may be required for this position

NOTE: The list of essential duties is not intended to be inclusive; there may be other duties that are essential to positions within the class.

LOCATION: Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)

Marketing and Communications Division

78 E. Washington St., Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL 60602

HOURS: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday

Must be able to work some early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, have a flexible work schedule, and travel (maybe on 24-hour call)

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CAREER SERVICE