Airport Art Program Manager

Airport Arts Program Manager

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itselfsunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN:

• Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and the wonderful terminals near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
• Hybrid Work Schedule: This role follows a hybrid schedule with both on-site and remote work. On-site days are required, based on department needs, to support collaboration and business operations. Remote work flexibility is available on other days as determined by the department.
• Salary: The hiring salary range for the Airport Art Program Manager is $108,646 to $124,942. The full pay range for the Airport Art Program Manager is $83,574-$133,718.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activitiesand much more!
• Wellness: Enjoy a workplace that makes well-being part of the daily routine! Tap into multiple on-site gyms, unwind or brainstorm in outdoor workspaces, score fitness discounts for every level and goal, give back with volunteer-time rewards, connect with financial wellness advisors, and explore scenic walking trails just steps from campus, all wrapped in a supportive wellness package designed to help you feel your best inside and outside of work.
• Application Deadline: July 13, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after this date.

About the Job:

The Marketing, Arts & Air Service Development team is seeking a visionary and adaptable Airport Arts Program Manager with a focus on Public Art. As a key member of the Arts Program team, this individual will lead the creation and implementation of high-impact public art installations across SAN's campus, providing travelers with a unique cultural experience that celebrates the vibrant spirit of San Diego.

The ideal candidate will manage the entire lifecycle of diverse art projectsfrom initial concept through to installationcoordinating closely with artists, contractors, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration into the airport environment. With a strong foundation in project management and a deep passion for public art, this is an exciting opportunity for someone who can navigate the complexities of an airport setting while making a lasting impact on the aesthetic and cultural experience at one of San Diego's most recognized public spaces.

What You'll Do:

• Oversee Public Art Projects and Contracts - Manages Airport Public Art projects, ensuring timely completion and budget adherence. Negotiates contracts with artists and vendors.
• Research and Site Recommendations - Identifies future public art opportunities and sites aligned with the arts master plan, recommending projects that enhance the airport's cultural presence.
• Ensure Compliance and Collaboration - Coordinates with internal teams, permitting bodies, and public art networks to meet regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Manage Arts Program Administration - Organizes and administers assigned arts program areas, overseeing project timelines and budget management to ensure successful completion.
• Coordinate Project Meetings and Submission Processes - Facilitates project meetings with artists, contractors, and staff. Prepares and manages Calls for Submissions, RFQs, and RFPs as required.
• Lead Community Engagement - Oversees community involvement processes, including workshops, meetings, and outreach programs that foster public support for the Airport's arts initiatives.
• Support the Arts Advisory Committee - Provides assistance to the Airport Arts Advisory Committee through guidance and supervision, ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Direct Art Maintenance and Conservation - Develops and implements maintenance and conservation plans for the Authority's public art collection to ensure long-term preservation.
• Work-Related Driving*: Drive and operate Authority vehicles to transport equipment throughout the Authority campus.

The Skills You Need:

1. Project Management - Competently determines processes to achieve project strategy; verifies project efficiency and collaboration to ensure timely completion.
2. Communication: To proficiently and tactfully exchange and interpret information verbally and in writing, facilitate, persuade and complete presentations.
3. Critical Thinking: Critically reviews and translates business requirements, data and information to specify solutions or alternative practice in support of business objectives and strategies.
4. Problem-Solving/Agility: Use of effective judgement and self-direction to analyze situation, factors and collaboratively generate solution, readily adapts behavior or new work methods, evolving and unexpected situations.
5. Relationship Management: Builds and maintains relations with stakeholders, identifies and relates information, ideas and problems, champion's initiatives and ideas based on collaborative solutions.