The Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) is dedicated to strengthening New York City’s vibrant cultural life by providing funding and support to New York City’s cultural community, including the 39 institutions that comprise the Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) and more than 1,100 non-profit cultural organizations that receive regular annual support. This constituency represents a diverse array of organizations - including performing arts groups, museums, theaters, zoos, botanical gardens, visual arts and film centers, community-based organizations, and arts education programs – that are central to the life of communities in every corner of New York City. DCLA also manages a significant portfolio of cultural capital projects; provides free donated materials and supplies for arts programs and arts educators through its Materials for the Arts program; provides capacity building and technical assistance support to cultural groups; and commissions works of permanent public art through the City’s Public Art Program.
Responsibilities
The Deputy Commissioner at the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs is responsible for directing day-to-day operations of the agency and working collaboratively with the Commissioner and senior staff to shape policy, advance strategic priorities, and manage special projects. The Deputy Commissioner serves as a key liaison to City Hall and senior mayoral staff on agency operations, policies, and intergovernmental matters. Reporting to the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Overseeing core programmatic units, including the Cultural Development Fund, Create in Place, agency data and evaluation, and public engagement with the cultural field.
- Coordinating the activities of units within the agency, working with managers to set goals and priorities and ensuring effective use of resources.
- Partnering with the Commissioner to develop and advance policy priorities, including defining metrics to track impact and progress.
- Participating in the formulation and implementation of agency policies, with careful consideration of citywide rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Working with agency managers to think strategically around issues related to intra- and inter-agency operations.
- Managing key relationships with external partners and stakeholders across the cultural sector, including large institutions and grassroots organizations across all five boroughs.
- Addressing complex challenges within the cultural field and among agency constituents with a solutions-oriented approach.
- Promoting inter-unit cooperation and collaboration at DCLA where appropriate.
- Representing the agency at meetings, conferences, and public engagements, including delivering remarks on behalf of the Commissioner as needed.
- Providing day-to-day operational leadership and stepping in across functions as needed in a small, fast-paced team environment.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (CULTURAL - 95870
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and 4 years of satisfactory experience of a nature to qualify for the duties and responsibilities of the position, at least 18 months of which must have been in an administrative, managerial, consultative, or executive capacity or supervising activities related to the duties of the position; or
A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to “1” above. However, all candidates must have the 18 months of administrative,
- 8 years of managerial, executive, consultative or supervisory experience described in “1” above.
Preferred Skills
- Ten years of demonstrated senior-level managerial experience, including supervision of senior staff and oversight of complex programs. - Deep knowledge of New York City’s cultural sector, including both major institutions and grassroots organizations across the five boroughs. - Background in cultural organizations, presenting, philanthropy, or related fields. - Ability to operate with both a broad, strategic perspective and strong attention to detail. - Strong problem-solving skills, with a creative, solution-oriented approach in complex or ambiguous situations. - Experience developing and using data and metrics to inform policy and track impact. - Strong communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communications. - Ability to build trust, foster collaboration, and manage relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders. - High level of initiative, adaptability, and an all-in approach to team-based work.
55a Program
This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is required.
Additional Information
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
, $94,050.00 – $183,321.00
