About the Role
The Assistant Director, Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) assists the Director in planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the department's activities, service operations, budgets, programs, and personnel. This role involves directing staff who provide programmatic, financial, and managerial support, and exercising independent judgment.
Responsibilities
- Oversees the planning, execution, and evaluation of existing and future programs and services that promote arts, culture, music, and entertainment throughout the city.
- Assists the Director with developing and implementing short- and long-term goals and initiatives.
- Assists the Director with managing assigned divisions, staff, and programs.
- Assists the Director with preparing and managing operating and capital budgets, monitors expenditures, and identifies funding opportunities.
- Assists the Director with developing departmental policies and procedures and ensures compliance with laws and regulations.
- Serves as a spokesperson for the department at City Council meetings, boards and commissions, and with community organizations.
- Promotes a culture of service excellence, accountability, and collaboration.
- Identifies staffing needs, mentors emerging leaders, and implements training and development strategies.
- Implements systems to measure program effectiveness, tracks departmental performance, and uses data to inform policy, planning, and resource allocation.
- Prepares business plans, policy documents, and performance reports for executive leadership, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
- Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities: selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
Requirements
- Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning, or a related field.
- Five (5) years of experience in management of projects and programs related to the job.
- Two (2) years of experience in a managerial capacity.
- Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for non-management experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.
- A detailed and complete Employment Application is required.
- A Resume and Cover Letter are required.
- Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) is required.
- Verification of education and professional licenses or certifications will be required if selected as a top candidate.
Skills
- Knowledge of municipal government budget planning and preparation, public administration financing, and purchasing regulations.
- Knowledge of public policy development and analysis.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration.
- Knowledge of management and personnel principles and practices.
- Knowledge of research techniques, methods, and procedures.
- Skill in directing the activities of a complex and diverse organization.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Skill in evaluating bids and making recommendations.
- Skill in developing, implementing, and evaluating activities and programs.
- Ability to communicate complex and technical issues in non-technical terms to the public.
- Ability to plan strategically.
- Ability to plan and schedule operations.
- Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, the public, elected officials, and boards and commissions.
- Operational management.
- Program evaluation.
- Marketing strategy.
- Facility oversight.
- Exceptional communicator.
- Effective spokesperson.
- Community-centered cultural services champion.
- Budgeting Experience – Ability to oversee budget development and administration, including forecasting, expenditure approval, and adjustments.
- Community Collaborator – Experience in presenting strategies to internal and external stakeholders.
- Marketing Experience – Experience understanding audience needs, analyzing market trends, and using data to shape outreach efforts.
- Department Leadership & Strategy – Ability to lead the development and implementation of departmental goals, policies, and staffing priorities.
- Cross Departmental Collaboration: Ability to coordinate closely with other City departments and external agencies.
- Social Intelligence – Ability to connect to others in a deep and direct way; to sense reactions and stimulate desired interactions.
- Customer Focused - Strives to deliver high-quality results and superior service that exceeds expectations.
Location
- Austin
Work Type
- Full-time
Experience Level
- 5 years of experience in management of projects and programs
- 2 years of experience in a managerial capacity
Education Level
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning, or a related field
- Master's degree may substitute for non-management experience up to two years
Salary/Compensations
- $161,000–$171,000 annually
Benefits
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision
- Paid leave time
- Highly competitive retirement plan
- Training opportunities
About the Company
- Austin Arts, Culture, Music and Entertainment (ACME) is your hub for the City of Austin’s diverse cultural initiatives.
- We are committed to fostering a vibrant, creative ecosystem that celebrates and supports Austin's artists, musicians, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions.
- ACME is a centralized hub offering resources, funding opportunities, and strategic programs that promote local talent and drive economic growth.
- At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities.
- Our guiding principles are Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity.
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
- By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
Equal Opportunity
- The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation.
- The City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
- City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
