The Department of Cultural Affairs is seeking to fill one Assistant General Manager position to support the City’s creative and cultural agency. The Assistant General Manager reports directly to the General Manager and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the department in alignment with the agency’s mission, vision, and values.
The Assistant General Manager will bring innovative thinking and knowledge of the arts and cultural sector to represent the Department of Cultural Affairs before the Mayor, City Council (and its committees), the City Administrative Officer, the Chief Legislative Analyst, the City Attorney, the Cultural Affairs Commission, citizen advisory boards, and other arts-sector related meetings and convenings. The Assistant General Manager directs the activities of the department in the absence of the General Manager.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Serving as the General Manager’s executive officer, the Assistant General Manager will use their knowledge and
understanding of the city to successfully navigate and promote the furtherance of the department’s mission and
operations. This position oversees DCA’s budget and administration, including: quarterly financial status reports,
human resources, contracting, information technology, audits, and performance management (metrics, benchmarks
and accountability structures). In addition, the Assistant General Manager assists the General Manager in the
oversight of the department’s other divisions, to support the department’s successful delivery of programming
and services to the city’s communities.
The AGM must exercise independent judgment in solving internal organizational and administrative challenges
while launching programs that maximize the efficiency of the department’s operational budget of approximately
$18 million. The AGM ensures that administrative staff adhere to city, state, and federal policies, as well as
department and office policies, procedures, rules and regulations. The incumbent will work closely with the
General Manager and department staff to advance racial equity through arts, culture, and creativity, and
support program development through an equitable lens with the goal of furthering artistic opportunity, community
belonging, and economic development.
DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS
The successful candidate will:
Possess adaptive leadership skills with a keen emphasis on developing agency talent, team collaboration, and
accountability at all levels.
Have an understanding and an appreciation of the role that arts, culture, community, and creativity play in
fueling our local economy, fostering vibrant communities, and building a competitive 21st century workforce.
Demonstrate excellent management and communication skills (written, verbal, and digital), and a strong attention
to detail.
Have knowledge of, and proficiency with, the city’s budgetary, legislative, legal, and political systems.
Be a strategic thinker with experience in public policy, arts management, municipal finance, and project
management to use data and performance metrics to drive continuous improvements and achieve
the results.
Be a creative, diplomatic, and innovative problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment with
competing demands and limited resources.
•
Foster collaboration at all levels of the department and with community and cultural partners, with an
understanding that problems and solutions routinely cross department lines and city borders.
QUALIFYING EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; and
A Master’s degree in public administration, arts management, business management, or a
related field is preferred.
Two years of full-time experience as the director or assistant director of an organization
responsible for development, implementation, coordination, or administration of programs
directed at encouraging appreciation, interest, or participation in fine arts or cultural activities;
and
At least five years of professional management experience managing the operations of a
complex agency that include diverse interests and stakeholders working toward a common
goal, including administration, personnel, and/or budget formulation, while addressing the
needs and concerns of the agency as a whole.
For more information, please see attached*
How to apply
TO BE CONSIDERED
Electronic submittals are required. Interested candidates should immediately submit a resume, cover letter of interest, and three work-related references (include name, job title, affiliation, and telephone number) to:
City of Los Angeles Personnel Department
per.execsearch@lacity.org
Note: When e-mailing your application material, the subject line should reflect your name and the job title you are
applying for. Interested applicants should submit their application as soon as possible, but no later than February 17, 2023.
In order to be considered, resumes must include: A description of the size and function of the organizations managed; description of your role in the organization; at least one major professional accomplishment in which you played a key role; and any relevant experiences or unique characteristics which could further qualify you
for this position.
Upon submission of the application documents, applicants may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to the next phase of the selection process, which is an interview.
Questions and confidential inquiries may be referred to Ms. Nicole Bawa at per.execsearch@lacity.org.
