Mural Arts Philadelphia is the largest public art initiative of its kind, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For over 30 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative and equitable process, creating nearly 4,000 artworks that have transformed public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts aims to empower people, stimulate dialogue, and build bridges of understanding with projects that attract artists from Philadelphia and around the world, and programs that focus on youth education, restorative justice, mental health and wellness, and public art and its preservation. Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the inspiring stories behind Mural Arts’ iconic and unparalleled collection, which has earned Philadelphia worldwide recognition as the “City of Murals.”

The Project Management Officer (PMO) supports and advances the organization’s ability to monitor and analyze current and proposed projects and their associated operations and resource needs. The PMO plans and implements information management systems that support effective communication, strategic initiatives, and the appropriate use of the organization’s resources, with guidance from and in partnership with the Chief Operating Officer. It is a position that requires systems thinking, excellent interpersonal skills, excellent planning skills, and the ability to effectively prioritize competing demands of one’s time.

This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer. 

Portfolio Management

• Maintain the system to monitor 12-20 project managers’ work plans (staff and contractors)
• Monitor work plans from an organizational perspective, working closely with Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Operations, Development Department, and Tours Department on reporting needs
• Meet with project managers (staff and contractors) regularly to answer questions, provide direction, receive project status updates, and ensure the information in their work plans is current and shared with appropriate staff
• Flag limitations related to available resources, capacities, timelines
• Facilitate periodic project planning meetings with leadership and ensure they are equipped with the information necessary to make decisions 
• Maintain a list of planned uses for the organization’s allocated City funding for projects. Recommend adjustments to Executive Director and Director of Finance as necessary to ensure projects are properly resourced

Project Manager Hiring and Training

• Lead the hiring process for new project managers, including creating and posting job descriptions, reviewing applicants with the hiring committee, and scheduling and facilitating interviews
• Create and manage the onboarding of new project managers
• Train new full-time and temporary project managers in MAP processes and protocols and support recurring training to current staff
• Coordinate new  trainings, presentations,  skill-sharing sessions as identified by project managers in response to project management needs (for example mural painting techniques, materials, community engagement)
•  Identify and encourage exploration of interdepartmental collaboration and skill-sharing
• Support the COO in planning and co-leading monthly project manager meetings.
• Create and manage systems for tracking, reporting, and documenting project portfolios as identified in conjunction with the COO.

Project Management Resources and Processes

• Maintain organization of centralized project management resources; work with COO to identify and build new resources to meet evolving needs; inform staff of new and updated processes
• Act as a resource for and liaison with City departments for applications for permits, authorizations, installations, Art Commission and Historical Commission approvals, and City Council notification about upcoming projects
• Act as a resource for project budgeting and contractual paperwork
• Ensure protocols during each project phase are followed, including steps taken around project completion
• Monitor and facilitate processes that support project management operations, such as lift training and design review 
• Act as administrator for project management software (Smartsheet) and support its use among project managers, Operations department, and staff leadership
• Encourage and identify knowledge-sharing across projects and departments when appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in management, public administration, or related field
• 2-3+ years of experience as a manager or director in a Project Management Office or Project Portfolio Management
• Knowledge of best practices in project management standards and methodologies
• Knowledge of best practices in job site safety and requirements (eg, OSHA standards)
• Experience utilizing project management software (such as Smartsheet)
• Familiarity with recordkeeping practices
• Familiarity with and interest in public art and social practice
• Skilled in information management, time management, and the ability to prioritize
• Comfort with forecasting budgets, providing trainings, and leveraging technologies

Mural Arts seeks candidates who value and demonstrate the following core competencies: committed problem solving, deep thinking & fearless creation, inquisitive learning, thoughtful communication, mindful collaboration, personal accountability, and a commitment to actively prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

Mural Arts is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive health and dental benefits package. This is a full-time, exempt position. While Mural Arts is not typically a remote work environment, current standards due to COVID-19 have required remote work for staff throughout the organization. Functional home wifi and appropriate area to conduct work is necessary. The duration of the work-from-home expectations is not yet known.
Interested applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirement to Mary Baxter at mary.baxter@muralarts.org by September 11, 2020. Please enter “Project Management Officer (PMO) ” in the subject line. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. No phone calls, please.  

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