JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

CULTURAL AFFAIRS COORDINATOR II

DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS (DCASE)

Programming Division, Production

Starting Salary: $69,684

Applications for this position will be accepted until 11:59pm CDT on 09/16/2025

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago.

DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago.

The Cultural Affairs Coordinator II position works with musicians, performers, artists, arts organizations, arts communities, city contractors, event specialists and various technicians to showcase the talent of local, national, and international performances at the Chicago Cultural Center, outdoor spaces, and other venues throughout the city. The position will perform duties as follows:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

· Serve as producer of assigned special events, programs, and festivals by managing all production processes and procedures including meeting schedules, site plans, production schedules, technical stage production, artist hospitality, event expenditures, rental equipment and additional duties as necessary

· Manage live and virtual meetings, onsite meetings, written memorandums, and consistent follow-up to present successful and enjoyable events for the public and tourists while ensuring the goals and objectives of the city and department are met

· Communicate via email, phone, live, and virtual meetings to facilitate and correspond event plans and expectations

· Meet and correspond with performers, contractors, vendors, arts organizations, and sponsors to discuss production goals, policies, procedures, and opportunities for collaborations

· Maintain clear communication with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate the flow of information, updates, and approvals as necessary

· Manage digital and archival documents, including maintaining computer databases, files, records, contracts, payment schedules, production timelines, and scopes of services for current and past productions. Develop detailed spreadsheets and ensure diligent electronic communication related to concerts, festivals, and special events

· Manage and oversee assigned program budgets and related expenses. Negotiate event expenses, obtain estimates, process invoices, track and report expenses to ensure fiscal responsibility

· Manage assigned program contracts and accompanying insurance documents to ensure Department needs are met and in compliance with City’s policies

· Work with various city departments such as, OEMC, CPD, CFD, CDOT, 2FM, Streets and Sanitation, BACP, CDPH, CTA, as well as the Chicago Park District to develop, plan, organize, enforce, train, and implement goals, objectives, and procedures

· Manage post-event reporting, evaluation, and documentation as needed

· Keep abreast of current laws and regulations, best professional practice standards, and trends

· Provide resources, technical assistance, and troubleshoot conflicts and issues

· Collaborate with DCASE divisions and other city departments to obtain necessary permits, insurances, and licensing

· Collaborate with DCASE Finance and Development division to maintain annual budget reports

· Collaborate with DCASE Marketing and Communications division to promote events, develop marketing materials, and provide information requested through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

· May represent the city at conferences and speaking engagements as needed

· May oversee and/or supervise temporary staff, including student interns

· Assist with other DCASE produced events, programs, and activities

· Perform related duties as required

Additional duties may be required for this position

LOCATION: Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE)

Programming Division

78 E Washington St, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago, IL 60602

HOURS:9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Must be flexible to work early mornings, weekends, evenings, and some holidays.

Work indoors and occasionally outdoors in extreme weather conditions and noise

THIS POSITION IS IN THE CAREER SERVICE