Director of Public Spaces

The Director of Public Spaces (“Director”) shapes, activates, and stewards the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s public spaces as vibrant, welcoming, and culturally resonant places. In conjunction with Trust senior leadership and staff, this role develops the strategic vision and day-to-day execution of placemaking, ensuring that spaces reflect the Trust’s mission, operate efficiently and safely, and drive inclusive participation in the cultural life of Pittsburgh. The role works collaboratively with Trust staff and contractors, across programming, operations, marketing, visitor experience, special projects, community engagement, visual arts, administration, and finance.

The Director also represents the Trust externally by managing high profile projects and maintaining important relationships with community leaders, funders, and stakeholders. The Director’s primary responsibility for the first 12-18 months will be to steward the March 2026 soft opening (June 2026 formal opening) of Arts Landing, a transformative four-acre civic space located in downtown Pittsburgh. The park-like setting includes a one-acre great lawn, a permanent bandshell, children’s play areas, pickleball courts, and other recreational and civic amenities. The Director’s portfolio will also include other Trust public spaces in the downtown Pittsburgh Cultural District. Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required:

Work Experience: Minimum 5-10 years of professional experience overall, with a minimum of 3 years programming, operational, or special projects experience within public space, project management, placemaking, events, performing arts, or arts management industries. Supervisory Experience: Prior supervisory experience required. Technical Skills: Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite required. Familiarity with venue/event management software (Momentus Elite, Ungerboeck) preferred. Intangibles:

Superior communication and relationship-building skills Deep knowledge and understanding of successful urban public spaces, programming, and operations strategiesCreative, with a strong track record of producing world-class spaces and experiences Ability to track and plan placemaking scenarios year-round, occasionally resulting in real-time adjustments Tactical level understanding of the Pittsburgh public space ecosystem and infrastructure Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously Meticulous attention to detail and highly organized Ability to effectively communicate and work with a diverse set of individuals including staff, partners, clients, and stakeholders Understanding of nonprofit administration and management Positive attitude, enthusiastic, and able to motivate teams Ability to effectively prioritize and adapt to new or changing directives in a fast-paced environmentEssential Functions:

For 2026-2027, the below duties and responsibilities primarily apply to Arts LandingStrategic Leadership and Planning Seamlessly develop and manage complex and multifaceted public space processes, protocols/policies, and projects in collaboration with the operations, programming, development, marketing, finance, visual arts, and capital projects teamsDevelop, implement, and monitor best practices in placemaking, proactively monitor public space initiatives and teams, resolve issues as they arise, and initiate corrective actions Develop public space strategies that successfully increase visitors and drive activity, including through identification of industry trends, market appeal and reach, and target audiencePartnership and Community Engagement Manage third-party contractor, vendor, and program partner contributions to events and special projects Contribute to activation of publicly accessible real estate managed by the Trust, potentially expanding participation opportunities for program partnerships In coordination with Trust staff, grow relationships with community leaders and partners at city, regional, state or national organizations involved in placemaking, real estate, events, programs, arts, and entertainment Management and Program Delivery Supervise and cross-collaborate with internal program and project teams, ensuring consistent and reliable project delivery and reporting Lead visitor experience strategy for Trust public spaces by ensuring public engagement and feedback, park improvements based on visitor reviews and surveys, and appropriate level of amenities based on park use data and frequent observation, consistent with Trust practicesCoordinate with special events and operations teams to support production needs for programs and placemaking initiatives Oversee the park event and programming calendar to successfully coordinate Trust activities and meet engagement and approval deadlines Collaborate with the Trust’s security team and external security partners to establish and implement policies and procedures that maximize guest experience and safety Measurement and Communication Track and report key metric results in support of the parks and public spaces balanced scorecard Ensure public space goals and identity are clearly communicated and represented Work with internal and external marketing teams and establish priorities for public space promotion and public awareness Collaborate with internal teams to create polished materials, reports, and presentations for partners, funders, sponsors, and key stakeholdersSupervisory responsibility:

This position will work closely with the Chief Administrative Officer to determine staffing for public spaces. The position will likely have some supervisory responsibilities, in conjunction with one or more other departments. Decision-making responsibility: The Director has significant discretion over decisions impacting Arts Landing and other Trust public spaces, including with regard to operations, budget, protocols, and programming. The role includes independently resolving issues as they arise, initiating corrective actions, and making strategic decisions. Budgetary responsibility: This position will work closely with the Chief Administrative Officer and other departments to develop the annual Arts Landing budget.

They will be responsible for monitoring expenses on an ongoing basis and will serve as a liaison to the Finance Department and Chief Financial Officer. Strategic responsibility: The Director works with senior staff and Trust leadership to develop and implement public space strategy. Travel requirements: Some local travel may be required for this position. Additionally, the position may also visit other public spaces to share best practices. Physical demands: This position will involve frequent and regular outdoor activity. Occasional lifting up to 20-30 lbs. may be required. Starting Salary Range:

$85,000- $95,000The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered for employment without attention to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. Employees are expected to be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, with or without job modification/reasonable accommodation. If an employee believes a job modification/reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources so that a review can be conducted.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust strives to comply with the accommodation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and other related federal, state, and local laws. Powered by JazzHRDyqlea4Ngv