CULTURAL AFFAIRS SPECIALIST (#GS5 )

$34.56-$43.73 hourly / $5,990.00-$7,580.00 monthly / $71,884.80-$90,958.40 yearly

Under general direction, assesses community needs for cultural programs; plans, organizes, schedules and implements cultural programs and events; provides staff support to commissions, committees and other organizations; develops grant applications and funding sources; administers contracts; and performs other work as required.

Positions in this class are responsible for evaluating and planning cultural programs and events in order for the county to meet community needs. Incumbents work with a high degree of independence to plan and organize programs and events, develop funding sources and negotiate and administer contracts.

Plans, organizes, schedules and implements cultural programs and events; provides staff assistance to commissions, committees and other organizations; conducts field research to assist in establishing goals and activities; prepares recommendations on cultural program development and implements programs through liaison with community groups, educational organizations, libraries and governmental agencies; assists in the conceptual design and supervises the graphic execution of promotional themes and campaigns; coordinates and/or performs various public relation activities prepares speeches, scripts, exhibits, films, newsletters, and press releases to publicize cultural programs; develops and coordinates a wide variety of cultural programs and events to increase community involvement and interest; works with officials, volunteers and others to develop, promote and implement cultural exhibits, activities and programs; assists in the formulation and preparation of grant applications and other sources of revenue generation; represents the county in local, regional and state cultural events; coordinates workshops in cooperation with local artists, educational organizations and community groups; maintains the inventory and coordinates the display of county owned art work; assists in the appropriate exchange of exhibits; and maintains current information on Santa Cruz County Arts Commission projects.

• Working knowledge of the practices and techniques of planning organizing, evaluating and administering cultural programs and events;
• Working knowledge of community cultural organizations and activities;
• Some knowledge of marketing and promotional techniques of cultural events; and
• Some knowledge of grant or funding sources and grant preparation.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with community organizations and groups, administrative staff and the general public;
• Plan, organize, schedule, and implement a wide variety of cultural programs and events;
• Prepare comprehensive and concise written reports, news releases, program descriptions, budget proposals and grant applications;
• Speak effectively before diverse groups;
• Evaluate the effectiveness of cultural activities in the community; and Collect and publish information concerning cultural organizations active in the county.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and abilities, is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Training and/or experience equivalent to graduation from a four year college with a degree in creative arts, fine arts, music, dance, theater, art education or a related field plus six months related experience which would demonstrate the application of the knowledge and abilities listed above.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License, or the incumbent must be able to provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority.