Program Manager, Public Art and Collections

Program Manager, Public Art & Collections

Ends on Sat, Feb 7, 2026 6:00 AM

POSITION TITLE: Program Manager, Public Art & Collections

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time Exempt

LOCATION: Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

REPORTS TO: Director, Arts@MSP

SALARY RANGE: $60,000 - $65,000/year

Airport Foundation MSP is the only nonprofit organization of its kind in the world, leading the industry with programs and services dedicated to elevating the travel experience and supporting our aviation community. Airport Foundation MSP is recognized as a key component to MSP being rated the top airport in North America. We value organizational integrity, our people, collaboration and the power of partnership, diversity in our community, and creativity and innovation.

GENERAL

SUMMARY:

The Program Manager, Public Art & Collections leads the development, acquisition, care, and interpretation of permanent public artworks at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. This position ensures that new commissions and existing collection works are managed with excellence and that initiatives beyond traditional program areas are strategically advanced. Responsibilities include commissioning and project management, collections care and conservation, community engagement, partnership development, interdepartmental coordination, and occasional oversight of hybrid, cross-disciplinary initiatives.

• Be a positive representative of Airport Foundation MSP, understand the interconnectedness of our work and outcomes, and support and advance the Foundation’s strategic plan.
• Model effective teamwork and exceptional internal and external customer service.
• Lead the development, commissioning, fabrication, and installation of new permanent artworks at MSP in coordination with artists, fabricators, Airport Development, and project stakeholders.
• Oversee stewardship and maintenance of the existing permanent collection, including inventory, documentation, conservation planning, and response to emergent repair needs.
• Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, fabricators, and contractors to integrate artwork into capital improvement and infrastructure projects.
• Coordinate logistics and administrative tasks related to commissioning and conservation projects, including contracts, budgets, schedules, artist communication, and permit/insurance requirements.
• Flexibility to develop and manage projects that fall outside traditional program buckets (rotating exhibits, performing arts, media arts), working across disciplines to bring them to fruition.
• Facilitate community and stakeholder engagement opportunities around public art commissions to ensure inclusive and meaningful outcomes.
• Maintain clear, detailed records of all project activities and artwork care, consistent with museum and public art best practices.
• Contribute to budget planning and long-range program planning, manage project and operational budgets related to commissions and collection care, and support financial reporting for grants and contracts.
• Support the development of new artist opportunities and participate in artist selection panels as needed.
• Partner with Marketing and Communications staff to develop materials and experiences that promote public awareness and appreciation of the public art collection.
• Present updates to the Arts and Culture Steering Committee and contribute to reports and planning documents.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

• Ability to be a positive leader and contribute to a highly functional, collaborative team.
• Deep knowledge of contemporary public art, collections care, and commissioning processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale art projects from concept through completion, including collaboration with technical and construction professionals.
• Strong administrative skills with experience in contracts, budgeting, and project tracking.
• Technical competency to interpret architectural, fabrication, and engineering drawings is a strong plus.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; confident facilitator of meetings and public conversations.
• Ability to interpret and explain…