Program Manager III

Job Description:

Program Manager III

Description

About This Position

About Us!
Austin Arts, Culture, Music, and Entertainment (ACME) is your hub for the City of Austin’s diverse cultural initiatives.

We are committed to fostering a vibrant, creative ecosystem that celebrates and supports Austin's artists, musicians, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions. ACME is a centralized hub offering resources, funding opportunities, and strategic programs that promote local talent and drive economic growth.

Job Description:

Program Manager III

Purpose:

Under limited direction, this position is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing complex program(s) that integrates multiple elements or projects to achieve a defined objective.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Develops and implements full-scale complex or multiple programs that may have both internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Determines program goals, objectives and resource requirements.
  
• Establishes program standards, methods, policies and procedures.
  
• Develops, manages and submits proposed budget and forecast planning.
  
• Coordinates and collaborates with multiple stakeholders involved in or affected by programs.
  
• Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness, and implements improvement strategies.
  
• Develops, manages, and monitors the program budget and associated projects and provide financial information.
  
• Manages, coordinates, implements and monitors projects associated with assigned programs.
  
• Interacts with internal and external customers.
  
• Investigates and responds to inquiries from the public and other departments.
  
• Attends meetings and conducts presentations to Boards and Commissions, City Council Committees, City Council, and other related agencies.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May be responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of program management.
  
• Knowledge of principles and practices associated with assigned program area(s).
  
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation and monitoring.
  
• Knowledge of management principles related to municipal project and program activities.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Skill in strategic planning and budgeting.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in planning, coordinating, and implementing programs and activities.
  
• Skill in interpreting, organizing, coordinating, and executing assignments, projects, and programs.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to establish and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees, City management, political offices, and the public.
  
• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy in all dealings and maintain confidentiality as required.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation with Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the job, plus five (5) years of experience in a field related to the job, including two (2) years of experience which were in a supervisory, project or program management capacity.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Valid Texas Class C Driver License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with cultural funding, cultural policy, heritage preservation, or work within the creative sector.
  
• Experience designing or supporting programs that strengthen creative career pathways, arts education, or professional development for creative workers.
  
• Experience leading data systems, performance measurement, KPI development, or program evaluation.
  
• Experience managing research partnerships or participating in national/international cultural research cohorts.
  
• Experience managing complex public-sector programs or projects involving multiple stakeholders.
  
• Experience improving operational processes or collaborating across departments, divisions, or partner organizations.
  
• Experience preparing and delivering presentations and written materials for Boards & Commissions, public audiences, or executive leadership.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Notes to Applicants :

The Program Manager III (PMIII) for the Cultural Affairs & Investments Division is a senior program leader who supports the City of Austin’s cultural investment strategy, oversees division-wide data and performance activities, manages research partnerships, and leads key strategic projects that strengthen Austin’s creative ecosystem. Under limited direction, this position develops, implements, and manages complex programs involving multiple elements and stakeholders, consistent with the PMIII classification description. This role serves as the Division Manager’s primary deputy, ensuring the division’s operations, investments, and partnerships advance ACME’s mission and the City’s cultural priorities. This position plays a critical role in advancing transparent funding systems, strengthening community impact, supporting creative career development, and implementing ACME-wide operational excellence strategies-including data-driven decision-making, collaboration across divisions, continuous improvement, and professional stewardship of public resources.

Pay Rate: $80,490 - $107,310 yearly.

Location: 5202 East Ben White, Suite 400

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Hours may vary depending on departmental needs and initiatives.

Working for the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities, and more. Click here for more information on City of Austin Benefits !

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
  
• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.
  
• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.
  
• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter, candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.
  

Assessment:

• An assessment may be used to evaluate your skills and competencies for this job.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (including high school graduation or a GED, and undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited institution or organization, as well as proof of your professional licenses or certifications.
  
• If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214.
  
• A Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) is required.
  

Driving Requirement:

This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver's License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requirements. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Travel:

If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

90-day Provision:

This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies that occur within the department.

Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Please note that the Department may close the job posting after 7 days.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before that date. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time. We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Office Location Notes: Office location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.

PLEASE NOTE: Austin Arts Culture, Music, and Entertainment positions are not at 100% remote operation.

Video Conferencing Software Technology: Austin Arts Culture, Music, and Entertainment uses the communication platform, Microsoft Teams, to conduct virtual interviews.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM



At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-08-18