Job Summary
The Mural Operations Manager will manage all operations for Groundswell’s school, studio, commission and community projects through installation/disassembling, schedule management, onsite safety protocol, and project supply. They will supervise the Mural Operations Coordinator, work closely with the Studio Coordinator, and collaborate with other Program Managers and cross functionally with Groundswell’s staff to support the organization's program operations.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Mural Operations & Installation
- Manage the operational launch, maintenance, and close-out of all programs (school, studio, and any other onsite/offsite murals/commission projects).
- Schedule, oversee, manage, and install large scale mural around NYC.
- Manage and maintain operations and implementation schedule of multiple simultaneous projects across divisions within the program department.
- Co-develop and present operational slide decks/planning documents to Teaching Artists, staff and/or partners.
- Repair damaged or vandalized murals as necessary.
Facilities, Equipment & Logistics
- Manages the upkeep of studio and supply storage inventory at Groundswell headquarters.
- Schedule and manage rentals of scaffolding and scissor/boom lift equipment.
- Schedule and manage supply order deliveries/pick-ups, parachute cloth murals installations, and overall project supply inventory.
- Manage and utilize ride share account for transportation of supplies
- Manage and utilize U-Haul van rentals for transportation of supplies, when applicable.
- Coordinate with Studio Programs team and Office Manager to schedule use of studio space for artists to complete mural work.
Staff Supervision & Training
- Supervise Mural Operations Coordinator (includes daily supervision/task management, performance evaluations, 1:1 supervision meetings, etc.).
- Ensure Mural Operations Coordinator is properly trained on mural installation process and safety guidelines.
- Lead operation orientation for teaching artists to ensure understanding of Mural Operations Division role, as well as process and timeline for requests.
Stakeholder & Partner Coordination
- Manage communications and coordination for operations with all relevant stakeholders regarding supply requests and storage (e.g. school principals, community organizations, teaching artists).
- Assess, make decisions, and provide recommendations to partners regarding physical space for mural installations (e.g. viability of wall, safety considerations for installation).
Safety, Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Manage all onand off-
- site safety protocol for students and teaching artists, including, securing sites according to OSHA guidelines and safety training (scaffolding and 5-hour OSHA training).
- Manage all site/wall inspections for quality assurance of mural projects and overall safety
- Periodically use power tools (e.g. Nail gun, circular saw, sanders, jigsaw) to support installation of art projects, following all safety rules.
Administrative and General Responsibilities
- Complete expense reports.
- Research prices and estimates for mural and project supplies in adherence to annual budget.
- Participate in regular staff meetings, program department team meetings and supervision meetings with direct supervisor.
- Support planning and implementation of periodic art events for Groundswell Teaching Artists (21 years old and older).
- Uphold organizational policies and safety practices.
- Other special projects/assignments as needed and relevant to the role.
Qualifications
A strong candidate will have 5+ years of operations or production experience in a field-based environment, experience supervising staff, hands-on mural installation and safety experience, and the ability to manage multiple complex projects involving external partners and public-facing work.
Education, Skills, and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study
- At least 5 years experience in project management, program operations or administration
- At least 2 years of experience with staff management/supervision
- 100+ hours of documented experience using rolling tower scaffolding and aerial lifts (scissor lift) with 6-10 hours within the last year.
- OSHA Scaffolding certification (required; may be renewed on the job within first 30 days if expired)
- OSHA Aerial Lift (Scissor Lift) Certification (required; may be renewed on the job within first 30 days if expired)
- Valid and active NY driver’s license preferred
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, etc.) and other applications (i.e. Zoom, Google)
- Effective communication (written & oral), organizational and planning skills, with attention to detail required
- Capacity to work independently to meet deadlines and work cross-functionally with Groundswell staff
- Commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion
- Experience in youth/education, community-based or arts organizations a plus
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Must be able to converse with others; communicate and exchange information and ideas accurately so that others will understand.
- Ability to recognize, identify, assess and observe mural details at close range (within 1 foot)
- Required to move about inside the office, and to and from different off-site locations around NYC.
- Frequently assembles and disassembles scaffolding, and operates aerial lifts
- Frequently ascends and descends ladders and scaffolding to install murals (50 – 1000+ square feet) and complete paint touch ups on murals
- Frequently required to position self to work on mural painting, touch ups and installations at ground level.
- Frequently operates a computer and other office machinery such as a copy machine, and projector
- Often moves and lifts supply bins and equipment up to 50 pounds around the office and transporting to different sites around NYC.
- Often works in outdoor weather conditions for several days in a row.
WORKING AT GROUNDSWELL
Groundswell brings together artists, youth, and community organizations to use art as a tool for social change, for a more just and equitable world. Groundswell has created over 700 community murals in our 30-year history and each year we advance our mission by engaging 450+ young people, primarily ages 13 - 24, from communities around NYC in our public artmaking programs. Our projects beautify neighborhoods, engage youth in societal and personal transformation, and give expression to perspectives that are underrepresented in public dialogue. All murals are based on social justice issues that are important to the communities that we serve.
Groundswell’s staff is a group of highly committed, engaged, empowered, and joyful individuals. We trust in the power of art to connect, grow, and challenge current social norms and systems. Learn more about our work here: https://www.groundswell.nyc
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Groundswell is an equal opportunity employer and is deeply committed to building a diverse workplace rooted in equity, inclusion, and mutual respect. We believe our mission is strengthened by teams that reflect a broad range of identities, lived experiences, and ways of thinking, and we welcome applicants who share these values.
In accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, Groundswell prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Groundswell provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence or stalking and sex offenses, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, pregnancy, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, any other historical marginalization, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Groundswell complies with all applicable anti-discrimination laws and regulations and creates a workplace where all individuals feel valued and supported and encourages all to apply for positions within the organization.
HOW TO APPLY
Groundswell invites all qualified applicants to submit a cover letter and resume to: resume@groundswell.nyc with the subject line: “Mural Operations Manager”.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a start date goal of Spring 2026.
