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City narrows search for airport music coordinator after 100+ applicants; interviews set for next week
Summary
ACME staff told the Music Commission that the city received more than 100 applications for a new airport music coordinator; HR shortlisted candidates, interviews will begin next week and the target start date for the hire is Feb. 1, 2026.
At the Jan. 5 Music Commission meeting, Erica Shimali, music and entertainment division manager at Austin Arts, Culture, Music & Entertainment (ACME), reported the closed recruitment for the airport music coordinator drew more than 100 applicants.
Shimali said staff and HR are moving to a manageable shortlist and plan interviews next week, with a target of onboarding the selected coordinator by Feb. 1. "We just started narrowing that down to have a manageable number of people to interview...these interviews should start next week...we hope to have somebody in place by the January, the February 1," Shimali said.
While interviews proceed, a temporary staffer is continuing to handle airport bookings and event coordination. Commissioner Price asked how many applicants were shortlisted and what criteria were used; Shimali said HR provided a recommended short list and that staff could not share detailed internal screening information while the process is underway.
Why it matters
The airport program provides a visible performance outlet for local musicians and requires a dedicated coordinator to maintain booking, production and vendor relationships. Filling the role affects scheduling for airport performances and operations for partners handling bookings.
Next steps
ACME said interviews will begin next week and the commission requested follow-up on hiring progress at the next meeting; staff will continue to manage bookings until the new coordinator is onboarded and trained.
