Friday, March 14, 2014

Position Announcement: Program Officer, Native Arts and Cultures Foundation

Organization: Native Arts and Cultures Foundation

Position:  Program Officer

Salary Range:  $70,000 or based on experience

Benefits:  Generous health insurance contribution and other benefits

Supervisor:  Lulani Arquette, President/CEO

Application Deadline:  March 31, 2014 or sooner. Please submit cover letter and resume to Elizabeth Madrigal at Elizabeth@nativeartsandcultures.org.

Organization Overview:  The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) is a Native-led national organization dedicated to promoting the revitalization, appreciation and perpetuation of indigenous arts and cultures for American Indian, Native Hawaiian and Alaska Native artists and communities. Through its program initiatives, NACF offers Native artist awards, and community/partnership engagement across the continental 48 states, Alaska and Hawaii. Located in the Pacific Northwest, an area known for its rich Native traditions and dedication to artistic endeavors, NACF is based out of Vancouver, Washington and is adjacent to Portland, Oregon.

Primary Responsibilities: The Program Officer, reporting to the CEO, and working with the Program Director, is responsible for the direct, daily management and implementation of a long-term new national initiative across several states and regions.  NACF will function in varying roles on projects including sponsor, producer, connector, promoter, and advisor.  Primary activities will involve the planning, management, and implementation of artists and arts projects including collaborations among artists and culture-bearers (including both tribal and non-tribal governmental entities), communities, funders, and other organizations regionally and nationally.  

The position requires direct interface with stakeholders as well as high-level communications skills, cultural sensitivity and strong project management experience. The optimal candidate will have worked in both rural and urban Native communities managing arts based projects, large arts installations, performances, or other comparable events.  In addition to direct management of outside projects, the position performs administrative functions, promotional writing, relationship building and should have experience in developing and maintaining budgets.  The Program Officer will also be available to advise and support the President/CEO and NACF staff as needed.

Priorities:  The new initiative will be implemented in the following phases:
Phase One:  A 12-18 month ‘Get ready’ phase during which NACF will focus on working with artists and organizations on pilot projects to ensure they yield successful outcomes; and expanding/solidifying relationships with partners, co-funders, and stakeholders 
Phase Two:  Development and implementation of the new initiative across regions. (2015-2020)
Phase Three:  Assessment, refinement and implementation of the full initiative as a permanent national program. (2020-2025)
Minimum Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess and project the utmost integrity and highest standards of professional conduct, and must be an individual qualified by accomplishment and experience to exercise the leadership of a talented and motivated professional community. Expected qualifications include: 

At least five years experience in project management, preferably in an arts and cultures field.
Knowledge and understanding of Native cultures, communities, or issues
A demonstrated ability to advocate artist and community interests, while also understanding and representing institutional issues and concerns in a broader context.
The ability to foster collaboration among diverse groups and encourage new program development.
A proven, contemporary record of innovative program development and entrepreneurial leadership.
Possession of a forward-thinking outlook that embraces cultural equity, environmental and social responsibility, and a global perspective in arts advocacy.
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to be an effective and engaged listener.
A leadership style characterized by openness, trust, collegiality, and creativity, coupled with decisiveness and a strong commitment to the foundation’s vision, core values, and strategic priorities.
Proficient problem solving skills combined with the ability to set realistic expectations.
A demonstrated understanding of the creative process with a natural ability to facilitate the highest standards of professional practice and achievement.
A bachelor’s degree is required, with a preference for candidates who hold an MFA, MA, or a terminal degree in an appropriate or related field of study.

Desired Qualifications:
Cultural competence, specifically knowledge and understanding of Native peoples and tribes.
An arts and cultures, social justice or land values background.
Intermediate to advanced MS Office skills.
Familiarity with Smartsheet, Basecamp or other major project management tools.
Additional Expectations:
Primary hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Work on evenings and weekends may be required as a function of this salaried position.
Travel nationally is required and may include weekends.
All activities must comply with NACF policies and procedures.
NACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Learn more about the foundation’s mission at: http://www.nativeartsandcultures.org.



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