RACIAL EQUITY STATEMENT
Mass Cultural Council works to invest financial, programmatic, and informational resources equitably. It also provides leadership to repair, heal, and build toward a cultural sector where racial diversity flourishes, decolonization of art and the cultural sector is achieved, and inclusion and belonging is the norm. Massachusetts’ communities, residents, and visitors benefit from robust diversity in the cultural sector, without which the Commonwealth cannot continue to thrive.
A vision of the world that honors a breadth/variety of perspectives makes for a richer and more productive cultural sector. Seeing the world through different perspectives and bringing those ideas to life is the charge of the cultural sector and its leaders. Mass Cultural Council supports these creative visions and visionaries with co-creative, innovative, equitable, inclusive, and decolonized programming and grant making.
The Mass Cultural Council is an independent state agency that promotes excellence, inclusion, education, and diversity in the arts, humanities, and sciences, fosters a rich cultural life for all Massachusetts residents, and contributes to the vitality of our communities and economy.
Please review our Racial Equity Plan.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking an innovative Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Advancement to support the Mass Cultural Council's mission of enhancing the creative sector across the Commonwealth. The ideal candidate will possess an appreciation for the arts, coupled with demonstrated work experience in building impactful relationships and advancing key initiatives.
In collaboration with the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams, this role aligns with the Council's strategic objectives to develop and secure strategic partnerships across key economic and social sectors, both locally and nationally. These partnerships span state and federal government agencies, corporations, employers, trade and professional associations, arts and cultural organizations, and educational institutions, aiming to enhance collaboration and innovation within the creative sector. Additionally, the role supports the agency’s policy agenda, integrating efforts across public and private entities crucial to the sector's growth.
This position reports to the Deputy Executive Director and entails 40% travel, both within and outside the state, including regular in-person meetings.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Partnership/Relationship Development : Serve as the primary point of contact for strategic partners, fostering strong and mutually beneficial relationships. Develop strategies to deepen engagement and collaboration with partners.

• Develop a strategy that outlines the frequency, timing, and content of updates to stakeholders. This plan includes identifying the most relevant and timely information to share, such as project updates, achievements, and opportunities, to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
• Develop and execute personalized outreach and engagement strategies, including initiating contact, scheduling meetings, and tracking/monitoring the effectiveness of partnerships in promoting the Council’s strategic goals.
• Establish performance indicators to measure the impact and effectiveness of long term and short-term partnership initiatives. Regularly report on progress to Senior leadership team.

Policy and Education : In partnership with the Public Affairs department, will facilitate educational efforts and policy advocacy to advance the sector's development and ensure alignment with broader organizational strategies.

• Coordinate and integrate internal and external policy efforts to align with the organization's strategic objectives, fostering a coherent approach to sector advocacy.
• Organize, recruit for, and manage focus groups to collect and analyze valuable insights, utilizing the data to inform and refine the agency's strategies and initiatives.
• Develop and deliver educational programs, including workshops, webinars, and training sessions for both internal teams and external stakeholders. These activities aim to distribute knowledge effectively and deepen understanding of the sector’s dynamics and challenges.
• Consistently monitor industry reports, academic research, and news sources to remain informed of emerging trends and developments within the creative sector.
• Participate at conferences and workshops that highlight the latest advancements and innovations relevant to the creative sector and related fields.
• Manage specific research projects by external consultants

Internal Collaboration: Support Deputy Executive Director to guide cross-functional/agency teams to execute partnership/relationships.

• Organize regular meetings and workshops with internal teams to align strategies, share updates, and gather feedback on ongoing partnership activities. These sessions will also serve as a platform for brainstorming new ideas and approaches to strengthen existing relationships.
• Actively collaborate with various staff members across departments, providing necessary training and inclusion in partnership-related projects, especially those staff members whose work is directly impacted by or can significantly influence the outcomes of these initiatives.
• Work closely with the Public Affairs team, and other key staff members to support the connections and information sharing between the creative and cultural sector and other sectors and government agencies.

Representation: Support the advocacy for the importance of the creative and cultural sector and Mass Cultural Council's mission to stakeholders and the broader community.

• Work with the Executive and Public Affairs Departments to identify key events, conferences, and meetings where representation could benefit the agency.
• In partnership with the Public Affairs Department, prepare necessary materials to effectively represent the organization.
• Attend events and actively participate in panels, discussions, and networking sessions to enhance the agency’s visibility.
• Compile short summaries of event outcomes, follow up with contacts made during the event, and evaluate the effectiveness of the participation.
• Support the Executive Department in fundraising development which supports strategic alliances.

COMPENSATION
Non-Union, Specialized Manager (ARTDD) $110k to 120k Annually
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 
Below are characteristics we will look for in the selection process. We recognize that the depth of each individual and the balance of all of them collectively may vary from candidate to candidate and as such, encourage applications from individuals with a range of background experiences and skills.

• Minimum of five years of experience in partnership development, business development, or related roles, with a proven track record of success.
• Demonstrated understanding of the creative sector, including knowledge of arts organizations, cultural trends, and industry dynamics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and negotiate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to guide cross-functional teams, manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities, develop plans, and execute initiatives to achieve objectives.
• Willingness and ability to acquire skills and seek out personal growth opportunities to further the work of supporting Mass Cultural Council initiatives.
• Demonstrated track record of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through ongoing learning, development, and implementation of strategies and actions in the workplace and cultural sector.
• Change-friendly and collaborative mindset with a strong commitment to continuous learning, problem-solving, and staying informed of industry trends and new practices to effectively achieve shared goals and address challenges.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Mass Cultural Council employees are required to work and travel beyond normal business hours to attend preplanned evening meetings, weekend events or complete work assignments with set deadlines. The on the job demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation/s may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
Physical Skills
Minimal physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform diverse work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. Ability to lift, carry, set up, and break down event materials, such as banners, boxes, easels, signs, microphones, speakers, chairs, and tables.
Motor Skills
Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job requires minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone, personal computer, peripherals, and/or most other common office equipment.
Visual Skills
Visual demands require constantly reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.
TOTAL COMPENSATION
As an employee of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which should be considered towards overall compensation, including:

• Alternative Work Schedules, and Hybrid Work Model
• 75% state paid medical insurance premium
• Extended Illness bank program 
• Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs
• Low cost basic and optional life insurance
• Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
• 12 paid holidays per year and generous sick, vacation, and personal leave package
• Tuition Benefit for employees and spouses at state colleges and universities
• Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

The Mass Cultural Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply. If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions please contact Diversity Officer: Cathy Cheng-Anderson at Catherine.cheng-anderson@mass.gov.
It is important for us that this application process is accessible for all applicants. For any requests or needs regarding accessibility, accommodations, modifications, or specific preferences we should be aware of to ensure your experience is accessible, positive, and supported, please contact the Senior Director of Business Operations/CFO, Cathy Cheng-Anderson at Catherine.cheng-anderson@mass.gov.
Please do not include any personally identifiable information with your application materials other than that specifically requested. The Massachusetts Cultural Council asks for basic information such as name, address, telephone number, and email address. You should not provide more detailed personal information such as your date of birth or Social Security Number with your application materials.
In compliance with federal laws, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
Background check (CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information)) will be required as a condition of employment. 
 

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