Tribal Cultural Affairs Program Manager (WMS2)

Description

Schedule: M-F, 8 am - 5 pm; Position may require occasional flexible schedule, including some evening, holiday, or weekend work

Who we are:
ArtsWA is the Washington State Arts Commission. Our mission is to be a catalyst for the arts, advancing the role of the arts in the lives of individuals and communities throughout the state. We serve diverse populations and strive to increase equity and access in the arts. We are a vibrant, busy agency with a friendly and knowledgeable staff.

We encourage you to visit www.arts.wa.gov to gain insight into our mission and strategic plan.

What you will be doing:
You will be paramount in the continued development, ongoing management, and further expansion of ArtsWA’s new Tribal Cultural Affairs (TCA) Program. You will be instrumental in nurturing a program that appreciates, respects, and supports tribal culture, arts, education, and history. You will work with the TCA team to implement and expand statewide grant programs for Native artists, culture-bearers, and arts and creative organizations. You will conduct outreach and ensure access to technical assistance, professional development and other relevant services. You will act as ArtsWA’s liaison to Indigenous populations and the agencies and organizations that serve them.

Who we are looking for:
An individual with an understanding of Native arts, culture, and community relationships. You will engage with diverse groups of constituents, partners, and contributors statewide. In addition, you will demonstrate excellent program management skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage a small staff and multiple overlapping projects and deadlines.

Duties

• Implement, manage, and expand the Tribal Cultural Affairs Program including a statewide grants program
• Act as ArtsWA’s Tribal liaison
• Build and manage an annual program budget
• Work with the Executive Director and others to expand financial and other resources in support of TCA’s grants, programs and services
• Supervise and oversee staff
• Work with partners to provide technical assistance and other services for tribal communities, organizations, artists, creatives and culture bearers
• Cultivate local and regional partnerships including with the legislature, other state agencies, other relevant organizations and individuals statewide and beyond
• Perform community outreach including public speaking and presentations
• Maintain contract files and program records
• Develop program evaluation tools and methods
• Prepare reports for executive staff, commissioners, the legislature, and other partners
• Travel statewide

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in public administration, law, tribal law, American Indian studies, government relations, public policy, arts administration, or a closely allied field
• Two (2) years of experience working directly with federally recognized tribes and tribal communities on policy development, regulations, government relations, matters of tribal law or tribal affairs OR two (2) years of community outreach/development/creative economy experience
• Knowledge of the unique legal and political Government-to-Government relationship between the federal government, state government, and tribal governments
• Two (2) years of experience working with a state legislature
• Demonstrable fluency in the arts and forms of tribal cultural expression, such as dance, media arts, theatre, sculpture, carving, storytelling and literature, poetry, and music

• Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, law, tribal law, American Indian studies, government relations, public policy, arts administration, or a closely allied field
• Four (4) years of experience working directly with federally recognized tribes and tribal communities on policy development, regulations, government relations, matters of tribal law or tribal affairs or four (4) years of community outreach/development experience
• Knowledge of the unique legal and political Government-to-Government relationship between the federal government, state government, and tribal governments
• Two (2) years of experience working with a state legislature
• Demonstrable fluency in the arts and forms of cultural expression, such as dance, media arts, theatre, sculpture, carving, storytelling and literature, poetry, and music

• Extensive professional experience with arts, culture, or cultural preservation
• Lived experience of the issues and challenges facing Washington’s tribal communities
• Extensive experience working with Washington tribal communities and an understanding of tribal governments and culture in Washington State
• Background and experience in developing and implementing tribal cultural programs or community initiatives in Washington State.
• Ability to forge relationships with a broad constituency
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience providing presentations to various audiences, answering questions, and educating the public
• Experience with state government and the development of budget proposals/decision packages
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to work both independently as well as within a team. Extensive leadership experience is a benefit
• Computer proficiency, including general office applications and virtual meeting platforms

Supplemental Information

• A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)