Job Bank
Job Bank
Director of External Relations
Burlington, NJ
ArtPride New Jersey Foundation
Full Time
Posted October 10, 2023
The ArtPride New Jersey Foundation (ArtPride), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has an immediate opening for a full-time Director of External Relations.
The Director of External Relations serves as the staff member who oversees all advocacy outreach, establishes and maintains relations with elected and appointed officials, and directs arts-related policy issues. The Director reports to the President & CEO and works in partnership with the Director of Advocacy Operations. The Director also serves as a staff liaison between ArtPride’s Board of Trustees and the contracted government affairs advisor(s).
The Director of External Relations serves as the staff member who oversees all advocacy outreach, establishes and maintains relations with elected and appointed officials, and directs arts-related policy issues. The Director reports to the President & CEO and works in partnership with the Director of Advocacy Operations. The Director also serves as a staff liaison between ArtPride’s Board of Trustees and the contracted government affairs advisor(s).
Duties and Responsibilities
- Monitors state policy and business environment for emerging issues that affect New Jersey’s arts and culture community.- Identifies and educates partners and, as necessary, creates cross-functional working groups to keep all apprised of the status of the issues as they evolve, to assure that advocacy remains informed by current ArtPride strategy
- Advocates with key government officials, legislative committees and other entities on legislative or public policy initiatives of importance to the arts and culture community.
- Defines and strategically manages government affairs consultant responsibilities in order to execute action plans designed to maximize ArtPride NJ’s impact on policymakers
- Tracks state legislation and regulation and coordinates with policy team (President & CEO, Director of Advocacy Operations, Government Planning & Strategy Committee) to understand impacts and ArtPride NJ’s position
- Ensures that state government officials, state legislative committees, and other relevant parties are educated on ArtPride NJ’s position on public affairs issues of importance to the field
- Proactively initiates and cultivates relationships with policymakers and their staffs on behalf of ArtPride NJ
- Builds organizational alignment on key issues by informing and educating management and staff about advocacy and policy developments
- Maintains relationships with representatives from other sectors that define or influence state policy decisions affecting New Jersey’s arts and cultural community (education, economic and - community development, healthcare)
- In collaboration with Director of Advocacy Operations:
- Assists in the execution of events (NJ League of Municipalities Conference, NJ Arts Advocacy Day) for federal, state, and local officials designed to increase awareness of policy issues affecting the arts and culture communities
- Executes activities related to research regarding public value (Arts & Economic Prosperity studies)
- Works to maximize the impact of the messaging platform (Phone2Action) and other organizational technology
- Works with the Director of Advocacy Operations and Membership/Development Manager to create and execute public-facing outreach events
- Maintains regular contact with NJ State Council on the Arts staff related to government affairs and policy development
- Addresses queries from the field related to advocacy and public policy issues
- Assures strict adherence to lobbying disclosure and other ethical requirements applicable to government relations activities
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience and should possess a comprehensive skill set that includes a deep understanding of government structures, legislative processes, and public policy development at the federal, state, and local levels.This role demands exceptional leadership and communication abilities, as the director must effectively build and lead advocacy teams, engage with members, and articulate the organization's goals to government officials, community partners, and the public. Strong analytical skills are essential for conducting policy research, creating effective strategies, and anticipating potential challenges. Moreover, a successful director should demonstrate expertise in coalition building and advocacy campaigns, while also being adept at tracking legislative initiatives, and staying current with emerging policy trends and issues. This role necessitates a blend of political acumen, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills to effectively shape and advocate for the organization's policy priorities.
The desired individual must possess a driven passion for the arts. Previous nonprofit experience, particularly in the arts and culture sector, is a plus. Although this position will function primarily in the field, some in-person time at the ArtPride office in Burlington, NJ will be required. Travel to meet with member organizations, officials, and partners throughout the state will be required.
Traits and Characteristics:
- Diplomacy and Teamwork – The dexterity to effectively and tactfully handle difficult issues in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity and respects differences while modeling and cultivating a culture of collaboration, accountability, joy, and excellence.
- Personal Accountability and Planning/Organization – The potentiality to establish courses of action, to ensure that work is completed effectively while remaining answerable for one’s own actions.
- Leadership and Project Management – The capability to organize and inspire people to believe in a vision while living and modeling the organization's values, creating a sense of purpose, and cooperating with others to meet objectives.
- Time and Priority Management – The capacity to prioritize and complete tasks in order to deliver desired outcomes within allotted periods.
How To Apply
Resumes will be accepted until positions are filled, but not later than November 10, 2023. Submit your application here https://www.tfaforms.com/5091052. No phone calls, please.
Compensation & Benefits: Starting annual salary at $75,000
- Medical, dental, and vision healthcare, as well as 401(k), are available for all full-time employees
- ArtPride offers a generous paid time off package, including vacation, personal, and sick time, in addition to 13 annual holidays
- ArtPride will provide any equipment (computers, office supplies, etc.) necessary to fulfill the job responsibilities.
Deadline: Nov 10, 2023
