Vice President, Policy and Community Engagement, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Posted by on December 11, 2011

Vice President, Policy and Community Engagement, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Posted on: December 2, 2011

The Cultural Alliance’s mission is to lead, strengthen and give voice to a diverse cultural sector that is making Philadelphia a world-class region to live, work and play. We believe that Greater Philadelphia grows stronger and more vibrant by growing its arts and culture. The Alliance’s work promotes that mission through initiatives that leverage arts and culture to inspire individuals and build community and civic engagement. These efforts include connecting cultural resources to community needs; providing direct services for nonprofit cultural organizations; leading cultural research, advocacy and policy work; and producing marketing programs that increase cultural engagement.

Our work reflects these key principles: Arts and culture is an engine for economic growth. It has the power to elevate lives. It has the power to educate. We own it, as residents of the Greater Philadelphia region, because it comes from us. It helps individuals come together and grow as a community.

The Vice President of Policy and Community Engagement, who reports to the President, leads the Alliance’s policy, external relations, advocacy and community engagement.
Primary Role & Responsibilities

Policy & External Relations
Develop and lead the Alliance’s cultural policy agenda
Represent the Alliance and its members within the community (e.g. political events, public meetings, task forces, etc.)
Serve as a resource on cultural policy issues and initiatives to member organizations, the media, civic leaders, elected officials, and the general public
Build relationships and seek opportunities to educate and work with civic leaders, elected officials, and the public on issues of concern to the cultural sector
Network with other community engagement and public policy agencies to advance cultural policy initiatives and build collaborative relationships
Cultivate programmatic alliances with partner organizations
Lead development of strategies that anticipate and respond to advocacy issues, working closely with the President, Director of Community Engagement, and other staff as appropriate

Advocacy
Develop and maintain a network of government contacts at the local, state, and federal level
Manage lobbying and grassroots advocacy activity
Manage lobbyist and other legislative consulting relationships
Represent the Cultural Alliance in civic and government activities, and on committees as appropriate
Establish effective communications and, where appropriate, partnerships or programs with government offices and staff
Work with government relations staff at Alliance member and partner organizations on issues of mutual concern
Prepare and present testimony to local and state government officials as appropriate
Work with Membership team to develop individual membership category that broadens the base of advocates and donors

Community Engagement
Prepare and present information on the Alliance’s work and impact, and on the ‘Arts & Culture. It’s How We Grow.™’ initiative in particular
Represent the Alliance’s work in the media as appropriate
Support the President’s efforts to represent and connect the Cultural Alliance to external audiences
Supervise the Director of Community Engagement and support the Community Engagement team in the development of programs, strategies, and tools for evaluation

Senior Management Team
Manage Policy and Community Engagement staff, including recruitment, supervision, coaching, performance reviews, etc. and represent their work within the Alliance
Serve on the executive leadership team
Support the Alliance’s Development staff in preparing communications, proposals, reports, and other projects related to community engagement and cultural policy programs. Participate, as needed, in funder meetings and communications
Work with the board and senior management on projects related to cultural policy and community engagement
Support the President & Governance Committee Chair in board recruitment, nomination, and orientation
Oversee policy-related and community engagement content for the Alliance’s website, newsletter, annual report, and other communications, documents, and reports

Skills and Experience

The Vice President of Policy and Community Engagement must possess excellent leadership, communications, management, and strategic skills. Previous program planning, advocacy, external relations, research, and community engagement experience as well as knowledge of and contacts within the regional cultural, political and philanthropic landscape are desired. The Vice President of Policy and Community Engagement should have a demonstrated track record of achievement in these areas, with a proven ability to develop strategies, build coalitions, and implement successful plans of action. A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position, and a Master’s degree is preferred.

Please send a cover letter including salary requirements and resume to vp-policy-search@philaculture.org. The application deadline is December 20, 2011.

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/Kp2NBC2sgCH4/