Director of Administration and Advocacy
Department: Administrative
Classification: Exempt, full-time
Reports to: Board Chair
Salary: $70,000 annually
Location: Must live in close proximity to Washington, D.C. (hybrid in-person / remote work)
Date Posted: April 1, 2022
Summary
The Performing Arts Alliance (PAA) envisions a United States (including its territories and sovereign nations) in which the diverse ecology of the performing arts is deeply valued and supported, adequately and equitably resourced, and where participation is accessible to all. A 501c4 organization, PAA advances movement building for systemic change in our field, including creative workforce development, increased public investment in the arts, and centering racial and cultural justice in public policy. The Director is an effective communicator and administrator, and has demonstrated knowledge of and skills in government advocacy work. They will work closely with Government Affairs staff at member organizations, PAA’s Executive Committee, and consultants to ensure timely communication to member constituents; clear calls for advocacy action; and capturing of impact stories to motivate political movement.
The PAA Board has recently undergone a year-long equity training with Team Dynamics and is committed to centering inclusion, equity, diversity, and access in all of PAA’s practices and programs. This position will play a critical role in moving this transformational work forward by coordinating meetings, materials, and minutes as well as engaging in the conversations themselves. Ongoing work includes attending/participating in advocacy conversations, creating effective communications, and planning and supporting board and committee activities.
Candidate Profile
An ideal candidate is enthusiastic about PAA’s mission and advocating for the creative sector. They must be skilled at managing both strategic and tactical activities related to creating, disseminating, collaborating on, and delivering effective communications. The successful candidate has some experience in government advocacy and is committed to advancing policies that most impact the country’s independent culture workers. Knowledge of federal policy and activities on Capitol Hill are necessary. This is an ideal position for someone excited to both learn more about the creative sector and continue to develop their advocacy skills.
The successful candidate is dedicated to centering racial equity and approaches their work with curiosity, courage, and empathy. This includes seeking innovative ways to improve the organization’s operations, communications, and advocacy efforts. The Director of Administration and Advocacy is PAA’s only paid staff member and must be highly organized and self-motivated, proactive, and able to reprioritize when needed.
They have experience engaging diverse constituents in collective action; experience with fundraising and working with boards are a plus. Past work with Microsoft Office Suite, Customer Management Systems (e.g. MailChimp or VoterVoice), social media, and digital platforms like Google docs is required.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Write, coordinate, and/or disseminate PAA communications including Action Alerts, Advocacy Updates, announcements, and information to PAA members
- Collaborate with, and invite guidance from, Government Affairs (GA) staff at member organizations to create compelling, timely communications to inform and motivate advocacy action for PAA
- Manage related PAA communication platforms to ensure current and timely content (website, social media, internal platforms)
- Track key policy issues impacting independent cultural artists and participate in Cultural Advocacy Group and other advocacy group meetings
- Maintain direct communication with PAA organization members without GA staff to understand advocacy priorities for their constituents; manage PAA advocacy priority agenda with GA staff
- Support PAA Board activities (support Chair in meeting planning and materials; schedule meetings and tech/catering needs; take minutes)
- Attend/participate in key advocacy events and convenings
- Oversee, develop, and monitor PAA’s annual operating budget with external bookkeeper and Board Treasurer; manage incoming and outgoing revenue, e.g. membership dues and contributions
- Support and engage in PAA’s ongoing equity training and strategic work
- Maintain PAA files and records
- Serve as PAA representative with consultants and vendors
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this full-time, exempt position is $70,000/year plus health insurance reimbursement. We value the artistic and other life activities of our staff and acknowledge the unpredictable nature of advocacy requires timely response and activity.
Location and Travel
With a focus on federal government advocacy, we represent a broad spectrum of performance-based culture bearers across the country. This position will be expected to attend in-person meetings in Washington, D.C. regularly and travel to New York City and possible other locations an estimated 3 times a year. Board meetings take place three times a year in NYC or DC, and occasionally in other locations. PAA will cover direct costs related to these travels. Office space is available with PAA members in NYC and DC; remote work is expected. (The current PAA Board Chair resides in Minneapolis, MN.)
To Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter sharing why you are interested in this position to info@thepaalliance.org. Job is open until filled.
