Tribal Cultural Affairs; TCA) Program Manager; WMS

Schedule and

Working Conditions:

This is primarily an office position based in Olympia but may also partially work from a remote site as approved by the Executive Director. There is significant travel to Tribal events to build relationships and be in community. The schedule is M-F, 8 am - 5 pm;
Position may require occasional flexible schedule, including some evening, holiday, or weekend work.

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.

You will be central to the development, management, and expansion of ArtsWA’s Tribal Cultural Affairs (TCA) Program. You will nurture 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 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 Tribal populations and the agencies and organizations that serve them.

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.

• Act as ArtsWA’s primary liaison to Tribal communities and the agencies, organizations, and individuals that serve them
• Develop and manage a $1,650,000 bi-annual program budget while seeking additional resources in partnership with the team, the budget office, legislators, stakeholders, and the Executive Director.
• Engage with constituents, board members, partner agencies, legislators, funders, and the public. Public speaking abilities a must.
• Coordinate and work collaboratively with internal agency programs and outside partners to deliver technical assistance to Tribal communities.
• Promote and improve cultural learning, cultural humility, cultural responsiveness, and government-to-government training within ArtsWA and with our partners to assure understanding of Tribal issues.
• Cultivate relationships and connections across regions and states, including (but not limited to) virtual meetings, in-person visits, or conference travel.

• Nine (9) years of experience working directly with federally recognized Tribes and Tribal communities as a primary responsibility.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Government-to-Government protocols and sovereignty.
• Understanding of ArtsWA, its programming, structure, and mission.
• A valid driver’s license, free from serious traffic violations.
• A strong public service and customer focus ethic.
• Ability to adapt communication and approaches to different communities and individuals, including the ability to understand and appropriately respond the Tribes.
• Experience working for a state or local government as a Tribal Liaison.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• 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.
• Lived experience…