MASSCreative seeks an experienced, creative, and collaborative individual to lead the organization’s community engagement and organizing efforts. We seek someone who shares our deep belief that arts and culture are essential to a stronger, more equitable Massachusetts. Reporting to the Executive Director, this senior level position will direct and implement the organization's grassroots communications, community organizing, and coalition building efforts. Candidates must demonstrate a dedication to establish and cultivate collaborative relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. 

Black, Indigenous and People of color, women, LGBTQ-identified persons, and others from historically underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.

Background

Since its founding in 2012, MASSCreative has worked to build a more vibrant, healthy, and equitable Massachusetts by advocating for resources and policies necessary for the arts, cultural, and creative sector to thrive. From retaining talent and contributing to the economic stability of Massachusetts to developing youth into leaders and bringing communities together, the creative sector is essential to the Commonwealth. We believe a strong, well-resourced creative sector results in a stronger Massachusetts.

In its first eight years, MASSCreative unified the arts and culture sector in its advocacy efforts. MASSCreative developed an impressive network of 400 member organizations, a 60-person Leadership Council that supports MASSCreative’s efforts in the field to build a strong statewide grassroots network, and galvanized more than 30,000 Commonwealth residents to take political action in support of the creative sector. 

After eight years of incremental wins and growth, MASSCreative is in a critical moment of inflection and transformation. The COVID-19 pandemic has required MASSCreative to live into many of the values adopted in its 2019 Strategic Plan, including better utilizing online platforms to interpret policy into action, advancing cross-sector and intersectional policies that benefit the creative sector, and better supporting local arts and cultural organizing efforts through partnership and skills building.

This is an exciting moment for the organization, as we develop our next phase of grassroots communications, community organizing, and policy advocacy towards a more inclusive and better supported creative sector.

Responsibilities

Grassroots Communications

• Develop communications & messaging strategies that engage new and lifelong cultural advocates in MASSCreative’s advocacy campaigns.
• Create and execute communications on multiple platforms including website, social media, and email.
• Cultivate and grow our online and in-person advocacy network through the creative use of existing platforms and structures. 

Community Organizing & Skills Building

• Strategize, develop, and lead three to four annual advocacy campaigns that recruit and mobilize artists, cultural workers, organizational leaders, and arts supporters to join MASSCreative in pursuing our advocacy agenda.
• Collaborate with partners in the sector to develop and run skill building workshops that will strengthen the advocacy muscle of the creative community. 
• Create toolkits and informational materials for partners to engage in advocacy campaigns and develop their community organizing skills. 

Coalition Building & Leadership Development

• Regularly meet one-on-one with arts and cultural advocacy leaders, including MASSCreative Leadership Council and Organizational members, to ensure coordination and collaboration of arts and cultural advocacy efforts.
• Seek out and represent MASSCreative on coalitions that address cross-sector policy needs.
• Support MASSCreative’s internship program including developing work plans, conducting trainings, and holding weekly intern check-ins. 

Qualifications

• 4-7 years of experience in political or issue-driven organizing campaigns, that included managing staff and volunteers.
• Excellent written communications skills.
• Deep knowledge of online communication tools including social media, video or podcast platforms, websites and databases.
• Demonstrated ability to build and mobilize a group of people around a project or campaign.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing the arts and creativity for organizing efforts.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience running logistics for events and convenings.
• Ability to travel via car throughout the Commonwealth.

Compensation

Salary: Commensurate with experience, $48,000- $53,000.

Benefits: MASSCreative provides eligible full-time employees with a monthly health insurance stipend, participation in a matching retirement plan, and paid time off.

Location & Start Date

MASSCreative’s offices are located in Boston, candidates who live in Massachusetts and wish to work remotely will be considered. The position will require travel throughout Massachusetts to meet with advocates and lead organizing events. 

To Apply

• Please submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample to [email protected]. 
  • The writing sample can be a an email or social media post encouraging your community to engage on a social issue or event,  a social campaign or communications email for an orgnanization, a newsletter article, or fundraising copy.  
• All materials should be submitted as one PDF. 
• Please use subject title: Director of Engagement & Organizing Position.