New Hampshire Selected for Pilot to Raise Awareness of Arts Issues with Presidential Candidates

Thanks to New Hampshire’s first in the nation status in the 2008 presidential primaries, Americans for the Arts has teamed up with New Hampshire Citizens for the Arts to raise the importance of arts issues on the candidates’ agendas. To assist them in this pilot project, which they hope will be a model for other states, they are seeking a contracted coordina tor. See below for the job description: 

Job Announcement
CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR
BIPARTISAN CAMPAIGN FOR THE ARTS -- NH PRIMARY

REPORTS TO:   Board of Direc tors, NH Citizens for the Arts (NHCFA); and Narric Rome, Americans for the Arts (AFTA), Washing ton, DC

HOURS:  Part time, through about January 12, 2008. 

• Hours increasing gradually, from up to 10 hrs/wk at the start to up to 3/4 time in the final week(s). 
  Hrs will vary monthly depending on special events and goals for month.

SCOPE OF WORK:   Responsible for furthering the goals of the Arts Campaign by identifying, training, dispatching advocates; creating visibility and increased interest and support for Arts issues among candidates and their staffs and supporters, as well as NH voters; and implementing the Campaign office, events, and budget.

RESPONSIBILITIES.   With NHCFA and AFTA:

1.   Become familiar with the NH Primary campaign system and major presidential candidates, their staffs and supporters.  Become familiar with Arts issues, including national and NH legislative and citizens’ concerns and goals.

2.   Further develop a project timeline and implementation plan so that resources can be used for maximum effect.

3.   Solicit and obtain maximum in-kind contributions for office space, furnishings and equipment.  Purchase same as required and set up office and systems.

4.   Create and implement a plan for engaging active volunteer advocates and supporters for the project. 

5.   According to guidelines established by NHCFA and AFTA, create and implement a plan to create visibility for the project, incorporating communications in both traditional outlets and new technologies, as well as events for advocates, the public, and the press.

6.   Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer advocates to question candidates or staffs, assist with mailing or telephone campaigns, or provide visibility at candidate or advocacy events.

7.   Deploy volunteer advocates to candidates’ and public events to interview and question candidates and make notes and reports.  Coordinate such deployments geographically and in a targeted manner.

8.   Manage project campaign office and administer budget.

9.   Prepare reports for NHCFA Board, AFTA, and any Advisory Committees.  Maintain regular communications with Board leadership and AFTA staff.  Recommend models for use in the Primaries in other states following NH.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

·        Energetic, technology-savvy individual with strong organizational and communications skills. 

·        Experience with project coordination and small-office management.

·        Experience or ability to coordinate and motivate volunteers.

·        Track record of meeting strategic and budget targets.  Ability to prioritize.

·        Strong, accurate writer and edi tor.  Journalism experience a plus.

·        Familiarity with the political process, particularly the New Hampshire Primary, and how the issue-advocacy process works.  Understanding of   grass-roots politics.

·        Interest and belief in the Arts sufficient to communicate effectively on the topic.

·        Enthusiasm for the opportunity to meet Presidential candidates in person and to work with top-drawer NH political operatives and arts leaders.

·        Available to make calls and coordinate on some evenings and weekends.

·        Commitment to stay through the Primary Election date. 

·        Available for varying hours with a limit to total compensation, with hours gradually increasing in stages through the summer, fall, and winter.  Ability to husband time at beginning to ensure adequate hours in the final weeks to act effectively in the final push and national-spotlight.

NOMINATIONS WELCOME.   EOE

TO APPLY:  

Apply in confidence:  Email resume, cover letter, names of 3 references with contact information, and current salary his tory to: Marilyn Hoffman, President, Board of Direc tors, New Hampshire Citizens for the Arts, HofffmanMar@aol.com.  Deadline: March 15 or until position is filled.