The Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in New York has a fulltime (40 hours per week) vacancy for a Policy Officer Cultural Department.

This position will be offered at pay scale 9 for a fixed term of one year with a probationary period of one month. For more information about this vacancy, please contact Ms. Monique Ruhe at +1 646-387-2289. For the original posting on Netherlands and You, click here.

Application letters together with resume should be submitted to:
Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Attn: Monique Ruhe, Cultural Attaché

666 Third Avenue, 19th floor
New York, NY 10017
USA

Email: nyc-pcz@minbuza.nl

Closing date for applications: October 22, 2021
Starting date: December 1, 2021
Indicative Monthly gross salary: $8,227 (pay scale 9, pay number 0)

The Netherlands Government celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to foster an inclusive environment within its organization. Individuals interested in advancing these diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply.

*As per US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), employers in the US are required to ensure that all employees have the legal right to work in the US. Under US State Department requirements, the embassy and our consulates may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or “A” visa holders. There is a max term for A2 visa holders of 5 years, the Netherlands Embassy / Consulate General cannot sponsor any work permits for families.

General features of the job

• The policy officer is primarily responsible for helping to develop and execute policy and for drawing up project plans for the section or sections concerned.
• The policy officer is accountable to the head of section for effectively helping to develop and execute policy and drawing up and amending project plans.
• Ministerial policy guidelines in the area of embassy policy concerned, as well as available funding, are of importance when making proposals to improve policy and potential project plans.
• The policy officer takes decisions about the quality of the analysis of collected data and the translation of overall ministerial policy frameworks into proposals for specific action by the Consulate General.
• Determining overall strategy for optimal presence of Dutch art in the field of Performing arts (i.e. theatre, dance, cross-sectoral), film and literature;
• Determining overall public diplomacy and press strategy for the cultural efforts of the Consulate-General, in accordance with the US-wide public diplomacy strategy of the Netherlands (coordinated by the Embassy’s Press & Public Diplomacy department);

Possible duties

Helping to develop and execute policy by:

• Example 1: Contributing, based on experience in the field, study of literature and reports, to studies and advice on the policy concerned, involving independent interpretation and analysis of the collected data.
• Example 2: Translating overall ministerial policy frameworks into proposals for specific action by the Consulate General.

Drawing up project plans for the Press and Cultural Affairs Department concerned by:

• Example: Consulting with cultural field (sector) and colleagues on wishes and opportunities within the policy area concerned.

Maintaining a network (and database) of publicists and journalists (US and US-based Dutch), direct contacts and ready to use list of contacts; per type of medium and per subject; (US-media network in consultation with Press Officer at Embassy):

• Example: Identifying important contacts within the policy area concerned and sharing of these contacts with a relevant network within the embassy.

Maintaining a network (and database) of artistic professionals in the field of performing arts, film and literature both in the US (and internationally) as in The Netherlands:

• Example: Identifying important contacts within the policy area concerned and sharing of these contacts with a relevant network within the embassy and the cultural partners in The Netherlands.
  Continuing to develop overall messaging for campaigns and communications outreach, to be used for speeches, presentations, social media etc.
• Example: Translating overall ministerial policy frameworks into proposals for specific action by the Consulate General.

Duties and objectives

Duties:

• Develop policy and strategies to present Dutch (contemporary) performing arts (theatre, dance, theatre for young audiences (tya)), Dutch literature and Dutch film in the American professional surroundings;
• Develop communication strategies for activities organized by the Press and Cultural Affairs Department and in cooperation with the Economic Affairs senior officer in charge of activities related to creative industries;
• Research and maintain (in collaboration with colleagues / policy officers) the main target groups for the (cultural) communication efforts of the Consulate General;
• Research and maintain the main target groups for the cultural activities of the Consulate General, especially in the field of performing arts, film and literature;
• Build/expand and maintain a strategic network of relevant American and Dutch art professionals;
• Contribute to the online and social media activities of the Press and Cultural Affairs Department, specifically Dutch Culture USA

Objectives:

• Focus: performing arts (theatre, dance, cross-sectoral), film, literature and communication (press, media);
• To realize high quality Dutch arts and cultural events in the USA within the policy area;
• To create a positive image of The Netherlands in the USA;
• Together with the PPC-colleagues, maintain a strong network with local media outlets and Dutch correspondents, in particular on cultural topics.

Working environment

The Consulate General of the Netherlands is part of the network of Dutch diplomatic Representations. The Consulate is situated in the Chrysler Annex building, a modern building in Midtown Manhattan. The Consulate General employs about 25 people, 3 Dutch diplomats and about 20 locally hired. Most staff are Dutch nationals. The Consulate General has three departments: the Economic Department, the Press and Cultural Affairs Department and the Department of Operational Management and Consular Affairs. The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, although a separate entity, is part of the organization. The Dutch Mission to the United Nations is housed in the same building, facilities are shared. The Consulate General works closely with the Embassy in Washington, especially in the field of public diplomacy. The Press and Cultural Affairs Department covers all of the US. The other departments cover the area from New Jersey and Pennsylvania up to the Canadian border.

Job requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in one of more cultural fields of performing arts, film and literature;
• At least 5 years of media and public relations experience in the US (in the New York area is a plus);
• Able to work independently and take responsibility;
• Extensive knowledge of the American culture and society;
• Extensive knowledge of the Dutch cultural landscape;
• Extensive knowledge of the US media field and existing contacts;
• Excellent writing skills;
• Interest in and affinity with working within a network of diplomatic representations;
• Willingness to quickly acquire the necessary specific knowledge;
• Excellent social skills;
• Able to independently and self-assuredly approach outside contacts and take the initiative to make contact;
• Digital knowledge: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc.
• Team spirit and flexibility;

Competences

The following competences are required for fulfilling this position:

• Networking skills;
• Strategic skills and planning skills;
• Writing skills;
• Integrity;
• Result driven;
• Externally focused.

Knowledge and skills

Level of education: BA/MA
Level of experience: at least 5 years of experience required

• Understanding of social and specialized developments in relation to the area or areas in which the Press and Cultural Affairs Department operates;
• Understanding of relevant ministerial frameworks and legislation in the policy area concerned;
• Skilled in translating insights and information into advice, plans and reports and in assessing their policy and financial implications;
• (Near-) Native speaker of English;
• Knowledge of Dutch language is appreciated

Contacts

• Team of Consulate General, Netherlands diplomatic network in the US;
• Cultural professionals in the USA and The Netherlands;
• Journalists