Arena Careers

Job Title: Communications Program Manager for Arts and Culture
Grade: PS-4
Annual Salary: $97,548.96
Location: Washington, DC HQ

Organizational Overview: We are the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a union of about 2 million diverse members in healthcare, the public sector, and property services. We believe in and fight for our Vision for a Just Society: where all workers are valued and all people respected, no matter where we come from or what color we are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come. We are an anti-racist union determined to check corporate power and uproot structural racism through unions, worker power, collective action, and government, legislative, and political action. We fight for Unions for All and a Government that Works for All so that all of us, across race and place, can have power together in unions and participate fully in our democracy.

Purpose:

The Cultural Organizer develops and manages artistic collaborations, cultural activations, and creative strategies that lift up worker voices and make SEIU’s campaigns more visible, emotional, and participatory. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Arts and Culture, this role builds relationships with artists, musicians, designers, and community cultural institutions; produces creative events and installations; and integrates culture-based tactics into SEIU’s organizing and political work.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain relationships with artists, designers, musicians, and cultural partners aligned with SEIU’s values and campaigns; create and maintain database of partners
• Manage the planning and execution of cultural activations such as art builds, performances, installations, and creative public actions.
• Collaborate with organizing and political staff to weave art and cultural storytelling into campaigns and mobilizations.
• Coordinate with the Narrative and Creative teams to ensure cultural projects advance the union’s shared story and visual identity.
• Oversee and coordinate contractors, cultural fellows, or project teams engaged in artistic production.
• Develop project budgets, timelines, and scopes of work for cultural partnerships.
• Manage licensing, credits, and fair-compensation agreements for artists and collaborators.
• Document and evaluate cultural projects, producing short learning reports and visual assets for future use.
• Identify and cultivate emerging working-class and BIPOC artists whose work can expand the reach and authenticity of SEIU storytelling.
• Contribute to staff learning by sharing best practices in cultural strategy, participatory art, and movement aesthetics.
• Brings a racial justice lens to all aspects of their work.
  
  

Contacts: Regular contact with SEIU International and local staff, member leaders, cultural workers, and partner organizations. Frequent collaboration with the Organizing/ Narrative and Engagement and campaigns teams, and with external artists, designers, and production vendors.

Direction and Decision Making: Reports to the Assistant Director for Arts and Culture. Exercises independent judgment in project management, partner selection, and creative production decisions. Strategic priorities are set in consultation with the Director of the unit and aligned with organizational campaigns.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 3-4 years of experience working in arts and culture, cultural organizing, creative production, or similar work.
• Experience managing cultural programs or initiatives that involve artists, cultural organizations, or community groups.
• Experience planning and producing cultural events, public art projects, performances, or creative campaigns, including managing budgets, timelines, and vendors.
• Experience building relationships with artists, cultural workers, and creative communities.
• Experience overseeing and coordinating contractors, fellows, or project teams preferred.
• Experience working with unions, advocacy organizations, or community groups preferred.
• Strong organizational, relationship-building, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel and work evenings or weekends when events or campaigns require it.

Physical Requirements:

Work is generally performed in an office setting. Travel in addition to long and extended hours are required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: SEIU offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our values as a labor organization and our commitment to the well-being and long-term security of our staff. Benefits include:

• A comprehensive, employer-sponsored health benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• A defined benefit pension plan
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Additional benefits consistent with a mission-driven workplace

SEIU believes that workers deserve dignity, stability, and the ability to plan for their futures, and our benefits are designed to support that belief.