Public Policy and Administration Specialist

SUMMARY OF POSITION 

The Public Policy and Administration Specialist is a subject matter expert who provides critical strategic advising, technical assistance, and sophisticated legislative analysis to advance public investment in the arts across the Creative West region. This specialized role operates at the intersection of legislative strategy, public fund/grant architecture, and executive stakeholder engagement.

Working closely with the Director of Alliances, Advocacy, and Public Policy (AAP), the Specialist acts as an analytical anchor for the State Arts Agencies (SAAs), translating policy trends into actionable strategies and analyzing state-level public budget variations and legislative proposals in real-time. The successful candidate will navigate complex regional political dynamics of 16 states and jurisdictions with nuance, translating policy to an arts sector audience. This role requires high-level executive strategy and contributions to internal operational workflows to support Creative West’s public policy goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Executive Strategy & Technical Advising Portfolio:

• Network Management: Support the management and engagement of the State Arts Agency Executive Director Network, collaborating closely with the Director and Chief Executive Officer.
• Technical Assistance: Provide direct consulting, technical assistance, and capacity-building resources to State Arts Agencies and other external cultural policy initiatives.
• Fund Strategy: Partner with the Director to develop the strategies for the State Arts Agency Innovation Fund and Advocacy Funds, ensuring frameworks are set up for smooth execution by Regional and Advocacy Managers.

State Public Policy Portfolio:

• State Legislative Tracking: Serve as the team's lead tracker for state cultural agency appropriations and state-level non-appropriations policy trends, collaborating closely with State Advocates.
• CRM & Platform Management: Manage and optimize the department’s legislative tracking and CRM architecture (Quorum), ensuring accurate data capturing and reporting.
• Strategic Collaboration: Present state-level tracking data and network updates in regular, Director-led team sessions to collaboratively shape organizational advocacy strategies.

Collaborative Event & Convening Support: 

• Provide key programmatic and logistical contributions, timeline tracking, and process execution for departmental events, including team retreats and regional network convenings.

COMPETENCIES

• Arts & Cultural Sector Literacy: Deep understanding of the U.S. cultural policy landscape and public and nonprofit arts ecosystem, including the policy infrastructure of State Arts Agencies, regional arts organizations, and the broader creative economy. Ability to speak authoritatively on the value of public investment in arts and culture.
• Systems & CRM Administration: High proficiency in managing legislative tracking software and CRM platforms (experience with Quorum is preferred).
• Policy Analysis & Monitoring: Proven ability to track state-level legislative movements, analyze appropriations data, and synthesize complex updates into timely and clear briefs.
• Network & Stakeholder Relations: Skilled at managing executive-level networks, providing consultative technical assistance, and facilitating high-level meetings.
• Operational & Financial Accuracy: Strong organizational skills with a track record of managing shared data systems, project timelines, and departmental administrative workflows.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced Degree: An advanced degree in public policy, public administration, law, regional planning, economics, or a related quantitative social science field is highly preferred. Alternatively, a minimum of 5 years of direct experience working within government, legislative offices, or public sector agencies may be considered as a substitute.
• Public Sector Experience: Direct, hands-on experience working within or closely alongside public sector agencies, state or local government, or quasi-governmental cultural institutions.
• Grantmaking & Philanthropic Literacy: Familiarity with the mechanics of public funding, grant program design, or philanthropic fund distribution mechanisms.

COMPENSATION

This is a Specialist-level position, and the hiring range is between $77,300 – $95,000 annually. Starting pay is determined by a combination of geographic market differentials (location-based pay) and the individual candidate’s relevant experience, specialized skill sets, and core competencies. We are committed to fair, equitable compensation, and this band allows us to tailor offers to local markets while leaving room for future salary growth as you develop in the role.

BENEFITS

Creative West offers a competitive benefits package for all full-time employees, including:

• Employer-paid health insurance
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Dental insurance partially subsidized by employee
• 401(k) with up to 5% match
• 37.5 hour work week
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• 10 paid holidays, plus the week off between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• 100% remote work as well as co-working space flexibility
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and their households

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Creative West, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, equitable and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role, but your past experience doesn't perfectly align with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles with us.

Creative West is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Creative West is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff and will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Creative West strives to create and maintain a working environment that is inclusive and equitable.