Job Title: Executive Director
Department/Agency: American Samoa Council on the Arts, Culture & Humanities (ASCACH)
Closing Date: December 13, 2024
Type of Position: Political Appointee
Posting Type: Employment Opportunity/Open to the Public
Pay Grade and Salary Range: GS-18/$55,000 - $75,000 p.a.
Email Your Resume, Cover Letter and References to: OfficeGovElectASG@gmail.com
Your Resume - Attach your updated resume in either a txt, Word document, or PDF format. Confirm the subject line includes the position you are applying for: American Samoa Council on the Arts, Culture & Humanities (ASCACH)
Submit a Cover Letter and Headshot - Include a personalized cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the role. Be sure to include a recent headshot photo.
Provide Professional References - Send a list of at least three professional references. Include their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. You are welcome to include letters of reference if available.
General Description
The Executive Director of the American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture, and Humanities (ASCACH) is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the operations, programs, and strategic direction of the Council. The ASCACH is a designated entity under the Governor’s Office, working to preserve, promote, and advance the traditional arts and culture of American Samoa, while introducing diverse artistic expressions to the community. The Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring the vitality of arts and culture in the territory, advocating for arts-related initiatives, managing financial resources, and ensuring effective public engagement. This position plays a key role in maintaining the cultural heritage of American Samoa and creating opportunities for artistic and cultural development.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Provide visionary leadership to ASCACH, aligning the organization’s activities with the mission and goals of the American Samoa Government and the Governor’s Office.
Develop, implement, and assess strategic plans to promote both traditional and contemporary arts and culture, ensuring these plans are in line with local, national, and international trends in the arts.
Report directly to the Governor’s Office, offering regular updates on ASCACH’s activities, challenges, successes, and strategic direction.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment, ensuring that the staff and stakeholders are aligned with ASCACH’s goals and vision.
Program Development and Oversight:
Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that promote the arts, culture, and heritage of American Samoa, ensuring these initiatives meet the needs of the local community.
Design and manage arts programs including funding for local artists, cultural education, public performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
Foster collaborations with local artists, cultural institutions, schools, and international arts organizations to enhance the effectiveness and reach of ASCACH’s programs.
Integrate arts education into schools and community programs to broaden public participation and appreciation of both traditional and modern artistic forms.
Financial Management and Resource Development:
Develop and manage the ASCACH annual budget in alignment with the Council’s priorities, ensuring proper financial allocation for arts programs, preservation efforts, and administrative functions.
Secure funding through government channels, grants, partnerships, and private-sector contributions to ensure the sustainability of ASCACH’s initiatives.
Supervise the financial reporting process, ensuring transparency and accountability in line with government regulations.
Monitor and evaluate the efficiency of resource use across all ASCACH programs and make adjustments to improve financial effectiveness.
Advocacy and Public Relations:
Serve as the key spokesperson for ASCACH, advocating for the value of arts and culture in American Samoa, and promoting ASCACH’s mission to government officials, artists, cultural institutions, and the public.
Develop and execute public relations strategies to increase awareness and engagement with ASCACH’s programs, events, and initiatives.
Build and maintain relationships with national and international partners to position ASCACH as a leader in the field of arts and culture in the Pacific.
Ensure that ASCACH’s programs are accessible to all segments of the population, including marginalized groups, and that they align with community needs.
Cultural Preservation and Education:
Oversee initiatives to preserve and promote traditional Samoan art forms, ensuring their integration into ASCACH’s programs and educational efforts.
Collaborate with elders, cultural leaders, and experts to ensure the authenticity and continuity of Samoan arts and culture.
Develop programs that educate the public about the historical and cultural significance of Samoan art, encouraging future generations to engage with and preserve these traditions.
Community Engagement and Relationship Management:
Develop and implement strategies for outreach and engagement to expand the public's participation in ASCACH’s activities.
Build strong, lasting relationships with local communities, artists, educational institutions, cultural groups, and government entities to ensure ASCACH’s initiatives are responsive to community needs.
Serve as a liaison between ASCACH, the local community, and national and international arts organizations to facilitate cultural exchanges, collaborations, and funding opportunities.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Cultural Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Samoan culture, art forms, and traditions, as well as an understanding of contemporary global artistic trends.
Leadership and Strategic Vision: Proven ability to lead an organization, develop and implement strategic plans, and inspire a diverse team to achieve organizational goals.
Financial Management: Experience in budget planning, financial reporting, and securing funding from multiple sources, including government and private sector.
Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with fluency in both Samoan and English, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
Public Relations and Advocacy: Ability to promote the value of arts and culture, advocate for funding, and manage media relations.
Program Development: Experience in designing and evaluating arts and culture programs, including securing grants and managing external partnerships.
Community Engagement: Expertise in working with communities, building partnerships, and ensuring public access to arts programs.
Academic and Experience Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Humanities, Cultural Studies, Public Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in arts, culture, or heritage management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role in a governmental or non-profit setting.
Experience working with government agencies, including knowledge of public sector budgeting, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Demonstrated success in grant writing, fundraising, and managing arts or cultural programs.
Salary
The salary is competitive and based on experience and qualifications. Specific compensation details will be provided upon request.
Additional Information
For questions regarding the position or application process, please contact the Office of the Governor-Elect directly via email at officegovelectASG@gmail.com
*The American Samoa Government is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for political appointments without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and territorial laws. Appointments will be made based on qualifications, experience, and the ability to serve effectively in alignment with the policies and goals of the administration.
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