Curator of Indigenous Programs and Community Engagement 
Full Time Position

Reports to: Executive Director

ABOUT FORGE PROJECT: 

Launched in 2021, Forge Project is a Native-led initiative centered on Indigenous art, decolonial education, and supporting leaders in culture, food security, and land justice. Located on the unceded homelands of the Muh-he-con-ne-ok in New York State, Forge Project works to upend political and social systems formed through generations of settler colonialism.

Forge Project serves the social and cultural landscape of shared communities through a funded fellowship program for Indigenous culture workers, including those working in food and land justice, law and decolonial governance, and art. Forge hosts Indigenous-led public education and events, a lending art collection focused on contemporary art by Indigenous artists, and a farm, learning kitchen, and related programs developed in partnership with Sky High Farm.

A nascent organization with a small team, we are a highly collaborative group and are looking for a team member that embraces new opportunities and challenges and shares a deep dedication to centering Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. We seek to be a generative platform for Indigenous communities and value inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration.

JOB OBJECTIVE:

The Curator of Indigenous Programs and Community Engagement at Forge Project will develop programs and pedagogies that put de-colonialism into practice. Their leadership of innovative public and community engagement initiatives will help bring Forge Project’s mission to life. Their work will seed an ecosystem of Indigenous cultural workers as well as design and develop programs that engage diverse audiences and communities fostered by Forge and its many collaborators. 

The Curator of Indigenous Programs and Community Engagement will implement Indigenous-led participatory models of learning and knowledge sharing that will have lasting impact at both small and large scales. The position will deepen collaborations and strategic partnerships with individuals and organizations already conducting important work in the Mahicannituck River Valley and beyond, while also recognizing that this region is the site of historic displacement of Indigenous people. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL BE: 

– A strong voice for Indigenous-led programming, community engagement, and related initiatives with strong ties to and healthy relationships within Indigenous communities

– A strategic and long-term thinker for the organization as whole, future programming and community engagement, in particular

– A confident public speaker, skilled writer, and proven relationship builder

– A strong decision-maker

– Able to guide others with differing levels of experience and backgrounds

– Open, collaborative, and able to teach and learn from other team members 

– An active listener and community partner with the ability to accommodate a diversity of ideas and working styles

– A proficient live event manager

– Organized and detail orientated

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

– Working with the Executive Director and other team members, develop platforms and programs for Indigenous-led learning and knowledge-sharing 

– Produce, manage and facilitate small and large-scale cultural events, including talks, think tanks, gatherings, conferences, Indigenous language camps, and more.

– Draft and manage annual program budget; monitor expenses in adherence to budget 

– Manage program-related contract workers and vendors

– Communication of program and event needs with other Forge staff

– Collaborate on programming with key partners, including Stockbridge-Munsee Community and Sky High Farm, among others

– Evaluate and report on programming and community engagement initiatives

– Lead in managing the annual Forge Fellowship, including jury selection and process, adjudication, and lead in facilitation of six (6) annual Fellow residencies at Forge

– Host members of Stockbridge-Munsee Community as well as other guests, fellows, visiting speakers, artists, and connect them with the community

– Work with Strategy and Operations Manager to maintain active contact with a variety of community leaders and organizations and seek to collaborate with them in support of Forge’s mission

– Work with Editorial Projects Manager to produce key communications and promotional materials, and shape the language used to describe programs and community engagement, including drafting program promotional copy; preparing and editing print and digital materials that promote, publicize, and interpret public programs.

– Lead tours and develop visitor engagement strategy for Forge 

– On occasion, speak with members of the press

– Be a key voice in Forge’s strategic planning process 

– Situate Forge Project as a thought leader in Indigenous culture 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

– Strong ties and relations with Indigenous communities

– Track record of successful engagement strategies using de- and anti- colonial methodologies 

– Five years or more years programmatic and staff management experience with a track record of leadership, managing staff, and exceptional interpersonal skills

– Demonstrated ability to both envision and execute a broad range of public events and activities; experience with educational programming is an asset

– Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; be adept at managing multiple projects at once 

– Experience in converting new ideas into working programs

– Strong written and oral communications and presentation skills, including the ability to deploy tact and diplomacy 

– Regular evening and weekend availability to accommodate the events and programs schedule

– Flexible and collaborative personality 

– Ability to look at the big picture and search for insightful, creative solutions

– Manage the unexpected and meet deadlines 

– Strong computer skills (facility with Word, Excel, Google platforms, Microsoft Teams)  

– While English proficiency is required, Indigenous language speakers and learners are strongly encouraged to apply

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

– Forge Project is in a rural area with no public transportation and the facilities/office spaces include unpaved pathways and stairs

– Forge’s work space includes sitting desks, a semi-private office, and informal meeting spaces

– Forge encourages healthy work-life balance with set working hours outside of events and hybrid in-person and remote office operations

– Candidate must be located in the region or willing to relocate

SALARY AND BENEFITS: $80,000 per annum DOE, plus benefits package including health, dental, and vision, paid holidays and sick leave, and employer matched 401K. If relocation is required, support will be provided.

For confidential consideration, please submit your one-page cover letter and resume highlighting relevant experience, to info@forgeproject.com with the subject line: 

Curator of Indigenous Programs and Community Engagement. 

Review of applications will begin October 18, 2022.