Policy & Project Officer

WHO WE ARE

ENCATC is the leading global network in the field of cultural management and policy education, bringing togethereducators, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and artists across the cultural and creative sectors. As a membership organization with over 150 members across more than 40 countries, we hold consultative status with the United Nations, are an official partner of UNESCO, an observer to the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee for Culture, and a part of the Creative Europe Network.

Our mission is to build a sustainable, equitable, and thriving cultural sector by facilitating connections within the cultural management and policy community, promoting interdisciplinary education, publishing pioneering research, and advocating for evidence-based cultural policies on all levels.

 

WHAT WE OFFER

Joining ENCATC means becoming part of a dynamic and internationally respected organization with a meaningful mission. As a member of our team, you will enjoy:

  • Impactful work: contribute to global initiatives that shape the future of cultural management and policyeducation, working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to promoting culture and sustainable development.
  • Professional growth: benefit from a learning environment that encourages skill development, creativity, and professional advancement. We value continuous learning and provide opportunities for training and exposure to new tools and methodologies.
  • Networking opportunities: engage globally with a wide array of stakeholders including educators, researchers, cultural institutions, and policymakers, expanding your professional network within the arts and cultural management sectors.
  • Travel opportunities: participate in events, conferences, and meetings across Europe and beyond, representing ENCATC and building international relationships.
  • Location advantage: be based in Brussels, a vibrant and culturally rich city at the heart of Europe offering endless opportunities for cultural exploration and professional connections, and one of the greenest capitals in Europe.


 THE OPPORTUNITY

ENCATC is expanding its headquarters in Brussels to deliver a comprehensive and innovative program focused oncultural policy development, cross-sector collaboration, and the advancement of arts and culture. We are seeking a motivated and skilled Policy & Project Officer who will lead and support key initiatives within the European Network on Cultural Management and Policy, advancing collaboration and excellence in cultural management across Europe. 

 

YOUR ROLE

Job summary

You will take on the role of Policy & Project Officer, managing projects, supporting policy initiatives, and engaging diverse stakeholders. Key responsibilities include overseeing project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, monitoring cultural policy developments, and producing policy briefs and reports to influence cultural policy. You will also organize workshops, events, and seminars, strengthen relationships with ENCATC members, partners, and policymakers, and ensure effective dissemination of outcomes to maximize ENCATC’s impact.

As Policy & Project Officer, you will manage projects end-to-end, oversee budgets, and collaborate with internal teams and external partners to align initiatives with strategic goals. Your role will also involve contributing to policy analyses, drafting position papers that advocate for cultural sustainability, diversity, and access, and effectively communicating with stakeholders to report on progress and enhance project impact.

 

 YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Project coordination

Coordinate and manage activities and events both virtual and in-person, including budget oversight, timeline management, and reporting.

Monitor project progress and deliverables, adapting plans as needed to meet goals effectively.

Contribute to facilitate collaborations inside and outside the network, promote knowledge exchange, and identify emerging needs in the cultural sector.

As part of the ENCATC Green Team, implement the Green policy of the organization.

Contribute to project-related communications, including reports, presentations, and updates for funders and stakeholders.

2.     Policy monitoring and analysis

Monitor and analyze cultural policy developments at the international and European level, preparing insights and reports for network members.

Support policy advocacy actions by contributing to the drafting policy briefs, reports, and position papers aligned with network goals.

Drafting Policy Documents, news and articles for the newsletter, magazine, tracker and any other documents to articulate the network’s stance on cultural management and policy issues.

Support the Communication department in communicating and disseminating activities and events and in ensuring project findings and policy recommendations reach relevant audiences.

 

 YOUR PROFILE

You thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment, are committed to cultural innovation, and enjoy engagingwith diverse stakeholders. This role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on the European cultural landscape by delivering meaningful projects that foster networking, knowledge-sharing, and growth in the sector.

 

 QUALIFICATIONS

  • Master’s degree in Cultural Management, Project Management, Arts Administration, or a related field
  • Minimum 3 years of experience (excluded internships) in project management within the cultural sector or a related field
  • Proficiency in English, basic knowledge of French, additional European languages are a strong asset

 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Demonstrated experience in managing projects from concept to completion, ideally within the cultural, nonprofit, or public sector 
  • Strong skills in planning, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation
  • Highly organized with a meticulous approach to managing deadlines, logistics, and reporting requirements
  • Able to handle multiple projects and priorities without losing focus or compromising quality
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively engage with partners, team members, and external stakeholders
  • Experience in organizing and facilitating workshops, events, and networking activities that promote collaboration and knowledge exchange 
  • Capacity to summarize complex information and share project updates clearly and concisely with a variety of audiences
  • A flexible approach to managing changes and unforeseen challenges in project implementation
  • Innovative in identifying solutions to achieve project objectives within given constraints
  • Strong understanding of European Union policy structures, funding programs, and decision-making processes
  • Ability to analyze cultural policy trends and synthesize insights into clear, actionable recommendations for the network
  • Skilled in drafting policy briefs, position papers, and reports to communicate policy developments and advocate for strategic priorities in cultural management

 

 PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Location: Brussels, Belgium (on-site). The selected candidate will need to either live in Belgium or be willing to move toBelgium for the duration of the contract (starting in January 2025 and finishing on 31/12/2028).

Working hours: 38h/week

Position in the organization: Administration Operations department Management: reporting to the Secretary-General

Net salary: exact salary and benefits to be discussed according to your experience 

Deadline to apply: 23/11/2024

 

 HIRING PROCESS

We’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please send a one-page letter of motivation outlining your relevant experience and how it aligns with the position requirements, along with your CV.

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so we strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The final deadline to submit your application is Saturday 23/11/2024 at 17:00 CET.

Please email your documents to careers@encatc.org with the subject line “I am your dream Policy & Project Officer.”

The hiring process will include at least two interviews, one of which will assess specific skills needed for the role. Interviews will be conducted in person and completed by Monday 16/12/2024.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We respect your privacy—CVs and personal information are kept strictly within ENCATC and will be deleted immediately after the recruitment process. For details, please read our privacy policy.

We look forward to receiving your application!