The Finnish Cultural Institute in New York is looking for a Head of Programs 

The Finnish Cultural Institute in New York, founded in 1990, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization located in Nolita, New York. The Institute has grown from a residency program to commissioning large-scale projects, events, and collaborations that foster critical dialogue and work to build support for professionals in architecture, contemporary art, and design. The Institute is committed to advancing artist-led and customized projects across multiple disciplines and to creating free and accessible programming for diverse audiences. 

More information about the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York can be found at www.fciny.org and www.instagram.com/thefciny.

Role Description:

The Head of Programs is responsible for leading and expanding collaborations within the visual arts between Finland and the United States, while presenting Finnish culture to diverse New York audiences. They will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the FCINY’s visual arts programming, working closely with the Executive Director and the small but dynamic team to expand cultural partnerships and audiences, strengthening the Institute's visibility and impact. 

Responsibilities include:

-Develop and execute the Institute's long-term strategic vision for the arts as part of a small team, while independently and proactively overseeing daily project operations 

-Curate, produce, and manage a dynamic and ambitious arts program from small gatherings to major signature collaboration projects with diverse partner organizations and the worldwide Finnish Institute network 

-Grant writing and fundraising in close collaboration with the Development Director to ideate and create comprehensive, effective fundraising campaigns that resonate with the FCINY´s audience and mission

-Communications, marketing, and PR to elevate the impact of the Institute´s work, ensuring clear, engaging, and strategic messaging to all stakeholders, including managing and monitoring of the website and social media together with a communications intern

-Drive and expand cultural partnerships, including commissions, residencies, events, and long-term programs 

-Expand access to the Institute´s programs for diverse audiences in our neighboring communities and globally 

-Oversee the Institute’s project budget and calendar related to cultural programming

-Serve as spokesperson for the Institute on cultural programming

Education, Experience, And Skills

-Knowledge of the Finnish and/or American cultural fields and experience in cross-cultural initiatives. The Head of Programs excels at identifying emerging trends and movements, as well as spotting potential partner organizations and independent collaborators in the arts and culture sector

-Strong content knowledge in at least one of the fields represented by the Institute (architecture, contemporary art, design), and professional curiosity in the broader fields of art and culture

-Solid project management expertise with a minimum of three to five years of experience, and ability to work across multiple artistic disciplines (architecture, contemporary art, design), while embracing a wide range of project scales and diverse forms of representation

-Outstanding collaboration and communication skills with experience in audience development and community engagement 

-Excellent oral and written skills in English and/or Finnish

-B.A./ M.A. in a relevant field

Qualifications And Competencies

-Ability to manage multiple programs from inception to completion, working closely with artists, designers, architects, and other creatives and collaboration partners to develop projects and manage production requirements

-Commitment to equal, accessible and sustainable working methods, and adherence to work in alignment with the Institute’s values and vision (link)

-Exceptional adaptability and productivity in a fast-paced urban setting, thriving within a small, dynamic team to drive impactful outcomes

-Experience in grant writing and ability to work with development staff on fundraising while creating and managing project budgets

Compensation and Benefits: 

Salary $65-70,000. Actual pay will vary based on various factors, including but not limited to experience.

Excellent benefits package including paid holidays, sick and vacation time (30 days annually), medical/dental/vision/life insurance, and pension plan starting 60 days after employment (for local hire). The annual travel budget covers a minimum of two project-related trips in the U.S. or Europe. 

Location and Schedule: 

The Institute’s office is located in Nolita, New York. This full-time position is hybrid with three required to be in the office days per week. 

The position starts November 1st, 2025, and is temporary with a duration of 3-5 years, with the possibility of extension. A person can be hired locally, internationally, or if hired from Finland, as a posted employee. The Institute is responsible for the work permit process and supports possible relocation arrangements.

TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document with “Head of Programs” in the subject line to Isabelle Rosse at Rosse@fciny.org by January 20th, 2025. The application must be in English. The online interviews will take place during February 2025.

For more information:

Executive Director Kati Laakso, laakso@fciny.org

By phone/WhatsApp January 3rd and 10th, 2025, 9-11 am EST, +1-917-692-0609

The Finnish Cultural Institute in New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, genetic information, marital status, membership in an employee organization, military service, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, or other non-merit factor.