Creative Director and Cultural Curator - Detroit, MI

About This Role

THIS IS A REGIONAL ROLE - APPLICANTS MUST LIVE IN DETROIT, MI

TaskForce seeks a motivated and creatively-aligned Creative Director and Cultural Curator based in Detroit, MI for its cultural strategies to mobilize voters in the 2024 election. Creative Director and Cultural Curator for Culture 2024 is to work with our Regional Council and Head of Arts and Culture Commissions to identify significant and influential artists, activists and culture creators in the Detroit, MI area. They will then commission the work of creatives, and co-design activations to reach the intended audience to encourage voter registration and voting during the 2024 election period.  They will engage with diverse networks of cultural communities across key verticals such as arts and entertainment, wellness, sports, gaming, and more. The Creative Director and Cultural Curator will work directly with our Regional Experiential Producer to ensure the successful execution of the initiative. The Creative Director and Cultural Curator  will report to the Head of Arts & Culture Commissions and will be part of a 20+ person 2024 cultural engagement team. This position is remote but will require some on-site work in the market as well.

Term of Contract

This is a full-time, short-term contract ending Nov 30th.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Communication and Cultural Trends

• Foster artist relations and a network of creative agents and managers in their  market.
• Stay up to date on current cultural trends nationally and regionally, while anticipating new trends.
• Identify quality creative initiatives and understand their market impact.

Oversee Projects and Production

• Oversee the process of ideation, commission and transition through execution with the Production team, making sure the Regional Producer executes the approved vision.
• Review all commissions for assurance of quality, technique, and achievement of Culture 2024’s vision.
• Engage with the Regional Cultural Council to secure lists of high-profile cultural leaders and artists.

Financial Management

• Manage regional budget to ensure parity, fairness, and equity while delivering against a budget.
• Work with the Operations team to ensure artists, producers, and vendors are properly compensated with pre-approved commissions budgets. 
• Ensure artist projects are engaging, relevant, and executed within a provided budget.

About You

• Proven leadership, strategy, and financial management skills.
• Understanding of regionality and market segmentation , and creative direction.
• Proactive communicator with an eye for trends and innovation, as well as connections to skilled and driven tastemakers, trendsetters, and artists.
• Ability to work with creatives and a wide range of artists. 
• Knowledge of various cultures and subcultures within the region, with an unbiased approach.
• Ability to identify and commission talent that may lend their work to a multi-layered, regional and national outcome. 
• Strategic thinker that can identify creators that move the needle.
• Ability to think outside the box in regards to talent initiatives and commissions.
• Keen understanding of the creative commissioning process.
• Exceptionally detail-oriented.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work on multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of pop culture, counterculture, and trends.
• Invested in TaskForce’s vision and mission for positive change through arts and culture.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, to take direction, to receive feedback, and to execute tasks accordingly.
• Deep commitment to progressive values and electoral engagement.

Your Experience

• 5+ years of creative direction, marketing, and project management experience.

Salary and Compensation
Compensation for the project period will be $75,000 per year pro rated for the term of employment.

TaskForce is committed to building a workforce composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and identities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and members of other historically disenfranchised groups are especially welcome and encouraged to apply.