Temporary position as Head of Cultural and Public Affairs

UM2026/15481/NEWG

The Head of Cultural and Public Affairs is responsible for maintaining and developing the Consulate’s role as a relevant and engaging partner for American and Swedish counterparts. The primary area of responsibility is promoting cultural exchange between Sweden and the northeastern United States, with projects and collaborations within all creative fields and art forms – including film, music, design, fashion, architecture, visual arts, performing arts, and literature – as well as initiatives promoting democracy, inclusion, diversity, children and youth. The Consulate General has 12 staff members, and you will be the cultural specialist in our small and dedicated promotion team. This is a full-time position with a 40-hour work week that regularly includes work in the evenings and occasionally during weekends.

The position entails both project management and strategic relationship building, with the aim of generating interest in Sweden, encouraging dialogue and creating opportunities for collaboration and exchange. The main tasks are managing projects, institutional partnerships and public events with both Swedish and American stakeholders, including coordination of project plans and budgets. Typical projects include exhibitions, performances, film screenings, seminars and panel discussion, always in collaboration with local partners such as festivals, performing arts presenters, trade fairs, galleries, museums, distribution companies, agencies and publishers. The Consulate General does not curate any art projects of its own.

Our ideal candidate should be forward-thinking, flexible and socially adept, with excellent judgment, and an ability to collaborate across teams and develop professional relationships. You should be analytical and curious, with a sense of purpose and public service, and be able to work efficiently in occasionally high-paced environments. You should be able to take initiatives and independently manage result-driven processes, including budget planning.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of cultural affairs in Sweden and the US
• Professional experience or familiarity with cultural organizations and institutions in New York 
• Knowledge of Swedish government and public sector, arts agencies and cultural organizations
• Experience from project management, production and planning of public events
• Basic understanding of social media platforms and strategy
• Relevant educational background and university degree
• Fluency in English. Proficiency in Swedish is an advantage.

Please note that the position requires permission to work in the U.S. (Employment Authorization Document, green card, or U.S. citizenship). The Consulate General cannot assist with work permits and only applications from people with work permits are considered. Salary range and information about benefits can be provided on request.

Candidates are welcome to submit their application in English, containing a CV, a brief personal letter and at least three references, as well as a copy of your Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD or I-94 for E and L visas for non-immigrant spouses) or US passport, by e-mail to generalkonsulat.new-york@gov.se by June 5th, 2026. The subject line should read "Temporary Position as Head of Cultural and Public Affairs UM2026/15481/NEWG".

For more information about the position, contact Consul, Johan Arvidsson at johan.arvidsson@gov.se or the Head of Cultural and Public Affairs, Aviva Neuman, at aviva.neuman@gov.se.

For more information about the terms of employment, contact Josefine Natt och Dag, Head of Chancery, at josefine.natt.och.dag@gov.se.