Team Manager, Restitution of African Cultural Heritage Initiative at Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa

]Do you want to help make the world a better place using your vision for how art and culture advance vibrant, open societies? The Open Society Culture and Art Program is seeking a Team Manager to oversee the Open Society Foundations’ Restitution of African Cultural Heritage Initiative. This position can be based in West, East or Southern Africa.

The Team Manager will be responsible for leading Culture and Art’s Restitution Initiative, including developing a 2-year strategy and accompanying work plans. They will work closely with the Director of Culture and Art and with Open Society African offices and foundations such as the Africa Regional Office (AfRO), Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), Open Society Initiative for East Africa (OSIEA), Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA), and Open Society Foundation for South Africa (OSF-SA). 

The Open Society Foundations (OSF) work to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.

Launched in 2019, Culture and Art seeks to advance diverse artistic practices and strengthen locally-led cultural spaces around the world. It addresses the aesthetic, political, and capacity needs of arts leaders, individual artists, and cultural activists working at the intersection of culture, art, and social change. Through  grants,  fellowships  (the  Soros  Arts  Fellowship and the Moving Walls Fellowship), convenings, and public programs, it connects, convenes, and sustains a global network of locally-led cultural organizations and initiatives.

As a Team Manager at Open Society, you will:

• Provide leadership in building the Restitution Initiative’s work to achieve its objectives by maintaining responsibility for full project design of the Restitution Initiative within Culture and Art, and by effectively managing time, budget, stakeholders, and network-wide or similarly complex  coordination;
• Make proposals (often of considerable scope, complexity and urgency), suggest  alternatives, and in other ways advance the strategic direction and collective interests of the Restitution Initiative;
• Spearhead and lead on collaboration and consultation between multiple OSF programs and foundations, as well as external partners, with an eye toward equitable participatory design and project management. This includes: supporting and supervising the contributions of others; establishing and nurturing relationships with internal and external colleagues as an integral element of communication; and exercising considerable discretion;
• Lead and/or suggest a portfolio of grants to organizations and/or individuals working on African-centered restitution projects and initiatives;
• Identify opportunities for and lead the design and hosting of international convenings, symposiums, and meetings to advance research, knowledge sharing, and collaboration;  
• Remain attuned to developments in global, continental, and regional discussions related to the restitution of African cultural heritage.

What we are looking for: 

• Active participation and significant relationships in the field of African cultural heritage restitution, as well as familiarity with the African continent and knowledge of its cultural landscape;
• Deep knowledge of the history of and contemporary issues in African cultural restitution and reclamation;
• Deep knowledge and experience with museums in European and American contexts that are engaging with the topic of African restitution;
• Extensive knowledge of the unique issues that emerge from conversations between European and American museums that hold collections of African cultural objects and remains, and African institutions and communities seeking restitution (including African restitution advocates, arts organizations, and artists);
• Commitment to continuous learning and growth in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and social justice;
• Commitment to listening and working with humility; ways of working that are respectful to all people; and that support space and voice for all diverse perspectives in our workplace;
• Working knowledge of written and spoken English. Knowledge of other languages spoken in countries that are actively engaged in the restitution of African cultural heritage is valued.

What we offer:

Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite trainings and brown bag lunches with visiting experts.
Top-notch benefits and perks designed for your well-being and a healthy work-life balance (30 vacation days, flexible work arrangements, private medical coverage, a generous retirement savings plan, six months paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, sabbatical opportunities, and much more).
A commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to bring their full self to work and make a positive impact on the world.