The Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in New York has a full-time (40 hours per week) vacancy for a Senior policy Officer Cultural Department.

Basic details of the job

Job title: Policy officer (Cultural affairs)
Unit/mission: Press and Cultural Affairs Department USA /Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in New York
Number of hours: 40 (Full time) 
This is a permanent position within our organization. The initial contract will be offered for a period of two years, with a probationary period of two months. The possibility of extension is based on performance and organizational needs.
Indicative Monthly gross salary: USD 10,267 – 11,294 (dependent on qualifications and experience)
Closing date: April 17, 2026
This role is on site. The Consulate-General is located on 666 3rd avenue, NYC.
Starting date: in consultation

Job description    

As a cultural policy officer USA, your mission is to create opportunities for Dutch cultural expression in the US, in line with the priorities set out by the 2025-2028 Dutch cultural policy framework. In this role, you help the Dutch cultural and creative sector find audiences and markets across the United States. 

This means that, as part of a small and agile team: 

• you maintain relevant networks, both in the cultural field and on the governmental/institutional level, and both in the Netherlands and in the US;
• you strategically tap into your networks to invite interest in the offerings of the Dutch cultural sector to US audiences and institutions;
• you evaluate requests for assistance and financial support, according to the general guidelines of the Dutch Policy for international cultural cooperation;
• you are alert to new opportunities for cultural exchange, and are well informed about new developments in the international cultural arena;
• you help amplify Dutch cultural expression taking place in the United States through our dedicated online and digital communication channels under the “Dutch Culture USA” umbrella. 

Your Profile 

The successful candidate brings demonstrable (local and international) expertise, experience, knowledge and networks in one or more cultural disciplines. 

The successful candidate has excellent writing skills and knows how to draft concise messages for our social media channels, and how to craft input for impactful speeches for management for cultural events. 

The successful candidate pairs professional confidence to a down-to-earth and hands-on mentality which allows him/her to navigate and be successful on different levels of the cultural bureaucracy. 

The cultural team manages a budget for cultural contributions, which requires precise administration and coordination. Therefore, candidates bringing demonstrable excellence in the organisation and coordination of budgetary cycles and their administration are especially invited to react.

Key expectations for this role include a transparent approach to work—such as sharing relevant information and contacts within the team—as well as maintaining clear and open communication with colleagues and the leadership of the Consulate-General. Additionally, as part of a small team, the successful candidate is willing and able to work as a cultural generalist across all arts disciplines (from visual arts to performing arts and film to heritage and old masters).

We expect the successful candidate to uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibility, reflecting the public trust placed in an international governmental institution.

The role requires occasional travel (throughout the US) and working outside office-hours. 

Result areas and results

• Policy plans are effectively translated into implementation plans.
• Meetings/incoming and outgoing missions/products/promotions are arranged in accordance with relevant time-, quality- and budget-based agreements.
• Enquiries are handled and coordinated effectively and in good time.
• Contributions to products, analyses, overviews, etc. are submitted on time.
• Products/trade missions/promotions/services/initiatives are tailored to the local context, and the right conditions are created to ensure effective implementation. 
• Projects in the policy area concerned are planned, organized and evaluated.
• Implementation of policy is monitored and evaluated.
• Relevant signals from the political sphere, society and the policy implementation arena are followed up, problems are addressed, and necessary adjustments are made.
• Decisions are taken in accordance with the applicable internal and external frameworks/rules/agreements.
• Inside and outside the organization, the policy officer has positioned themselves as an expert on their own policy issues and as is seen as a valued partner.
• The policy officer is able to build, maintain and use a relevant network.
• Systems/records are kept in good order.
• Policy is translated into concrete, realistic and context-specific policy plans. 
• Policy plans are translated into assignments to third parties and other initiatives.
• The policy officer is able to effectively engage and influence parties both within and outside the mission. 
• Knowledge sharing and knowledge development are embedded within the organization.
• Relevant knowledge is available to and/or is shared with relevant parties.

Knowledge, skills, competences

Level of education: BA/MA 
Field: arts and culture
Level of experience: at least 5 years of relevant cultural experience required

• Demonstrable background (study), experience (5+ years) and expertise in the cultural field as described above, supplemented by policymaking and projectmanagement;  
• Hands-on mentality: skilled in relevant financial/administrative processes and their coordination.
• Excellent writing skills, skilled in communication (social media)
• Team player with a high level of integrity
• (Near-) Native speaker of English; Knowledge of Dutch would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies and developments related to the field of work
• General understanding of communications and public information
• Skilled in dealing with external parties both orally and in writing
• Skilled in preparing/coordinating meetings/incoming and outgoing missions/products
• Skilled in drawing up advisory reports and memos and developing products with a process-based approach
• Skilled in translating insights and information into recommendations, plans and reports, and in assessing the policy-related and financial consequences arising from them
• Skilled in developing, promoting and defending policy, new ideas and concepts 
• Skilled in creating (policy) products and overseeing their implementation 
• Knowledge of ICT systems
• Skilled at strategic networking as described above;

Competences

• The staff member is customer-oriented. 
• The staff member can plan and organize.
• The staff member shows external awareness.
• The staff member is sensitive to the needs of management.
• The staff member is able to network.
• The staff member is creative.

Networks and contacts

• Team of Consulate General, Netherlands diplomatic network in the US
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Culture in the Netherlands
• Cultural organisations, funds and professionals in the USA and The Netherlands
• Cultural networks in USA and Netherlands
• (Possibly) relevant media in the US

Working environment 

The Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is part of the network of Dutch diplomatic representations. The Consulate is situated in the Chrysler Annex building. The Consulate General has 25 employees. Most colleagues are Dutch nationals. The Consulate has three departments: the economic department, the cultural department and the department of operational management and consular affairs. The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA)is part of the organization. The Dutch Mission to the United Nations is housed in the same building, facilities are shared. The CG works closely with the Embassy in Washington, especially in the field of public diplomacy. The Cultural Department covers all of the USA. The other departments of the Consulate General cover the North-East of the US, from New Jersey and  Pennsylvania up to the Canadian border.

Application letters together with resume should be submitted no later than April 17, 2026 to: 

Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Attn: Pauline Genee, Head of the Cultural Department
666 Third Avenue, 19th floor
New York, NY 10017, USA
Email: nyc-hr@minbuza.nl

Closing date for applications: April 17, 2026
Starting date (preferred): In consultation. 

The Consulate General may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents (Green Card holders), or A-visa holders. Applicants who are currently not US nationals, Permanent Residents, or A-visa holders will need to obtain the correct visa-status prior to starting employment. Work authorizations are as a rule not sponsored by the employer. 

The Netherlands Government is committed to all forms of diversity and fosters an inclusive environment within its organization. Individuals interested in advancing these diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply.