Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Culture and Narrative Manager
at Popular Democracy
🏢 About Popular Democracy
Popular Democracy is a national organization that builds power with grassroots groups, unions, and community organizations to advance equity and a truly inclusive democracy. Working here means being part of a collaborative ecosystem that values art, culture, and narrative as essential tools for social change, and you'll have the opportunity to shape public discourse alongside leading organizers and cultural influencers.
About This Role
As the Senior Culture and Narrative Manager, you'll be at the helm of Popular Democracy's cultural and narrative strategies, leveraging art, storytelling, and media to shift public opinion and inspire action. You'll cultivate relationships with artists and cultural influencers, produce impactful events, and lead campaigns that amplify the voices of Black, brown, and working-class communities, making this role pivotal in advancing the organization's mission.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with a partner organization to align on a cultural campaign, followed by researching potential artists for an upcoming event. You might spend the afternoon drafting a narrative strategy memo, then have a call with a cultural influencer to discuss their involvement in a social media activation, and end the day by coordinating logistics for an in-person gathering with contractors.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Popular Democracy Is Looking For
- A seasoned professional with deep ties in the music industry and cultural sectors, capable of mobilizing artists and influencers for social justice causes.
- A strategic thinker with a proven track record of developing and executing narrative strategies in cultural, political, or movement contexts, and who understands how to shape public discourse.
- An individual with a strong racial equity analysis and experience communicating about issues affecting Black, brown, and working-class communities, ensuring that all narratives are inclusive and empowering.
- A dynamic project manager with experience coordinating virtual and in-person events, working effectively with diverse partners and contractors, and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
📝 Tips for Applying to Popular Democracy
Highlight specific examples of artists you've booked or cultural campaigns you've led, and detail how they aligned with a social justice mission.
Showcase your understanding of Popular Democracy's partner organizations and their work, and explain how your narrative strategies would amplify their efforts.
Emphasize your experience with virtual and in-person event production, including any innovative approaches you've used to engage audiences.
Demonstrate your racial equity analysis by discussing how you've centered marginalized voices in your past work, and be prepared to discuss current issues affecting these communities.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect your experience in both cultural and political spheres, and use language that resonates with the organization's values of equity and democracy.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for using culture and narrative as a tool for social change, and how your background aligns with Popular Democracy's mission.", "Concrete examples of how you've built relationships with artists and cultural influencers to advance a cause.", 'Your strategic approach to developing narrative campaigns that shift public opinion and inspire action, with measurable outcomes.', 'Your commitment to racial equity and your ability to communicate effectively about issues affecting Black, brown, and working-class communities.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Popular Democracy's website and recent campaigns to understand their current narrative priorities and the language they use.
- → Learn about their partner organizations and key allies, and identify how your role could support their work.
- → Review the bios of current staff and leadership to understand the team's background and cultural connections.
- → Look into the organization's past cultural events and campaigns to see what has been done and where there might be opportunities for innovation.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid a generic application that doesn't show specific knowledge of Popular Democracy or its mission.
- Don't underestimate the importance of racial equity analysis; be prepared to discuss it deeply and authentically.
- Avoid focusing only on the creative aspects of the role without demonstrating strategic thinking and an understanding of how narrative drives political change.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Popular Democracy!