Artist Protection Consultant

ARC - Artists at Risk Connection is a nonprofit international organization working for the security and protection of artists and cultural workers under threat, as well as to defend and advance artistic freedom globally. ARC provides direct emergency and resilient grants to artists and cultural workers under threat, international advocacy, security resources and training, and referrals to partner organizations worldwide. Since its inception in 2017, ARC has assisted more than 2,300 artists from over 85 countries, including direct assistance via over 1,000 emergency grants, resilience grants, and fellowships.

The Artist Protection Consultant is a key collaborator supporting ARC’s protection programs and works closely with ARC leadership and relevant team members, providing timely support for ARC’s protection initiatives, particularly by facilitating ARC’s grantmaking and referral programs for artists and cultural workers facing threats due to their creative expression. This is a remote, independent contractor role.

This role is well-suited to someone who is extremely detail-oriented, calm under pressure, a creative problem-solver, and motivated by mission-driven work, particularly someone whose passion and/or experience lie at the intersection of human rights and the arts. During the term of engagement, the Artist Protection Consultant will support defined protection activities, including coordinating assigned artist cases with sensitivity to individual context; facilitating emergency and resilience grants processes (often time-sensitive); conducting contextual research; maintaining accurate documentation, tracking, and follow-up related to assigned cases across ARC’s systems. The consultant will deliver defined protection-support services and outputs in coordination with ARC staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This role may involve periods of heightened activity in response to urgent or rapidly evolving situations affecting artists and cultural workers under threat, within the scope of engagement and agreed deliverables.

Case Management and Emergency Grant Coordination

• Provide case management support for assigned requests for assistance from artists and cultural workers under threat, ensuring timely, secure, clear, and compassionate communication
• Facilitate referrals and information-sharing to connect artists with appropriate external resources
• Coordinate the grant application process, assessing and verifying incoming grant applications against ARC’s mandate, eligibility criteria, and documented threats/risks
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date case records, including application materials, risk assessments, correspondence, and outcomes
• Support internal review and decision-making processes and assist with post-grant follow-up and reporting

Research and Advocacy Support

• Conduct in-depth contextual research on human rights, artistic freedom, and country-specific risk factors pertinent to the assigned applicants’ situations
• Verify allegations of risk using credible sources and partner consultations
• Support the drafting of articulate and impactful press materials, advocacy letters, case summaries, and briefing materials in response to urgent threats to artistic freedom.
• Monitor and document relevant global trends and emerging threats to artistic freedom as they relate to ARC’s protection work

Financial & Compliance Administration

• Coordinate grant disbursements in collaboration with ARC’s operations and finance team and external intermediaries to ensure seamless fund transfers
• Support compliance checks, including OFAC screening and required documentation for potential grant recipients
• Maintain clear financial records related to protection grants and assist with reporting as needed

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Support liaison and referral coordination between assigned at-risk artists and external partners, including NGOs, art residencies, fellowships, academic institutions, and other support entities
• Identify potential new resources for artists at risk and support coordination and information-sharing with relevant partner organizations

Project & Data Management:

• Track and document progress, deadlines, and deliverables across assigned protection cases and initiatives
• Update and maintain records in ARC’s CRM and case management system (CiviCRM), ensuring data accuracy and confidentiality
• Contribute to internal documentation and process improvements related to protection workflows

Reporting & Documentation:

• Contribute to preparing narrative reports on protection activities and outcomes for funders and stakeholders
• Support internal learning and evaluation by documenting trends, challenges, and lessons learned across cases

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field (e.g., case management, human rights, political science, international relations, law, or social justice-related)
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as grantmaking, case management, paralegal work, social work, humanitarian response, refugee or resettlement support, human rights advocacy, or social justice issues.
• Familiarity with CRM systems
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English AND an additional language are required, preferably Arabic or Farsi
• Strong organizational and creative problem-solving skills, with proven ability to manage and advance multiple priorities with accuracy and care in a dynamic, mission-driven environment
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information securely and with discretion
• Comfort working independently in a remote environment while collaborating closely with a small team
• Commitment to and passion for the mission and values of ARC, including human rights and artistic freedom

Preferred (but Not Required) Qualifications:

• Experience working with artists, cultural workers, activists, or human rights defenders, and/or the organizations that serve them
• Familiarity with G-Suite, online forms, case management databases, or grant tracking tools
• Experience conducting research on human rights or country-specific risk contexts
• Background in nonprofit, international NGO, or mission-driven environments
• Trauma-informed or survivor-centered work experience

Compensation:

This role is structured as an initial 4-6 month independent contractor engagement and is not eligible for employee benefits. Compensation is provided via a monthly retainer within the range of $5,000-$6,000, commensurate with experience.

LOCATION:

This is a remote role. Some availability for meetings scheduled during U.S. Eastern Time hours is required.

Application Timeline:

ARC intends to fill this position as soon as possible and will review applications on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as the position may be filled before the posting closes.

ABOUT ARC:

ARC – Artists at Risk Connection is an international organization committed to promoting and advancing the right to artistic freedom worldwide. Founded in 2017, ARC works to protect artists and cultural workers who are at risk because of their creative expression, often connected to their identities or roles within their communities. By providing vital resources and support, ARC helps artists at risk overcome challenges like persecution, censorship, threats, and violence from both state and non-state actors—whether for their artistic expression or the broader impact they have on cultural, social, and political issues.

This role is structured as an initial 4-6 month independent contractor engagement and is not eligible for employee benefits.

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English AND an additional language are required, preferably Arabic or Farsi