Are you NANU - Sámi Arts International's first director?
We are looking for the first ever director of NANU - Sámi Arts International!
Work location: Across Sápmi with office location in Tromsø – travel required
Position: 100% project-based position for 2 years, with the possibility of a permanent role
Application deadline: 7 April 2026
Start date: As soon as possible
About NANU – Sámi Arts International AS
NANU is a new Sámi interdisciplinary export office for arts and culture, established to strengthen the visibility, market access, and value creation of Sámi artists, performers, and cultural actors internationally.
We bring together networks, expertise, and services that make it easier for Sámi artists to reach global audiences – on Sámi terms.
NANU operates at the intersection of art and industry, building partnerships with festivals, industry stakeholders, institutions, and markets worldwide. The export office works across borders and represents artists from across Sápmi.
About the role
As Director, you will have overall responsibility for developing and leading NANU during its start-up and scaling phase. You will build the organization, set strategic direction, and deliver results in close dialogue with the board, Sámi artistic communities, and national and international partners.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and implement NANU’s strategy, services, and annual action plans.
- Lead the organization operationally and professionally; recruit and develop a small, highly effective team and relevant advisory networks.
- Establish and manage international partnerships, agreements, and sales/distribution channels for Sámi arts and culture.
- Secure funding and ensure sustainable operations (public funding, project funding, partnerships, and own revenue).
- Build NANU’s brand and visibility; represent the organization in industry forums, trade events, and delegations.
- Develop sound governance and quality systems (finance, reporting, HR, GDPR, and risk management).
- Ensure that the organization’s work is grounded in Sámi values, languages, and rights, and that Indigenous perspectives underpin all activities.
Qualifications
- Strong leadership experience with documented results – preferably from the cultural or creative industries, export or industry organizations, or international cultural work.
- Experience with international market development, sales/distribution, festival or institutional partnerships, or export promotion is an advantage.
- Solid understanding of the arts ecosystem.
- Strong skills in financial and organizational management, including budgeting, funding models, contracts, and reporting.
- Excellent language skills in English. Proficiency in a Sámi language is a strong advantage.
- Knowledge of Indigenous rights and relevant frameworks is required.
Personal qualities
- Strategic and results-oriented – able to combine vision with operational precision.
- A relationship builder with strong cultural understanding and the ability to build trust across languages, countries, and professional fields.
- Commercially minded while committed to artistic integrity and Sámi perspectives.
- Structured, clear, and inclusive leadership style.
We offer
- A key role in establishing and shaping a new national and international competence environment for Sámi arts.
- Meaningful work with significant impact for artists and cultural actors in and from Sápmi.
- Competitive terms by agreement.
- Office location in Tromsø. International travels should be expected.
- Salary by agreement.
Diversity and equal opportunities
NANU welcomes applicants with Sámi linguistic and cultural competence, and especially encourages people with Sámi backgrounds to apply. We value diversity in the broadest sense and will provide accommodation where needed.
Application
Applications with CV should be sent to [email protected]. References will be requested if relevant.
For questions about the position, please contact Project Manager Maria Utsi
Phone: +47 982 55 600
Email: [email protected]