Program Officer, Arts & Culture

Program Officer, Arts & Culture

Position:                            Term Limited (5-7 years); Full Time; Exempt

Department:                    Program

Reports to:                       Program Director, Arts & Culture and Racial Equity Initiatives

Supervises:                        N/A

Summary:

The Program Officer for Arts & Culture leads the arts and culture community responsive grantmaking and works collaboratively with the Program Director, Arts & Culture and Racial Equity Initiatives and key program staff and foundation partners and consultants in the research, development, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives, special projects and programs in Arts and Culture.

Responsibilities and Expected Outcomes:

• Oversee the foundation’s responsive grantmaking strategy in Arts and Culture. Manage grantmaking applications and write ups. Meet with prospective grantees and prepare monthly detail-oriented formal evaluations of and recommendations for the Board for funding requests to ensure grants are in alignment with Foundation priorities and community needs/opportunities.
• Work in partnership with all Program Directors & Officers to develop and implement Arts and Culture strategic priorities (or strategy) for grantmaking to improve outcomes for the Greater Cleveland community by identifying cross-cutting issues and aligning strategies (i.e. Workforce and Economic Development; Youth & Social Services, Neighborhoods, Education and Environment).
• Manage the Minority Arts Fund and work collaboratively with Advancement Team to ensure that donor intent best aligns with community needs in Arts and Culture, and serve as technical resource for committee-advised funds and/or supporting organizations.
• Work with the Program Director, Arts & Culture and Racial Equity Initiatives to participate in, collaborate on certain program(s) or special project(s) including, but not limited to- The Arts Mastery Program, Creative Fusion- International Residency Program, Cleveland Foundation Internal Art Program, Arts Education in CMSD, and collaboration with the Anisfield Wolf Book Awards.
• The work may include: managing volunteer committees and advisory groups; collaborating with other funders and entities; designing and implementing processes and events; define appropriate outcomes; developing effective evaluation methodologies to measure outcomes; etc.
• Leverage local and national philanthropy as well as other forms of capital, including program related investments and social impact investments to advance opportunities that promote equitable access to Arts and Culture.
• Identify opportunities to advance the Arts and Cultural Sector in consultation with Foundation stakeholders, grantees and the community and position the Foundation for leadership, investment, and impact in identified areas.
• Monitor various sectors to remain abreast of best practices, sector trends, and policy implications shaping Arts and Culture. Capture and disseminate information and prepare thoughtful research and analyses on a variety of topics and organizations to promote a deeper sense of awareness of Art and Culture issues impacting Greater Cleveland amongst Foundation stakeholders (staff, board, donors, Greater Cleveland Community).
• Actively participate in relevant affinity and professional groups to confirm standing as a thought leader to serve as a knowledgeable resource on topics related to Arts and Culture to the community. Provide effective communication to inform the Greater Cleveland area non-profit community through in-person presentations, written work, and online forums.
• Develop collaborative relationships with a diverse cross-section of multi-sector agencies and leaders. Provide information and technical assistance to grant seekers concerning grantmaking policies and procedures, additional funding opportunities, and emerging research to ensure a well-informed non-profit community within the region.

Essential Qualifications, Credentials and Technical Skills required:

The successful candidate must possess the following professional qualifications and skills:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree and five to seven years of experience in mid-level position in the not-for-profit sector designing, managing or funding programs with demonstrated accomplishment. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Background and experience working in the arts, education and/or similar sectors extremely desirable (preferably with experience working with youth, arts education and/or having extensive expertise in at least one creative discipline.)
• Ability to scan large quantities of data and extract relevant themes. Strong analytical skills (financial and programmatic) and the ability to draw conclusions, synthesize information, and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to assess proposals for compatibility with Foundation’s program priorities and/or restricted fund availability.
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team and working effectively with persons and communities from diverse cultural, social, and ethnic backgrounds. The ability to work in a complex environment requiring significant collaboration.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to think strategically in the design and execution of programs.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in written and oral communication. The ability to present complex issues to a variety of audiences. Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in tactful and respectful manner.
• Proficient with MS Office and knowledge of database software.
• Familiarity with Cleveland and its nonprofit sector.
• Desire to continually acquire new skills and knowledge and share it with colleagues.
• Ability to operate in fast-paced environment and prioritize work to consistently meet deadlines.
• Multi-lingual desirable, but not required.

 APPLICATION PROCESS: 

Starting salary for this position will be commensurate with the selected candidate’s background and experience. The foundation offers an exceptional benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, a comprehensive wellness program, a fully vested 403(b) retirement plan and three weeks of vacation the first year of service, prorated based on date of hire. If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter at this link :  by April 25, 2021. We regret that we cannot respond personally to each applicant.