Program Officer

The Central MN Arts Board is hiring a Program Officer. The ideal candidate will play an essential role in the development, implementation and management of various grant programs, trainings and services. This position is the primary contact for applicants. Responsibilities include providing application support, revising programs, reviewing proposals and facilitating panel reviews. The Program Officer represents CMAB and serves as an advocate for applicants and community across the four-county region it serves. 

This is a hybrid, year-round, full-time position with benefits. Occasional evening and weekend event/meeting attendance is required. The Program Officer reports directly to the Executive Director and works as a team with all CMAB staff. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Grant Program Administration:

• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of CMAB’s grant programs
• Develop recommendations for revisions to programs, criteria, guidelines and calendar, ensuring alignment with community needs, changing priorities, equity considerations and feedback from applicants and grantees
• Responsible for implementing the facilitation and training sessions for the Teaching Artist Roster Program each biennium
• Recruit community panelists to review and score grant applications 
• Facilitate review panel orientations and meetings in accordance with CMAB’s priorities and policies
• Serve as point of contact for panelists during the review period, answering questions and providing clarification
• Conduct site visits with grantees

2. Grant Writing Assistance and Support:

• Provide guidance and support to applicants throughout the process
• Create and conduct annual schedule of grant writing workshops, webinars, and one-on-one meetings to assist applicants in developing strong proposals
• Complete applicant draft reviews upon request
• Offer ongoing support to grantees, addressing questions and concerns related to project implementation and reporting

3. Outreach and Relationship Building:

• Attend funded events across the region
• Build and maintain relationships with potential applicants, community organizations, and other stakeholders to understand the region’s needs, ensuring CMAB programs remain relevant
• Represent the organization at conferences and community events to promote grants and CMAB’s mission
• Lead or participate in public presentations and webinars
• Organize and implement an annual series of professional development workshops for artists and organizations

4. Staff Collaboration:

• Actively participate as a reliable team member who takes ownership of responsibilities and is willing to assist others when needed
• Attend board meetings to facilitate or present on panel reviews
• Work closely and collaboratively with other staff to ensure smooth, efficient and timely operations
• Assist Executive Director in the Biennial Planning process by organizing listening sessions, devising surveys, analyzing data and making program recommendations
• Assist with annual reports to funders
• Recognize and develop impact stories of funded projects to highlight importance of funding

Required Skills:

• 3-5 years of experience in arts or grant administration, program management, or a related field. 
• Experience building long term relationships and making meaningful connections across communities
• Comfortable with public speaking and facilitating discussions
• Strong understanding of grant-making processes
• Project management – ability to see a project through to completion 
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills with a service-oriented approach
• Ability to evaluate complex proposals and financial documents
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft 365 programs and grant or content management software.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience working with diverse communities and a commitment to equity and inclusion

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field 
• Experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly in arts or community development
• Experience writing grants 
• Experience working with a board of directors
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal funding sources.

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary: $50-55,000 depending on experience.
• Benefits:
• 75% subsidized medical insurance
• Monthly remote work stipend
• 401k retirement savings plan with an employer match
• Paid holidays, vacation and PTO
• Flexible hybrid work schedules

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to Leslie Hanlon at leslie.hanlon@centralmnartsboard.org no later than November 18, 2024. 

Position Start Date: January 6, 2025