Director of Grantmaking Programs (FT/Hybrid)

The Barnes Foundation•Philadelphia, PA

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Grantmaking Programs (DGP) works closely with the Executive Director of The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage (ED) to develop, envision, evaluate and evolve all aspects of the Center’s grant making to Philadelphia area arts and culture organizations and creative practitioners. The DGP manages the staff and oversees operations of the Center’s grantmaking initiatives, including Project Grants and the Pew Fellowships in the Arts. As a prominent representative of the Center in local, national and international arts and culture communities, the DGP must maintain and enhance the strong public image of the Center; its funder, Pew Charitable Trusts; and operating partner, The Barnes Foundation. The DGP should maintain and develop strong relationships with national and international arts and cultural practitioners and resources, as well as strong knowledge of best practices in grantmaking in the arts, across all disciplines. The director drives continuous improvement in grantmaking practices: ensuring funded organizations and artists meet the Center’s eligibility guidelines, supporting funded organizations and artists complete ambitious projects that enhance their area of creative practice and deliver high quality capacity building support for the Philadelphia-region arts and culture sector. The Director of Grantmaking Programs is a senior leader at the Center and a staff supervisor to Program Officers (4) and Program Assistants (2). The DGP should demonstrate a broad and complete understanding of the Center’s values and agenda, organizational intelligence, and sophisticated judgment. The DGP must also exemplify a sound understanding of the Center’s unique relationship with its funder (Pew), demonstrating responsible stewardship of grant funds and acting to conserve the Center’s strategic position within Pew’s broader Philadelphia Program mission and interests.

Requirements

A graduate-level degree in artistic/cultural practice, business administration or a related discipline with 7 years work history in the arts and culture sector OR a bachelors-level degree and related work experience of 10 years. Experience in arts philanthropy is highly desirable.
Strong artistic literacy and deep understanding of contemporary artists and artistic practice across and among disciplines. An expansive and inclusive network in the cultural community, locally, nationally, and beyond. Commitment to ongoing learning in the fields the Center serves.
Strong leadership and staff management skills. Significant experience in managing staff and budgets as a supervisor with an aptitude for program development and administration.
Strong professional writing skills, critical analysis skills, excellent communications skills.
Ability to develop and adapt to new ways of approaching grant making while staying true to the mission at the core of the Center.
Effective interpersonal skills to successfully interact with a variety of people, including the cultural community, consultants, grant recipients, applicants, colleagues at The Pew Charitable Trusts, and the public from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.
A collegial mindset and enthusiasm for working closely, collaboratively and supportively across the Center team and with partners.
Abiding commitment to discretion, as Center staff are privy to highly confidential information. The director must develop and nurture the trust placed in the Center by the community and its funder.
Willingness and ability to frequently attend events which are after standard business hours or on weekends. Willingness and ability to travel nationally and internationally for professional development, or as required to participate in capacity-building programs, conferences, or experience cultural events occurring outside of Philadelphia.
Clearances: Criminal Background-National

Nice To Haves

Experience in arts philanthropy is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with ED and other senior staff as appropriate, to administer, operationalize and optimize the Center’s grantmaking processes and goals. Embed Center priorities within the Barnes’s strategic plan. Support Barnes and Center programmatic collaborations, strategy and evaluation for grantmaking priorities. Position the Center as a thought-leader through various channels.
Facilitate meetings with grant applicants, vet application materials, and successfully implement the grant program adjudication panel process, which includes identifying and cultivating relationships with local and national experts to serve on annual panels that determine grant awards.
Oversee status tracking for all funded grants/grantees, review grant reports, approve the release of grant payments, troubleshoot issues where they arise, approve grant modifications, and elevate issues to the attention of the Chief Administrative Officer or ED, as appropriate.
Regularly supervise, lead, and manage the activities of program officers and assistants to ensure effective performance of their job responsibilities. Meet with direct reports regularly and conduct performance reviews annually.
Manage program budget(s) in accordance with guidelines from The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Barnes. Prepare reports and/or assign staff to prepare internal and external reports, as needed.
Work with Center administrative, communications and programmatic staff to ensure clear and consistent messaging, effective use of technology, and comprehensive support are in place for applicants and grantees.
In collaboration with the ED, annually revise the content, questions, evaluation, and eligibility criteria of the Center’s Application Guidelines.
In collaboration with the ED and program officers, design and execute capacity building/development activities and programs in response to identified needs, opportunities, and potential positive impact on the Center’s constituents.
Seek opportunities to connect local constituents with opportunities and resources outside of Philadelphia.
Model exemplary behavior, manage, motivate, and guide direct reports (program staff) in relation to understanding and complying with the Center’s policies and procedures.
Work collaboratively with senior staff on other Center programs and events, as appropriate.
Other duties, as assigned.