Director of Grants & Government Relations

Straz Center for the Performing Arts•Tampa, FL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Grants and Government Relations secures public and private grant funding for the Straz Center’s annual operations, capital renewal projects, and Master Plan. The position manages the full grant lifecycle, including research, opportunity identification, cultivation, solicitation, application development, tracking, stewardship, project evaluation, compliance, and reporting. The role also supports funding requests to institutional sources that require grant-style applications and represents all Straz Center programs. The Director maintains productive relationships with governmental constituents, public officials, funders, partners, and other stakeholders, and oversees government relations and public advocacy. The role develops strategies to advance public funding priorities, advocates for funding at local, regional, and national levels, monitors legislative and policy developments, and engages executive leadership in advocacy efforts. The position works closely with Development, Marketing/PR, program managers, finance staff, and volunteer leadership to identify eligible projects, coordinate documentation, and ensure accurate grant accounting and compliance. This position is based on-site at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa and involves minimal local and occasional state travel. The work environment is usually moderately noisy. The role requires regular stationary work and telephone use, as well as frequent movement around the facility, reaching, and effective communication. A Level 2 background screening through FLClearinghouse is required as a condition of employment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Arts Administration, Communications, or Business Administration.
Seven years of professional experience with progressively responsible leadership roles in the grants field.
Demonstrated success soliciting and securing grant funding from public and private sources.
Experience researching prospective grant opportunities and familiarity with grant-related resources and databases.
Excellent budget, project, and organizational management skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and demonstrated leadership abilities that foster collaboration and teamwork.
Self-motivation and problem-solving ability, with negotiation, supervisory, and interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacy.
Proficiency in computer applications and database management.
Ability to work on-site as a regular work routine.
Ability to complete the required Level 2 background screening through FLClearinghouse.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong background in the arts and arts education.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategies to identify, pursue, renew, and secure grant funding from government agencies and private foundations for annual operations, the Master Plan, and capital renewal projects.
Manage related fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer, volunteer leadership, and Development staff.
Track grant application and reporting deadlines to support compliance and fundraising opportunities.
Research, write, and submit high-quality proposals that meet funder guidelines and deadlines.
Build and maintain relationships with funders, partners, governmental constituents, public officials, and other stakeholders involved in grant funding.
Monitor grant requirements and compliance with grant agreements; oversee compliance systems and coordinate with staff to meet agreement terms and achieve grant recognition.
Oversee grant program and project evaluations and maintain documentation for reporting and proposals.
Maintain grant and prospect files according to Development Department systems.
Coordinate with staff to identify programs and projects eligible for foundation or public funding, and inform staff about grant programs, project grants, and funder timelines.
Coordinate with Marketing/PR and funded-project managers to maintain usable, reproducible records, and with program managers and finance staff to ensure accurate grant accounting.
Manage public funding and policy advocacy efforts; attend relevant meetings to represent the Straz Center on grant interests.
Advocate for funding approval and increased public funding at local, regional, and national levels.
Lead government relations and public advocacy strategies, build relationships with elected officials and key stakeholders, communicate the Center’s programs and capital needs, engage executive leadership, and monitor relevant legislative and policy developments.
Represent the Development Department and Chief Development Officer as requested.
Stay current on performing arts trends and on the Straz Center’s goals, programs, mission, and vision.
Contribute to departmental planning, development, decision-making, and implementation of team decisions.
Assist with departmental functions and special events and perform other duties as needed to support departmental operations.