Director of Grants & Government Relations

Straz Center for the Performing Arts•Tampa, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Grants and Government Relations secures public and private grants for the Straz Center’s annual operations, capital renewal projects, and Master Plan. The role manages the full grant lifecycle, including research, opportunity identification, cultivation, solicitation, tracking, stewardship, project evaluation, compliance, and reporting. It also develops and maintains relationships with governmental constituents, public officials, funders, partners, and other stakeholders, and oversees government relations and public advocacy efforts. The position represents all Straz Center programs and supports funding requests to institutional sources that require grant-type applications. The Director develops and implements grant-funding strategies, renews current grants, researches and submits proposals, monitors grant terms and deadlines, and coordinates grant documentation, accounting, evaluation, and reporting with relevant staff. The role leads advocacy for public funding at local, regional, and national levels; communicates the Center’s programs and capital needs to elected officials and stakeholders; engages executive leadership; and monitors relevant legislative and policy developments. The position also represents the Development Department and Chief Development Officer as requested, stays current on performing arts trends and the Center’s mission and programs, contributes to team planning and decision-making, and assists with departmental functions and special events. The role is based on-site in downtown Tampa, with minimal local and occasional state travel. The work environment is usually moderately noisy.

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.
Proficiency in computer applications and database management.
Self-motivated problem-solving skills, strong negotiation and supervisory skills, and tact and diplomacy.
Ability to meet the role’s physical demands, including regularly remaining stationary and using a telephone, and frequently traversing the facility, reaching, and communicating effectively.
Ability to work on-site as a regular work routine and complete minimal local and occasional state travel.
Successful candidates must complete a Level 2 background screening through FLClearinghouse as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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