Program Specialist - Director Of Grants

ARIZONA COMMISSION ON THE ARTS

An agency of the State of Arizona, the Arizona Commission on the Arts provides grants, programs, services, and leadership in support of the arts and arts learning programs. In partnership with arts organizations, schools, festivals, and individual artists, we endeavor to celebrate Arizona’s diverse communities and rich cultural traditions, inspire creativity, grow local economies, and enhance the quality of life for all Arizonans.

One of 56 state and jurisdictional arts agencies across the United States, the Arizona Commission on the Arts is a 56-year-old agency of the State of Arizona that invests in and amplifies the public benefit of the arts in Arizona. The Arts Commission is staffed by a small team of professionals, each grounded in arts-based practice, and governed by a 15-member commission, appointed by the Governor of Arizona.

Job Location: 417 West Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85003

Posting Details: Annual Salary Range: $65,000 – $68,000;
Grade: 21;
This position will close on Sunday January 18, 2025

Position Overview:

The Arizona Commission on the Arts provides a wealth of programs supporting the work of arts and culture organizations across Arizona. The Director of Grants leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of these programs, providing strategic and operational oversight that advances the agency’s mission and values.

The position establishes and oversees the agency’s grant programs, providing leadership and direction to agency programming, strategic initiatives, and engagement with national, state, regional and community-level arts networks.

This position reports to the Deputy Director.

50% │ Grants, Programs, and Field Support

• Establish responsive and transparent application and review processes, including training and engagement of review panels grounded in equity best practices.
• Oversee implementation of organizational programs and events, including large-scale initiatives, conferences, and funding programs.
• Contribute to evaluation, assessment, and reporting processes, ensuring compliance with all state and federal requirements.
• Ensure clear, consistent, and accessible grant guidelines and materials for applicants, recipients, and review panelists.
• Oversee artist-centered programs, events, and funding opportunities that strengthen Arizona’s creative workforce.
• Develop systems and timelines that promote efficiency, accountability, and success for staff and applicants.
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to arts administrators, local arts agencies, and other partners.
• Provide guidance and technical support to artists, artist-led businesses, and artist service organizations.
• Collaborative development of new investment initiatives with the Deputy Director.
• Collect and analyze feedback and data to improve programs and operations.
• Stay current with laws and regulations governing organizational funding.
• Design, implement, and evaluate accessible and inclusive grant programs and resources that support:
• A diverse ecosystem of organizations and practices across size, structure, and discipline.
• Arts and cultural investment in rural and under-resourced communities.
• Equitable and strategic use of public funds.
• Lead artist-focused grantmaking and initiatives that foster:
• Opportunities responsive to the needs of culturally specific and Indigenous artist communities.
• Artistic engagement in rural and remote areas, and in communities of color.
• Professional and entrepreneurial development for Arizona artists.
• Equitable and effective investment of public resources.

40% │ Leadership and Supervision

• Supervise and mentor a team of four full-time staff, plus contractors and interns, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional development.
• Strengthen relationships with existing arts and culture networks; where gaps exist, initiate partnerships that promote resource sharing, professional growth, and statewide collaboration.
• Provide thought leadership on emerging trends and equitable funding practices, maintaining current knowledge of sector-wide innovations and…