ArtsKC Program Manager, Grants

ArtsKC - Regional Arts Council is seeking an individual that enjoys working in a fast-paced environment to fill the full-time position of Program Manager, Grants. This person must be a dedicated, service focused, creative, and experienced grant-making professional. The person in this position will establish and maintain meaningful relationships with artists, arts organization professionals and community grant-making partners. The person in this position must have a deep passion for the arts and its role in creating a vibrant, inclusive, and just society. They will possess a relentless commitment to advancing the arts ecosystem and elevating the diverse disciplines and individuals who comprise this important community. They will have experience in grant-making, grants management systems, evaluation, as well as demonstrated attention to detail, accuracy, integrity, and timeliness. This position reports to the VP of Community Impact and is a valuable member of the Program and Services Team.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish and manage the grants program schedule and deadlines on a fiscal year basis

• Mentor and guide artists and organizations in grant application process

• Review applications for completeness and eligibility

• Identify and recruit qualified grant review committee members

• Organize, convene, and administer grant review committees

• Ensure application review is conducted in accordance with the highest standards of equity and integrity

• Assist finance and accounting with timely Grant payments

• Provide constructive feedback and support to applicants post decision making

• Manage the online grants system, which is currently Foundant

• Manage Grants & Awards archive & documentation of annual process & grantee work

EXPERIENCE

The Program Manager, Grants must be able to handle multiple activities in a fast paced environment.  This person must also have prior experience in grant-making and in working with a board of directors and other key constituents. Strong verbal and written communications are a must for this position.  Program Manager, Grants must be a self-starter, have a track record for seeking efficiencies and finding cost-effective solutions in a small office environment. Experience in working with a CRM is a plus. Must possess the ability to communicate the mission and vision of ArtsKC and have a genuine passion for the arts.  

CORE QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED)  

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in the arts or related field

• Substantial experience with grants management software 

• Minimum of 3-5 years grants administration or management experience 

• Mathematical literacy and mastery of basic accounting concepts  

• Strong skills managing people, processes, and timelines  

• Proven ability to track and manage several projects and processes simultaneously  

• Highly effective oral and written communicator with the ability to adapt to a wide range of communication styles  

• High level of demonstrated accuracy  

• Exceptionally motivated, organized and detail-oriented; team player with a willingness to help where required  

• Professionalism and discretion

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• Curious with a drive to seek out new ideas and innovative solutions in a dynamic organization

• Collaborative and enjoys working in a close and collective team environment

• Creative with a strong appreciation for leading edge solutions

• Passionate about advancing equity and diversity in our community

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Deadline:  October 9, 2026

No phone calls or recruiters please. Please submit a single pdf document, via email, containing a cover letter, resume, salary expectations and three references to: humanresources@artskc.org. Please indicate “Program Manager, Grants” in the subject line of the email to ensure proper handling.

Compensation and Benefits:

The base annual salary range for this position is between $50,000 - 55,000, based on experience and qualifications. Other compensation includes excellent health, vision and dental insurance, 401K Plan and life and disability insurance. The base salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience. This role is a full-time, non-exempt position.

ArtsKC is an equal opportunity employer. It is the fundamental policy of ArtsKC to provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability status.

We know there is no such thing as a "perfect" candidate. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe your skills and experiences could contribute to our mission, we encourage you to apply, even if your background doesn't align with every preferred qualification. We value diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and transferable skills, and we are committed to creating an inclusive hiring process where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.