The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Inc. ("JALC") is to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy. From college students to young stars, from working professionals to celebrated masters, we present quality jazz for an ever-increasing audience in an unprecedented range of activities and a variety of venues. We are dedicated to lifting audiences and bringing people together with substance and with integrity. JALC has created a dynamic platform where our key constituents - jazz artists (beginner to grizzled veteran), fans (casual listeners to advanced scholars), educators (local band leaders to leading artist-educators) and advocates (local community advocates to important national promoters) - can meet, engage, learn, and work towards common objectives.
Purpose of the OpportunityThe Director, Government Grants & Relations, is responsible for identifying, securing, and managing grantmaking resources from government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. This individual works closely with the Chief Development Officer to strategize and leverage relationships to strengthen our connections with government officials. The candidate also works collaboratively with members of the Development, Finance, Education, Concerts & Touring, and Frederick P. Rose Hall (FPRH) teams to explore new funding avenues and develop and manage all aspects of government grants. The Director is a polished professional who thrives on managing details and has a deep commitment to the mission and vision of Jazz at Lincoln Center, to effectively communicate the organization's value to external stakeholders. The Director has a strong knowledge of government agencies and grant management at the city, state, and federal levels, and understands these funding streams and how to navigate such processes.
Key AccountabilitiesGrants Management- Manage workflow to measure progress toward deliverables, meet reporting requirements, and demonstrate impact.
- Identify and secure grant funding from government agencies, including federal, state, and local government sources.
- Expand government funding support by seeking out and submitting applications to RFPs on a regular basis (including discretionary funding opportunities).
- Manage all aspects of government grants fundraising and administration, including serving as primary Director on all government grant portals (such as grants.gov, SAM.gov, FedConnect), updating a master grant reporting calendar, and liaising with finance staff to track spending and financial compliance.
Compliance- Work collaboratively with Program Directors, FPRH, Finance, and senior leadership to ensure adherence to funding regulations.
- Act as project lead with key program, finance, and operations staff to meet requirements and provide timely responses to requests from government agencies during pre- and post-award phases.
- Track and flag new organizational compliance requirements for the CFO and relevant staff and maintain appropriate files for each grant as specified by grant agreements, from initial project assessment to final reporting.
Strategic Planning- Identify and research government funding opportunities relevant to Jazz at Lincoln Center's work, brief staff on opportunities, and manage the grant application process, including writing and/or editing proposals and ensuring that all internal and external deadlines are met, and proposal components are being addressed by relevant staff.
- Maintain and strengthen the organization's relationships with elected officials and their staff at all levels of government ensuring that they are welcomed on site at performances and during key programming events and schedule timely meetings with their offices to discuss the organization's needs and funding priorities.
Essential Functions- Ensure that the Chief Development Officer is apprised of government funding sources on a regular basis to leverage relationships and other potential resources.
- Must be able to utilize computer applications and features to execute tasks and navigate grant portals.
- Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Must be proficient in Word, Excel, Adobe, and have an understanding of program budgeting, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Qualifications- Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Jazz at Lincoln Center and haven an understanding of the performing arts philanthropic landscape.
- BA degree plus seven (7) years of government relations and grant writing experience required; experience within the performing arts or a related field is a plus.
- Knowledge and experience with government grantmaking sources and government agency key players is a plus.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including public speaking and presentations to all levels of constituents.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team player who proactively and productively engages others at varying levels of seniority internally and externally.
Core Competencies- Leading Others: Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, and initiative. Engages others to achieve high standards.
- Facilitating Change: Supports critical large-scale changes. Develops and meets challenging but achievable goals.
- Managing Performance: Monitors performance against standards and shares expectations clearly. Gives feedback in writing and verbally, documents performance.
- Applying and Developing Expertise: Encourages acquisition of knowledge and skills. Applies technical knowledge to solve problems quickly and effectively. Pays attention to detail.
- Communicating and Collaborating: Works collaboratively. Relies on and supports others to achieve results. Uses effective verbal and written communication with appropriate tone.
Work HoursJALC does not offer a hybrid work schedule. All staff work together as a team, Monday through Friday at our offices (either Jazz at Lincoln Center's administrative offices at 3 Columbus Circle or at Frederick P. Rose Hall, The House of Swing).
Jazz at Lincoln Center is an equal opportunity employer that affords equal opportunities to all applicants, employees, contractors, and other covered persons, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Jazz at Lincoln Center is committed to creating an inclusive, open, and respectful culture that reflects and embraces diversity.
