Program Manager, Arts in Parks

At Parks California, our vision is for vibrant, healthy parks that welcome, engage, and inspire. As California State Parks’ only statutory non-profit partner, we have a clear mission: to help  strengthen parks and inspire all people to experience these extraordinary places. As a team, each of us at Parks California strives to:

•  Be a valued and trusted partner organization.

•  Serve as catalysts for the future of parks.

•  Cultivate a culture of philanthropy.

•  Model emotional and cultural intelligence in our work every day.

•  Embody the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Do you believe in the transformative power of experiencing parks and open spaces? Are you passionate about climate resiliency and expanding access to natural spaces for all communities?

At Parks California, you will operate in an ecosystem of park champions, renowned experts, and innovators who are implementing solutions to address issues ranging from climate change and biodiversity loss to equitable access, to helping shape the future of parks – one that serves everyone in California. We collaborate with incredible organizations across the state to bring culturally relevant experiences  to parks and nurture a lifelong connection with nature. You will contribute your expertise to help us tell our story and reach our goals.

Nature and art can provide transformative experiences for people. And when people can experience  public art in parks, we believe the benefits to individuals and society are taken to new heights.  To support this exciting endeavor, Parks California seeks a Program Manager to lead the development, launch and implementation of a new multi-year grant program that funds art installations and programming in city and local parks across California. Through this program, we are supporting programs and/or projects that use art to create long-lasting, impactful relationships between communities and nature.

We are looking for a highly collaborative and creative person who has demonstrated experience in program development and management, and stakeholder engagement. The Program Manager is responsible for defining the overarching grants program strategy, managing the grants program, overseeing contractors and deliverables, partnering with stakeholders, and analyzing program data to ensure high impact results. The Program Manager will use their experience in grantmaking to guide and nurture a signature local park arts program that is dynamic and representative of California’s rich cultural diversity. As part of this role, the candidate will work closely with Parks California team members, foster a collaborative work environment, and provide supervision and support to  staff.

•  This is a full-time, exempt position, with a salary range of $75,000-$95,000.

•  This is a time limited-term position, funded through a contract set to conclude in December  2027.

•  We offer a comprehensive benefits package including a 401K plan that matches up to 5% without a  waiting period, and $150 per month reimbursement for home Internet service and mobile phone service.

•  We provide 20 days paid vacation to start, which increases over time (23 days after 2 years, and  28 days after 10 years); 10 paid sick days, 13 paid holidays, and a flexible, family-friendly schedule.

We are a remote-first organization. This allows us to work from anywhere in California virtually,  in our Sacramento and San Francisco hubs, as well as in some of the most beautiful natural spaces  across the state. This role is based in California.

The successful candidate must be able to travel to both urban and remote areas within California as  required, which we expect will amount to approximately 15% of the year.

Reporting to the Director of Community Engagement and working collaboratively with California State  Parks staff.

•  Lead the design, development, and implementation of the arts grants program including goals,  criteria, application, policies, grant awards, and reporting.

•  Engage external stakeholders for program design and feedback.

•  Oversee grantee contracts, the evaluation of selected grants, and overall grants program  budget.

•  Oversee and track all consulting and vendor contract agreements.

•  Manage the full program process to ensure equity and efficiency from start to finish.

•  Develop and conduct information sessions and provide technical assistance for  applicants.

•  Manage grant review committee recruitment and training to ensure committee’s understanding of  their role, program goals, and process.

•  Work closely with the Finance team for timely and accurate management of the program budget.

•  Manage and monitor grants, review progress reports and payment requests, and stay informed about grant-related issues throughout the grant period.

•  Conduct site visits as needed to existing and potential grantees, applying empathetic listening  and critical thinking skills to further assess their organizational needs, capacity, and potential for community impact.

•  Troubleshoot and resolve grant program or constituent-related issues.

•  Collaborate with the Communications team to prepare written materials for multiple audiences who we reach using website, social media, reports, blogs, analysis, and presentations.

•  Prepare reports for California State Parks, Parks California, and/or committee members.

•  Convene subject matter experts to co-create and provide transparency to the program development and grant review process.

•  Actively participate in the partner collaborative and advisory meetings with key partners such as California State Parks, Placeworks, and the California Arts Council.

•  Plan and coordinate meetings with stakeholders and when possible, use opportunities to engage grantees, staff, board, donors, and community.

•  Represent the program at meetings, conferences, and other events to bolster program knowledge and visibility and to grow and develop relationships.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function assigned within stated expectations. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.

•  A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in program management, grantmaking in the arts, arts education and/or arts serving organization.

•  Demonstrated program and grants management: monitoring and reporting analytical capabilities and a working understanding of outcome measures and evaluation methodologies aimed at assessing program effectiveness.

•  Knowledge of local governments (city and county): familiarity with the geography and diverse neighborhoods throughout the state and experience in working effectively with diverse and broad- based community constituencies.

•  Able to facilitate meetings and group processes for the purposes of fact-finding, decision-making, peer learning, and problem solving.

•  Excellent writing and oral communication skills with the ability to write clear, concise analyses and narratives.

•  Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to lead and manage projects, prioritize work effectively, and adjust to multiple demands.

•  Proficient in Microsoft 365, SharePoint and familiarity with grant management software tools such as Foundant, and project management tools such as Monday.com

More information on Parks California can be found at https://parkscalifornia.org. Parks California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that our overall effectiveness is enhanced when equity and inclusiveness are practiced and protected throughout our organizational governance, culture, and staffing. We are committed to leadership in and serving as a catalyst for promoting equity and inclusion in parks communities.

APPLY: Please submit a current resume and cover letter using this email.

DEADLINE: We begin reviewing resumes on May 22, 2023, and will accept resumes and cover letters

until the position is filled.