Program Officer

Howard Gilman Foundation; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Howard Gilman Foundation in New York City is seeking a Program Officer to review grant proposals, attend performances, and provide analysis to guide funding decisions. You will evaluate financial, artistic, and administrative strengths and risks of current grantees and newcomers.

The role requires deep knowledge of the performing arts ecosystem, nonprofit management, and a commitment to racial equity. It offers a hybrid schedule with in‑person work in Manhattan and remote days, and

Qualifications

• Substantive knowledge of the performing arts ecosystem, and issues related to the performing arts in New York City
• Considerable understanding of issues related to not-profit management
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Professionalism, discretion, diplomacy, flexibility, and a good sense of humor
• Knowledge of and experience with racial equity practices, and the implications of that work in philanthropy and/or the performing arts
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• The ability to plan ahead and to manage both the expected and the unexpected
• Strong, empathetic listening skills
• The desire to work collaboratively in a team-based environment
• The capacity to think creatively and the courage to express strong, vital opinions
• are trained or directly engaged in one or more performing arts disciplines, either as an artist or an arts administrator; and/or
• have experience working at a local arts council, service organization for the performing arts, or a not-for-profit performing arts organization; and/or
• are fluent in Spanish, as many Gilman grantees produce work in Spanish.

Responsibilities

• reviewing and assessing grant proposals, including engaging in dialogue with prospective grantees;
• attending and evaluating live and digital performances of applicants and grantees;
• recommending funding by providing critical analysis of the financial, artistic, and administrative strengths, weaknesses, and risks of current grantees and new applicants;
• managing ongoing relationships with grantees;
• providing the Foundation’s Board with information and analysis on grantmaking recommendations and field-wide issues at quarterly Board meetings;
• working collaboratively with staff to design, develop, and refine Foundation’s goals, as well as shape additional grantmaking programs;
• participating in and contributing to trainings, conversations, and strategies related to racial equity in the performing arts and philanthropy; and
• engaging with peers in the field, including networks of funders, to implement and execute strategic partnerships.

Skills

Arts ecosystem knowledge

Nonprofit management

Organizational skills

Professionalism/diplomacy

Racial equity practices

Oral and written communication

Planning and foresight

Active listening

Team collaboration

Creative thinking/expressing opinions

Job description

• Substantive knowledge of the performing arts ecosystem, and issues related to the performing arts in New York City
• Considerable understanding of issues related to not-profit management
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Professionalism, discretion, diplomacy, flexibility, and a good sense of humor
• Knowledge of and experience with racial equity practices, and the implications of that work in philanthropy and/or the performing arts
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• The ability to plan ahead and to manage both the expected and the unexpected
• Strong, empathetic listening skills
• The desire to work collaboratively in a team-based environment
• The capacity to think creatively and the courage to express strong, vital opinions

Special consideration will be given to candidates who:

• are trained or directly engaged in one or more performing arts disciplines, either as an artist or an arts administrator; and/or
• have experience working at a local arts council, service organization for the performing arts, or a not-for-profit performing arts organization; and/or
• are fluent in Spanish, as many Gilman grantees produce work in Spanish.

Specific duties include:

• reviewing and assessing grant proposals, including engaging in dialogue with prospective grantees;
• attending and evaluating live and digital performances of applicants and grantees;
• recommending funding by providing critical analysis of the financial, artistic, and administrative strengths, weaknesses, and risks of current grantees and new applicants;
• managing ongoing relationships with grantees;
• providing the Foundation’s Board with information and analysis on grantmaking recommendations and field-wide issues at quarterly Board meetings;
• working collaboratively with staff to design, develop, and refine Foundation’s goals, as well as shape additional grantmaking programs;
• participating in and contributing to trainings, conversations, and strategies related to racial equity in the performing arts and philanthropy; and
• engaging with peers in the field, including networks of funders, to implement and execute strategic partnerships.

The Howard Gilman Foundation is firmly committed to continuing to build a team with a wide range of perspectives. The Foundation strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates, and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, status as a veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any statuses protected by law.

Location and Hybrid Work Model:

The Howard Gilman Foundation is located in New York City, and Program Officers are expected to attend performances throughout the five boroughs, often in the evening, as COVID protocols permit. The Foundation uses a hybrid work model in which regular in-person work days are paired with remote work days. On average, this Program Officer will be expected to work three days a week based at the Foundation’s midtown Manhattan office, as COVID protocols permit, and up to two days from home. The Foundation understands and respects the need for scheduling flexibility.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt position. Minimum salary is $100,000, and the salary range is commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits, including a 403b plan with a 10% Foundation contribution.