FCA is seeking a full-time, permanent Program Manager to work closely with, and provide guidance to, the Program Associate and a part-time, seasonal Program Assistant. The Program Manager reports directly to the Program Director.
The role ensures the effective administration of FCA’s multiple grantmaking programs and related initiatives, which support contemporary experimental artists across disciplines. The position serves as an accessible point of contact for FCA’s programs, actively contributes to departmental planning, and is committed to understanding and responding to the needs of working artists. Primary responsibilities include the organization and review of incoming grant applications; preparation of nominee and applicant materials for panel review; and grant notification, administration, payment, and compliance. The Program Manager is expected to be knowledgeable in contemporary visual and performing arts and poetry, and to attend grantee exhibitions and performances on a regular basis. Candidates should feel comfortable interfacing with all members of our community and will work most directly with artists, staff, colleagues and Board.
Core Responsibilities
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with artists, arts organizations, and key stakeholders in the artistic community; remain aware of developments in the field
• Serve as a primary point of contact for program nominators, panelists, and grantees, ensuring that all program communication is clear, timely, and gracious
• Manage FCA’s grant nomination, application, and award processes, including program outreach, application assistance and submission, eligibility screening, panelist confirmation and scheduling, grantee selection and notification, payment, and reporting
• Contribute to departmental and organizational planning, maintain program workplans and schedule in areas of responsibility
• Review and advance applications for panel review; prepare materials for grant selection meetings, working to ensure that processes are fair and equitable
• Administer scholarship awarded annually through the Warren Prindle Visual Arts Scholarship, including recipient intake, award letters, payments, renewal materials, and final reports
• Develop and utilize evaluation tools to track program outcomes and alignment with programmatic and organizational goals; monitor submission and review grantee reports
• Contribute to program policy and refine program processes, informed by applicant feedback, fieldwide trends, observation, and programmatic data
• Develop and update annual program materials, announcements, and reports
• Coordinate the planning and production of annual grants reception and other departmental events, with a focus on grantee participation and content
• Contribute to the communications plan as it relates to the website
• Responsible for program recordkeeping systems on FCA’s server and in its database in areas of responsibility; ensure that FCA’s website and application forms are up to date
• Guide, train, and serve as a resource for the Program Assistant; supervise Program Intern(s)
• Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in arts or humanities field or equivalent work experience preferred
• 3-5 years of administrative experience, preferably in an arts organization; prior nonprofit or grantmaking experience a plus
• Knowledge of the diverse artistic practices, professional environment, challenges, and opportunities faced by experimental artists
• Strong project management skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness and ability to speak about and respond to experimental performance, poetry, and visual arts
• Excellent and sensitive written and spoken communication skills including editing, proofreading, and speaking on the phone
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team; supervisory skills a plus
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and solution-driven
• Fluency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google platform equivalents
• Experience with social media platforms and design software (Adobe Photoshop and InDesign) preferred
• Proficiency with database systems (ArtBase or Artlogic), online form builders and application platforms (Submittable) preferred.
If you believe that you could excel in this role but do not meet 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds.
Equal Opportunity Employment
FCA is committed to providing access, accessibility, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for disabled people and individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to access or participate in the job application or interview process, and/or to perform essential job functions please contact Isai Soto, 212-807-7077, is@contemporary-arts.org.
