Associate Program Officer, Arts & Culture

Job Summary:

This position is critical to ensuring the integrity and effectiveness of the Foundation's (Arts and Culture) grantmaking by managing data systems, workflows, and reporting processes that support informed decision-making. It strengthens programmatic strategy through research, analysis, and coordination that align grants with sector goals and organizational priorities. Additionally, it fosters stakeholder engagement and continuous learning by synthesizing insights, maintaining sector awareness, and supporting communication between program staff, grantees, and leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Grants Management & Administration

• Input relevant and timely information into the grants management system and maintain adherence to grant workflows and processes
• Develop processes and schedules to review and ensure data quality and integrity of grants-related data in grants management system
• Support management of current awards, including conditional and contingent grants
• Provide program staff with timely updates on grantee progress; support POs on grantee reporting requirements and reviews

2. Programmatic Support & Strategy

• Under the direction of Program Officers and Program Director, provide comprehensive support towards the advancement of promising proposals and organizations by conducting due diligence through research, financial analysis, proposal review and recommendation drafting
• Contribute to development of grant recommendations
• Conduct initial evaluation of grants against stated objectives and formulate recommendations to align grants with sector goals
• Participate in managing schedules and contribute to managing portfolio pipeline

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Collaborate with and support program staff by engaging with existing and prospective grantees and community members
• Synthesize complex program information and prepare documents and updates for program leadership to share with the Foundation's leadership in support of Trustee engagement and documentation practices

4. Sector Knowledge & Learning

• Follow literature and media to stay abreast of sector trends, key advances, and challenges in education fields of interest, as well as best practices in grant-making
• Attend relevant external meetings, site visits, and conferences as needed, to broaden knowledge and fulfill responsibilities

QUALIFICATIONS :

• To be considered, candidates will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience, including work in development, philanthropy, arts and culture, or related fields
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to becoming knowledgeable in a variety of issue areas related to the Arts and Culture portfolios
• Knowledge of strengths and limitations of the arts and culture ecosystem and various funding models
• Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt and learn in diverse and dynamic environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create compelling narratives and recommendations with a strong fact base
• Proven and demonstrable analytical skills and ability to analyze data, especially regarding due diligence for organizations and projects; ability to assess information and consider short and long-term implications.
• Familiarity with organizational and/or project budgets and financial reporting; ability to analyze financial statements and core financial performance metrics.
• Prior experience working collaboratively using an enterprise-wide database; Salesforce experience a plus
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., collaborative, diplomatic, able to negotiate and build consensus) to establish effective working relationships with all levels of the organization and develop strong relationships with grantees and community partner
• A proven track record of delivering successfully against goals
• Ability to multi-task and work flexibly and creatively within a fast-moving, changing, and complex environment
• Sound judgment, integrity, humility, and respect for confidentiality
• Ability to move work forward independently and think big picture while applying a keen eye to detail; demonstrated resourcefulness in executing on priorities and managing projects to completion

Fidelity Foundations is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that the most effective way to attract, develop and retain a diverse workforce is to build an enduring culture of inclusion and belonging.

The base salary range for this position is $110,000 - $170,000 per year.

Placement in the range will vary based on a variety of factors such as job responsibilities & scope, special skills, education, special certifications, candidate's relevant experience, and other factors.

Base salary is only part of the total compensation package. Employees are eligible for an annual discretionary performance bonus in addition to their base pay.