Manager, Grant Programs

Arts Wave supports 150+ organizations, artists and projects through funding, services, and advocacy. These organizations and individuals go on to create thousands of concerts, shows, exhibitions, arts education programming, public art, events like BLINK® and others, fueling a more vibrant regional economy and connected community for everyone.

We are looking for candidates who want to work in a fun, fast-paced, dynamic nonprofit organization that is committed to drive a more vibrant economy and connected community through the power of the arts.

To be successful in this role, you will be a skilled administrator with strong organizational abilitie
s and knowledgeable about Greater Cincinnati’s arts community
. This position serves as a key liaison between the organization and the arts community, as well as with volunteer panelists involved in the grantmaking processes.

• Coordinates strategies for the effective administration of grants programs, aligning with the mission and objectives of the organization
  • Coordinates various aspects of the grantmaking process, including application review, evaluation, award decisions, and reporting requirements
  • Collaborates with internal teams to develop grant guidelines, criteria, and program priorities that reflect the evolving needs of the arts community
  • Monitors and tracks the impact of grants programs, collecting data and feedback to inform programmatic improvements and strategic decision-making
• Along with the VP, Community Investments, serves as a point of contact and liaison with the arts sector potential and current grantees, fostering positive relationships with grant applicants, grantees, and community partners
  • Coordinates the selection and engagement of volunteer panelists and policy experts to participate in the grant review process, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise are represented
  • Provides guidance and support to grant applicants throughout the application process, offering technical assistance and resources as needed
• Working with the Director, Northern Kentucky Creative Placemaking, support creative placemaking initiatives, such as grants, artist-in-residence, and other community events and gatherings
• Contribute to planning and executing sector-wide and community learning opportunities such as networking lunches for arts sector colleagues, round tables, town halls and Boardway Bound board leadership program
• Stays informed about trends, best practices, and policy developments in arts funding and grantmaking, and brings relevant insights into the organization’s programs and initiatives to the team
• May prepare reports, presentations, or other materials to communicate the outcomes and impact of grants programs to internal and external stakeholders

• Strong understanding of the arts ecosystem, including knowledge of arts organizations, cultural institutions, and funding landscape
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Excellent organizational skills, proven project management, and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and reasonably adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to listen to and appropriately respond to feedback with a commitment to continuous improvement
• High level of integrity, discretion, and a passion for the organization’s mission and vision
• Demonstrated ability to act tactically, analyze data, and make data-driven decisions to inform programmatic improvements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and grant management software
• Passion for the arts and a commitment to fostering a welcoming environment where all individuals can access and engage with our organization’s programs and services
• Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, or a related field or commensurate hands‑on experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in grantmaking, fundraising, or program management, with a focus on the arts sector