Program Officer: Communities

Description:

The Massachusetts Cultural Council is seeking a Program Officer to provide leadership in the administration of the MCC’s Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program, a program that supports cultural activities in all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. This is the largest grassroots programs of its kind in the United States. The LCC program distributes $3 million to 329 local cultural councils annually to support programming in the arts, interpretive sciences, and humanities for the purpose of providing cultural access to all segments of the state’s population.

The Program Officer will also play a part in reshaping the way the MCC serves cities and towns through all of its community focused programs including Cultural Districts, Festivals, Adams Arts Program, and others.

Primary responsibilities:

The Program Officer, who will report to the Program Manager for LCCs and Festivals, will serve as the primary contact for approximately 100 Local Cultural Councils. In working with these councils, the Program Officer must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, successfully build relationships with constituents, offer high levels of customer service, handle sensitive situations diplomatically, and respond to constituent requests while meeting other important deadlines. The Program Officer will:

• Assist in the development and administration of services and programs for LCC’s.
• Respond to inquiries from LCC volunteers, applicants, and municipal officials.
• Encourage smooth administration of the LCC Program on the local level.
• Support each LCC in their role as grantmaker.
• Support the development of councils from grant makers to civically engaged partners within their communities.
• Create new resources for councils to strengthen relationships with municipal officials.
• Collaborate with other Massachusetts Cultural Council programs that support communities, such as Cultural Districts.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

Five or more years relevant work experience required. Occasional nights and weekends required; willingness to travel in state (driver’s license required).

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated success providing customer or constituent support
• Strong communication skills – writing, public speaking, interpersonal, diplomacy, and negotiation
• Strong administrative, organizational, and time management skills
• Strong work ethic, sense of humor, and team attitude all essential
• Strategic thinking and leadership skills
• Ability to manage detail under deadline pressure
• Strong financial and budgetary knowledge (municipal or organizational)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word/Excel/Access

Required Experience:

Applicants must have five years of experience in some combination of the following areas:· Experience working with, or within, municipal government. Preferably from, but not limited to, an arts and cultural perspective.

• Main Streets, Cultural District, or Chambers of Commerce work
• Urban planning
• Community development
• Community organizing
• Cultural tourism

How To Apply:

Applicants who applied to the original posting for two Program Officer positions in the Communities department do not need to reapply. Your materials are still under consideration.

How To Apply: Applicants should provide:

1. A letter of interest
2. A résumé

Email materials to michael.nagle@art.state.ma.us with the subject line “Communities Program Officer Search”. Please attach letter of interest and resume as one Word or PDF document. Do not send materials as text within an email. You may address your letter of interest to “Communities Search Committee”.

Apply by:

Open until filled. This posting will be removed once applications are no longer being accepted.

Salary

Commensurate with experience; excellent benefits package. Union position.

About this Organization:

The Massachusetts Cultural Council is a state agency whose mission is to promote excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and to contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council shares the mission, values, and vision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Commonwealth and one that embraces, values and respects difference.

The MCC is dedicated to creating a workplace that welcomes, respects and values people of all races, color, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religions, creeds, ancestry, national origin, disability and veteran status. We strive to reflect diversity in all activities, programs and services removing any barriers to accessibility. We further believe that embracing and celebrating our differences enriches the quality of the work experience and enhances our own personal and professional relationships. Members of under-represented groups are encouraged to apply to this position.