The Arizona Commission on the Arts provides a wealth of programs supporting the work of arts and culture organizations across Arizona. The Director of Grants leads the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of these programs, providing strategic and operational oversight that advances the agency’s mission and values.
The position establishes and oversees the agency’s grant programs, providing leadership and direction to agency programming, strategic initiatives, and engagement with national, state, regional and community-level arts networks.
This position reports to the Deputy Director.
50% │ Grants, Programs, and Field Support
• Establish responsive and transparent application and review processes, including training and engagement of review panels grounded in equity best practices
• Oversee implementation of organizational programs and events, including large-scale initiatives, conferences, and funding programs
• Contribute to evaluation, assessment, and reporting processes, ensuring compliance with all state and federal requirements
• Ensure clear, consistent, and accessible grant guidelines and materials for applicants, recipients, and review panelists
• Oversee artist-centered programs, events, and funding opportunities that strengthen Arizona’s creative workforce
• Develop systems and timelines that promote efficiency, accountability, and success for staff and applicants
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to arts administrators, local arts agencies, and other partners
• Provide guidance and technical support to artists, artist-led businesses, and artist service organizations
• Collaborative development of new investment initiatives with the Deputy Director
• Collect and analyze feedback and data to improve programs and operations
• Stay current with laws and regulations governing organizational funding
• Design, implement, and evaluate accessible and inclusive grant programs and resources that support:
1. A diverse ecosystem of organizations and practices across size, structure, and discipline
2. Arts and cultural investment in rural and under-resourced communities
3. Equitable and strategic use of public funds
• Lead artist-focused grantmaking and initiatives that foster:
1. Opportunities responsive to the needs of culturally specific and Indigenous artist communities
2. Artistic engagement in rural and remote areas, and in communities of color
3. Professional and entrepreneurial development for Arizona artists
4. Equitable and effective investment of public resources
40% │ Leadership and Supervision
• Supervise and mentor a team of four full-time staff, plus contractors and interns, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional development
• Strengthen relationships with existing arts and culture networks; where gaps exist, initiate partnerships that promote resource sharing, professional growth, and statewide collaboration
• Provide thought leadership on emerging trends and equitable funding practices, maintaining current knowledge of sector-wide innovations and opportunities
• Cultivate and sustain partnerships across inter-agency, state, national, and transborder contexts that support equitable and strategic investment
• Lead and oversee the agency’s grantmaking agenda (organizational programs, arts learning, and artist programs), including grant strategy, partnerships, and strategic initiatives
• Represent the agency’s grantmaking priorities and achievements within state government and across local, regional, and national networks
• Collaborate with the Deputy Director and Communications team to ensure consistent and accessible messaging around grants and services
• Develop and maintain community-informed processes to guide practices, standards, goals, and policies
• Develop, track, and manage grant budgets in collaboration with leadership and fiscal staff
10% │ Other Duties
• Respond to constituent inquiries and maintain comprehensive knowledge of agency programs, policies, and procedures
• Provide operational support across teams as needed within a small-agency environment
• Perform additional duties as assigned
Knowledge:
• Effective engagement strategies, intercultural communication, consensus building, and facilitation
• Distinctions and applications of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in arts-based engagement
• Grantmaking methodologies, fiscal management, and compliance frameworks
• Nonprofit management structures and the broader public-sector ecosystem
• Principles and practices of equitable, community-centered public service
• Arts and cultural disciplines, policy, and current trends
Skills:
• Organizing and prioritizing multiple complex projects with attention to detail and timelines
• Collaborative planning and project management across internal and external stakeholders
• Using digital tools and data systems to manage workflow, applications, and reporting
• Budget creation, financial oversight, and data-informed decision-making
• Team leadership, performance management, and staff development
• Clear, inclusive, and persuasive written and verbal communication
• Active listening, creative problem-solving, and adaptive thinking
Ability to:
• Navigate local, state, tribal, and federal government structures and build productive relationships
• Demonstrate respect for professional, avocational, formal, and informal artforms and practices
• Develop and improve procedures, analyze systems, and design effective solutions
• Contribute constructively to cross-functional teams and collaborative initiatives
• Deliver timely, empathetic, and accurate service to a broad and diverse public
• Manage competing priorities efficiently and with sound judgment
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and high-performing team culture
• Provide thoughtful guidance and mentorship to agency staff
• Recognize when to seek input, collaboration, or support
• Prepare accurate, timely reports and documentation
• Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records and must complete any required driver training (see Arizona Administrative Code R2-10-207.12.)
• Requires possession of and ability to retain a current, valid state-issued driver’s license appropriate to the assignment
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.
The State of Arizona offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
• Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance
• Life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Vacation plus 10 paid holidays per year
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Sick leave
Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page