Presented by the Rhode Island State Council of the Arts

RISCA is hiring two Arts Program Specialists – one focused on Arts + Health; the other focused on Artist programs.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: To perform a wide range of tasks of varying complexity related to assistance with arts constituents, support for the preparation of grant applications and supervision of the arts grants management system; as assigned, to assist a supervisor in monitoring, training and reviewing the activities of other staff as it relates to the grants management system; to be responsible for the preparation of state and federal reports related to the grant awarding and management activities of the agency; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of the Executive Director with considerable latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent professional judgment; work assignments are received in outline form as to objectives and the utilization of appropriate methods and processes; work is reviewed upon completion for results attained, professional and technical adequacy to desired objectives and goals.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May be assigned to serve as a lead worker by assisting a supervisor in acclimating new employees to the job duties, training, reviewing others’ work in the grants management system, and/or other lead worker tasks as assigned.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

To perform a wide range of tasks of varying complexity related to assistance with arts constituents, support for the preparation of grant applications and supervision of the arts grants management system.

As assigned, to assist a superior in monitoring, training and reviewing the activities of other staff as it relates to the grants management system.

To be responsible for the preparation of state and federal reports related to the grant awarding and management activities of the agency.

To review materials such as grant applications, final reports and other documents for technical adequacy, subject matter coverage and conformance to policies and recommendations, and to work with applicants to ensure that applications are complete and ready for peer panel review.

To choose panelists and organize panel meetings within an area or areas of specialization, manage those meetings and monitor the panel’s activities for conformance with Arts Council regulations.

To enter panel recommendations into the Arts Council grants management system and prepare reports on panel recommendations and policy discussion for Arts Council board review and decisions.

To enter and manage the flow of material in the state financial management system related to the award and payment of grant awards, and to monitor the work of other staff in this area.

To ensure that the grants management system and documents generated by the grants management system reflect the actions of the Arts Council board in all program areas, and to generate such documents as are required to award grants or notify applicants that their application has been rejected.

To ensure that all necessary documents and records are maintained and properly cataloged in accordance with the Arts Council records retention schedule and state/federal requirements.

To prepare quarterly and annual reports on grants management issues and specialized reports from the grants management system as required by state/federal agencies and by the Executive Director.

To ensure that the grants management system is in working order and that all information is safeguarded on and off site, either directly or through outside vendors.

To work closely with cooperating agencies, committees and interested groups carrying out various activities associated with support of the arts community, as well as special projects and services of the Arts Council.

To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION FOR APPOINTMENT:

For Arts Program Specialist focused on Arts and Health:

KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of the dynamics of non-profit organizations, and particularly arts organizations, combined with an understanding of the needs of the arts and health field, including artists, teaching artists, and arts and health practitioners; a thorough knowledge of data gathering and the management and analysis of data sources and the ability to apply such knowledge in the performance of difficult and complex arts planning work; a thorough knowledge of the methods and procedures required in order to carry out the programs of the Arts Council; the ability to use standard technical procedures and established methodology; the ability to identify appropriate procedures developed by others, test them and use them under varying circumstances; knowledge of Windows Operating Systems, usage of a personal computer (PC) and standard desktop office tools; the ability to use a variety of materials, including support material submitted via computer or on digital media to obtain or verify information about the work of an applicant or applicant organization; the ability to understand and carry out complex verbal and written instructions; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, state, local, private and public agencies, organizations and individuals; the ability to write effectively and to make verbal presentations; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from a college of recognized standing in an arts field or a closely related field at the discretion of the Executive Director; and

Experience: Considerable employment experience as an artist, arts educator, or member of the staff of an arts organization; or, employment in a responsible position in an agency or organization involving the performance of professional work in the arts field. Preferred candidates will have experience working in the arts and health field.

Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience

For Arts Program Specialist focused on Artists:

KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: A thorough knowledge of the needs of artists working outside the support of institutions; a thorough knowledge of data gathering and the management and analysis of data sources and the ability to apply such knowledge in the performance of difficult and complex arts planning work; a thorough knowledge of the methods and procedures required in order to carry out the programs of the Arts Council; the ability to use standard technical procedures and established methodology; the ability to identify appropriate procedures developed by others, test them and use them under varying circumstances; knowledge of Windows Operating Systems, usage of a personal computer (PC) and standard desktop office tools; the ability to use a variety of materials, including support material submitted via computer or on digital media to obtain or verify information about the work of an applicant or applicant organization; the ability to understand and carry out complex verbal and written instructions; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with federal, state, local, private and public agencies, organizations and individuals; the ability to write effectively and to make verbal presentations; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from a college of recognized standing in an arts field or a closely related field at the discretion of the Executive Director; and

Experience: Considerable employment experience as an artist, arts educator, or member of the staff of an arts organization; or, employment in a responsible position in an agency or organization involving the performance of professional work in the arts field. Preferred candidates will have experience working in artist services.

Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience

Supplemental Information

This is a posting for two Arts Program Specialist positions: one focusing on Arts and Health, the other focusing on Artists. 

Benefits

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.