Director of Grants & Government Relations

Be a Star at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts!

The Director of Grants and Government Relations is responsible for securing support from public and private granting sources to meet the Straz Center’s needs for annual operations and capital projects.

Responsibilities include all aspects of public and private grant research and development from identification, cultivation, and solicitation to tracking, stewardship, project evaluations, and reporting. This position also supports fundraising requests to other private sector sources requiring grant-type applications.

The Director creates and maintains productive relationships with governmental constituents and public officials and oversees all aspects of public funding and advocacy efforts. Additionally, this position provides direction in the implementation of the Straz Center’s Strategic Plan.

Located in downtown Tampa, the Straz offers a team-based work environment and a full package of benefits for full-time staff including options for health/dental, vision, etc., plus a generous 403(b) plan.

Essential Functions: 

Revenue Generating

• Establishes strategies for securing foundation and public grants for annual operations, special, and capital projects. Manages all foundation fundraising efforts, working with the Chief Development Officer (CDO), volunteer leadership, and the Development staff.
• Oversees deadlines for grant applications and reports to achieve compliance and maximize opportunities.
• Researches, writes, and submits high-quality proposals in a timely manner in accordance with guidelines set by funders.
• Prepares and monitors all budgets for grant proposals and awarded programs, working in conjunction with CFO.
• Oversees grant program, project evaluations, and documentation, as needed, for grant reporting and proposals.

Partnerships

• Identifies programs and projects eligible for foundation and/or public funding and keep staff informed of ongoing funding opportunities and timelines.
• Manages public funding and policy advocacy efforts. Attends meetings as necessary to represent the Straz Center when grant interests are involved (e.g., Tourist Development Council, City Council, Board of County Commissioners, Arts Council of Hillsborough County, and Florida Arts Council). Advocates for funding approval and increased public funding on all levels: local, regional, and national.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position supervises the Grant Writer.

Other:

• Represents Development Department and CDO as requested.
• Remains current with trends and issues pertaining to the performing arts in general and the Straz Center in particular – its goals, programs, mission, and vision.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities): 

• Strong writing skills, budget management and project management skills.
• Experience in researching prospective grant sources, including familiarity with grant-related Internet resources.
• Effective leadership skills and demonstrated success at managing multiple projects.
• Self-starter with ability to problem-solve and negotiate with tact and diplomacy.
• Supervisory experience, along with strong computer and database management skills required.
• Strong arts and arts education background preferred.

 Education and Work Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree required (Focus in Arts Administration, Communications, English, etc. a plus).
• Master’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Seven years fundraising experience including a successful track record in soliciting and receiving grant funding from public and private sources.

 Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position and use the telephone. The employee is frequently required to traverse the facility, reach, and communicate effectively.
• The nature of this job requires the employee to work on-site as a regular work routine.
• COVID vaccination preferred.

 Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

 Travel: This position is not expected to require travel.

 The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to being an inclusive workplace and strongly believes in the importance of having a diverse group of individuals represented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Please visit our website at www.StrazCenter.org to learn more about the Straz Center.

Please complete an online application at:

https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/strazcenter/jobs/2757162-826768