Program Specialist

Job Type: Full-time, Salaried 
Compensation: $50,000 - $55,000, contingent upon past experience and/or transferable skills 
Reports to: CEO 
Direct Reports: None

Organization Overview

Founded in 2005 after the merger of ProArts and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Alliance, the Arts Council is the Local Arts Agency (LAA) serving Southwestern Pennsylvania, with a primary presence in Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh. To the benefit of the community, the Arts Council supports the time, talent, and work of artists, culture bearers, art educators, art workers, and arts organizations — reinforcing an environment so that ambitions, imagination, innovation, and risk taking can thrive in the Greater Pittsburgh Region. Our four primary pillars of service are:

  • Developing and Strengthening the Arts Ecosystem
  • Framing and Guiding Cultural Investment and Action
  • Grantmaking
  • Facilitating Community Connections

Programs Overview

Through our programs, the Arts Council serves the individuals and organizations that compose the creative and cultural sector in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Current programs include:

The Arts Council is focused on strengthening our relationships with the individuals and organizations that compose our sector through our presence in the community and our administration of programs that builds the capacity of our sector while responding to the needs and aspirations of our stakeholders. Our menu of programs is expected to expand in 2023 as we evolve as an organization.

Opportunity Overview

The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council has an immediate opening for a full-time Program Specialist. This is an exciting time to work at the Arts Council. In June 2023, the organization welcomed a new CEO and, in the winter of 2023, the organization will embark on the strategic planning process.

Guided by new leadership, and in advance of the planning process, the organization is working diligently to evolve its policies and systems to improve internal processes. The organization is simultaneously working to better define its programs and areas of impact, while also broadening its relationships, to ensure maximum relevance and benefit to its community stakeholders and beneficiaries. The new Program Specialist will be directly integrated into this work and will be expected to be an active participant.

The Program Specialist will work alongside two other individuals in the same position. Together, the team will collaboratively manage a portfolio of program initiatives. Interested applicants should have a working understanding of, and appreciation for, the arts sector. They should also be someone who values working in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

Objectives for this Role

  • Building and maintaining relationships with individuals and organizations composing the cultural and creative sector in the Greater Pittsburgh region.
  • Strategize, implement, and maintain program initiatives that serve and advance the organization’s mission.
  • Be accountable for delivering against strategic goals and objectives.
  • Maintain organizational standards of quality, impact, and accountability.
  • Be committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the arts, including but not limited to people with disabilities and those who have historically been under-resourced.

Responsibilities for this Role

  • Work closely with the CEO to develop the scope, deliverables, and work plan for program initiatives.
  • Collaborate with fellow Program Specialists and align strategies when appropriate.
  • Develop and manage budgets and timelines for program initiatives to maximize resource management.
  • Design and implement program assessment and evaluation protocols.
  • Analyze and evaluate implementation strategies to mitigate risks and challenges while maximizing impact. 
  • Produce program reports for the CEO, Board of Directors, and stakeholders.
  • Assist the Development department with grant applications and reports by providing program narratives, goals, and budgets.
  • Assist the Marketing and Communications department with generating marketing collateral for program initiatives by providing copy, photos, and pertinent information.
  • Provide technical assistance to individuals and organizations to help make the arts accessible and inclusive of all people.

Requirements and Skills

Education
A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred, but a combination of a high school diploma (or equivalent) and relevant work experience will also be considered.

Professional Experience
The ideal candidate will have a pre-existing understanding of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council and its role in Southwestern Pennsylvania. They will also have an appreciation of, and engagement with, the arts and humanities in the Greater Pittsburgh region. Additionally, the ideal candidate will demonstrate three or more years of work experience in the following areas:

  • Understanding of project/program management techniques and methods.
  • Familiarity with developing and managing needs-based programs.
  • Knowledge of program evaluation and performance metrics.
  • Comfortable using cloud-based systems, including Microsoft and Google suites, Asana, Slack, etc.
  • Familiarity with organizing/convening panels, seminars, workshops, and networking events.
  • Outstanding organizational and skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strategic thinker who is able to problem-solve in real time.
  • Previous non-profit experience or work in a creative industry.

Working at the Arts Council

Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt salaried position. Occasional weekend and evening work may be necessary. Salary is posted at $50,000 - $55,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. Paid time off (sick, personal, and vacation) and thirteen (13) holidays. The Arts Council presently offers a 403(b) employee-contribution retirement plan, with plans to offer a 401(k) plan and match starting January 1, 2024.

Remote Work
This position supports hybrid work, with work occurring remotely and onsite at the Arts Council’s offices, currently located in the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh. Employees are provided an organization-issued laptop for the duration of employment. Our office has an open floor plan. Candidates working in our offices should expect to work in an environment with background noise, variable temperatures, and frequent interruptions. When working remotely, you are expected to maintain a high-speed Internet connection supporting collaborative work, such as Zoom meetings.

Our Culture
We pride ourselves on creating a fun, flexible, and creative work environment at the Arts Council. We encourage our staff to come as they are – whether in your new favorite band t-shirt, being accompanied by your pets in our Zoom meetings, or sharing your passions outside of work. The Arts Council is dedicated to uplifting all voices, and decisions are often made as a full team. Our employees are open, supportive, and inclusive. A passion for the arts is a must.

We are in an amazing time of transition and growth. Our employees are involved in shaping the future of our organization, including envisioning a new office space, developing a new strategic plan, and reimagining new and old programs. Are you interested in thinking strategically and helping us reach our goals to support our arts community?

Our Commitment to Equity
The Arts Council values equity as essential to its mission to expand the reach, influence, and effectiveness of the region's diverse and vibrant arts and culture community by providing leadership, advocacy, capacity building, and connections. We are committed to diversity and equity in gender, age, religion, race, ethnicity, ability, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other characteristics. Differences provide varied viewpoints, ideas, and connections that strengthen and enrich Arts Council’s work with the communities in our region. Our goal is to create and maintain an inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment and to engage the talents of people with varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to accomplish our mission.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and résumé via email to jobs@pittsburghartscouncil.org.

Applicants will be reviewed beginning Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, but applications will remain open until the position is filled.