Program Specialist, Culture Blocks

OUR MISSION | REMARKABLE IMPACT

Remarkable impact is the heart of Foundation For The Carolinas mission, and the driving force behind our mission is the collective impact of thousands of nonprofits, families, companies, and organizations who partner with us to amplify the power of giving.

The Arts & Science Council, a supporting organization of Foundation For The Carolinas, nurtures Charlotte-Mecklenburgs cultural ecosystem by supporting local creatives and nonprofits. Its mission is to foster community retention, drive economic growth, and enhance residents' quality of life.

As both a funder and fundraiser, ASC offers grants, manages public art, supports community?led programs like Culture Blocks, and provides educational programming for PreK-12 students. As an advocate and resource, ASC also provides funding support, workshops, and cultural education. ASCs work aims to remove barriers, ensure cultural access for all, and promote upward mobility.

HOW YOULL ADVANCE OUR MISSION | POSITION OVERVIEW

The Program Specialist, Culture Blocks is a key member of the Arts & Science Council Culture Blocks program, adhering to funding and budget requirements and serving as a hands?on, execution?focused specialist. This full?time, exempt role is committed to fostering meaningful connections between residents and cultural experiences while ensuring the seamless implementation of Culture Blocks initiatives. Culture Blocks, funded by Mecklenburg County, connects residents with cultural programming that reflects their interests and takes place within their communities.

This position works closely with the Senior Program Officer, volunteers, and Marketing team to coordinate and manage multiple program?related projects and tasks, ensuring all internal and external deadlines are met. The Program Specialist regularly collaborates with cultural and community partners, individual artists, vendors, and neighborhood residents to facilitate program delivery and strengthen community connections.

YOUR UNIQUE IMPACT | ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning and Programmatic Engagement (35%)

• Lead Culture Blocks Community Gatherings and Pop?up events across ten designated geographic areas, overseeing budget management, annual planning, scheduling, venue coordination, contracts, payment processing, catering, talent booking, materials preparation, RSVP management, marketing support, and event data analysis.
• Schedule and conduct site visits to funded programs, engage with participating residents, and build meaningful community relationships.
• Train and manage volunteers for Culture Blocks events, including scheduling, delegation, and on?site coordination.
• Provide direct support to Culture Blocks applicants through virtual meetings, feedback on submissions, and evaluation of draft applications.
• Offer guidance on funding opportunities within Culture Blocks Program Investments.
• Assist the Program Officer with logistical planning for other Culture Blocks?hosted community and partner events as needed.
• Assist in researching, identifying, and cultivating new community partnerships to enhance visibility and expand awareness of Culture Blocks and its funded activities.
  

Grant Management Administration (35%)

• Assist the Program Officer in evaluating funding applications for eligibility.
• Manage grants database, process contracts/payments, generate reports, and maintain records.
• Serve as Culture Blocks primary contact for database management, troubleshooting, and application maintenance.
• Oversee funded contracts, track compliance, issue notifications, and prepare quarterly impact reports using Blackbaud Grantmaking.
• Maintain a database of Libraries, Parks & Recreation sites, and key contacts, fostering relationships.
• Respond to inquiries via Culture Blocks email and phone with professionalism.
• Provide guidance and technical support for applicants during funding and contract processes.
• Collaborate with the Program Officer to compile and present program data for quarterly updates and staff meetings.
• Develop and administer annual surveys for facility partners, applicants, and community participants.
  

Community Engagement & Relationship Building (10%)

• Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with individual artists, artist collectives, cultural organizations, and community leaders throughout Mecklenburg County.
• Act as a key resource and advocate for artists, connecting them with professional development opportunities, networking events, and collaborative partnerships.
• Identify emerging needs and opportunities within the individual artist landscape of Mecklenburg County, including challenges related to sustainability, access to resources, and creative space.
  

Marketing & Communications (10%)

• Assist the Marketing Team in implementing the Culture Blocks specific plans which include digital, print, and social campaigns along with promotional material creation and ordering.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to craft compelling stories and unique content that highlight and celebrate the impact of Culture Blocks within the community.
  

Strategic Contribution & Evaluation (10%)

• Contribute to ASCs philanthropic advocacy through analysis of quantitative data and storytelling through qualitative data, including the collection of grantee statistics and appropriate grant?related data, on all ASC grant programs.
• Participate in cross?functional teams within ASC to ensure artist support initiatives are integrated with Community & Artist Support departmental goals and community development efforts.
• Assist the Program Officer in preparing comprehensive reports and presentations on program outcomes, impact, and lessons learned for internal and external stakeholders, including the ASC Board of Directors, funders, and the artist community.
• Ensure all grants follow IRS regulations and ASC policy.
• Stay current with best practices, research, and trends in artist philanthropy, creative placemaking, and the national landscape of individual artist support.
  

Working Conditions

• The ASC team works in a hybrid environment, with 4 days per week at the Foundation for the Carolinas office (220 N Tryon) and regular site visits.
• This position requires attendance at events outside regular office hours, and the ability to occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.
  

Requirements
WHAT YOULL NEED FOR SUCCESS: QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: 3+ years of experience in program management, grant?making, or management within a nonprofit setting, ideally with a significant focus on supporting individual artists.

Community Awareness: Demonstrated knowledge of the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing individual artists across various disciplines.

• Familiarity with the Mecklenburg County arts and cultural sector is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong, authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders, including artists, community members, and funders.
• A deep passion for the arts and a commitment to empowering artists and fostering a vibrant creative community.
  

Skills: Excellent communication skills (bilingual in English/Spanish preferred), problem?solving, strategic thinking, and organizational skills.

• Technology Proficiency: Proficient in MS Office Suite; experience with databases is a plus (ASC uses Blackbaud Grantmaking).
• Additional Qualifications: Strong commitment to service, ability to manage multiple priorities, and understanding of the impact of cultural planning on economic development.
  

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