Director of Foundations and Government Grants

Organization Overview:

Urban Arts teaches digital game design as a pathway to college and career for underrepresented students —because a quality education shouldn’t depend on a child’s zip code.

Founded in 1991, Urban Arts has served more than 260,000 students and 3,000 teachers across 300+ schools in New York and nationally with high quality STEM programs. Over the years, we have won multiple federal grants to research, develop, and implement a range of innovative education programs to meet a variety of student and teacher professional development needs across the nation.

Among our supporters are the US DOE, the NY State Education Department, the National Endowment for the Arts, and a variety of New York and nationally focused Foundations and corporate partners. We were also recently awarded the 2023 Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education from the NEA Foundation, an honor we share with the NAACP, Fred Rogers, Bill Clinton, NAACP, and Billie Jean King.

Key Responsibilities:

The Director of Foundation and Government Grants is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategy to secure philanthropic support from foundations and government agencies. This role involves identifying funding opportunities, cultivating and stewarding relationships with institutional funders, leading grant proposal development, and ensuring compliance with all grant requirements. The Director will work closely with senior leadership, program staff, and finance teams to align funding strategies with organizational priorities and impact goals.

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement a multi-year plan to secure funding from foundations and government sources.
• Continuously research and assess new and existing funding opportunities that align with organizational programs and initiatives.
• Identify emerging funding trends, legislation, and opportunities in the philanthropic and government sectors.
• Collaborate with the senior management team to align institutional fundraising goals with organizational objectives and priorities.

Relationship Management

• Cultivate, steward, and expand relationships with key foundation and government stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and foundation/government grant officers.
• Attend webinars, workshops, and conferences for prospective grant initiatives.

Grant Proposal Development

• Oversee the entire grant lifecycle—from research and concept development to proposal writing, submission, and reporting.
• Work with program and finance teams to develop proposals, budgets, and supporting materials that align with funder requirements.
• Ensure all grant materials are accurate, compelling, and strategically positioned to secure funding.

Compliance and Reporting

• Monitor and ensure compliance with all funder requirements, including timely and accurate submission of progress reports and financial statements.
• Maintain an organized system for tracking deadlines, deliverables, and funder communications.
• Provide regular updates and reports on grant activities to executive leadership and the board.

Collaboration

• Collaborate cross-functionally with program leads, finance, communications, and other departments to gather information and ensure accurate representation of program goals and outcomes.
• Establish clear team goals, define performance metrics, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

External Relations and Advocacy

• Stay informed of relevant policy discussions and legislative developments that may influence funding opportunities.
• Position the organization to leverage policy changes and funding availability, sometimes serving as an advocate or liaison to local, state, and federal agencies.
• Build relationships with peer organizations to stay abreast of funding and advocacy trends.

Qualifications:

Required

• 5 - 7 years’ work experience with foundations and government funding.
• Excellent writing and editing skills; ability to translate complex ideas and strategies into clear and concise and compelling narratives.
• Experience in programmatic areas in the field, ideally in STEM/and or education.
• Proven experience in prospecting and identification of funding sources.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Experience with monitoring incoming funds and completing budgets, projections, and financial reporting.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment; ability to adapt accordingly to unanticipated changes.
• Passion for Urban Arts' mission and a desire to contribute to the empowerment of underrepresented students through arts and technology education.
• New York Based Employment

Preferred

• Experience with successful proposal writing and government reporting
• Proven experience with the grants management process from cultivation to post-award communication, tracking, and compliance.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience. $110K-$130K
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and retirement plans.
• Professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment committed to employee growth.

To apply please send a cover letter with salary requirements, as well as your resume to developmentjobs@urbanarts.org with “Director of Foundation and Government Grants” in the subject line.

Women, minorities, and/or people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Urban Arts Partnership is an equal opportunity employer.

Must be eligible to work in the U.S.