Foundation News

Please note: the application deadline has passed (March 8, 2024).

James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation
Seeks Program Associate, Individual Artist Grants Program

Position Title: Program Associate
Position Type: Part-time Temporary (three-year pilot program)
Anticipated Start Date: May 2024
Location: Portland, Oregon

‍The Opportunity

The Individual Artist Grants Program Associate will support the Foundation’s grantmaking for both artists and nonprofit organizations. Reporting to the Program Officer/Learning and Community Engagement Director, the Program Associate’s work will focus primarily on launching a new grantmaking program to fund individual artists.

The Program Associate will bring to their work a passion for supporting the arts and artists in refining, launching, and overseeing a three-year pilot program to fund individual artists in Oregon. They will appreciate a highly collaborative team that values learning, curiosity, flexibility, and embodying the Foundation’s trust-based model of philanthropy in the way in which the team operates internally.

The James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation envisions an Oregon where the arts and artists thrive in supportive communities and educational systems support the effectiveness of teaching and learning in every classroom.

The Foundation strives to be an equitable organization that values and supports diversity amongst staff, board, community organizations, and partners, and seeks to create an inclusive environment where all people, whatever their gender identity, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education background, disability, or socioeconomic status, are valued and respected.

We have a talented staff of 5 and operate in an office in southeast Portland. Our Foundation is full of passionate people who care deeply about their work, appreciate each other, and have fun. Concurrent to this new pilot program, the board and staff are embarking on an internal DEI initiative.

‍Summary

This role provides thought leadership to the Miller Foundation in the refinement and administration of the new Individual Artist Grants program. In this role, they will provide essential support for the grant application and review processes, managing internal communications and statewide outreach related to application cycles, as well as reporting. This person will serve as the primary point of contact for applicant inquiries, providing guidance and support to potential and current grantees and to the external panel that will make funding recommendations to the Miller Foundation board of directors.

This position includes office hours Monday through Friday, with very occasional weekend and evening meetings. This position is eligible for a hybrid office schedule following an initial orientation period. However, there will be specific times (including supervisory meetings, grant panel meetings, board meetings, etc.) that will require mandatory in-person attendance.

Review the complete job description here.

‍Responsibilities

• Oversee implementation, evaluation, and continuous evolution of the grantmaking program
• Manage the grant life cycle, including refining and disseminating grant guidelines, the application, the review process, and communicating about funding decisions
• Coordinate outreach for the Individual Artist Grant program, with specific efforts to solicit a diverse pool of applicants from communities statewide
• Serve as the primary point of contact for grant-related inquiries, providing guidance and support to applicants and grantees
• Host informational webinars for potential applicants and orientations for grant recipients
• Coordinate the selection, orientation, and work of review panelists
• Manage correspondence with applicants and provide them with feedback related to grant decisions

Experience & Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience administering a grantmaking program or a similar role within a philanthropic organization
• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate work experience
• Familiarity with Oregon artist networks and the arts sector in Oregon (including knowledge of artistic disciplines, funding trends, and emerging practices)
• Familiarity or direct experience with grants management software (e.g., Foundant or other software), online meetings (e.g., Zoom or other platforms), and Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven success with program outreach using a variety of communication methods
• Lived experience or prior success working with diverse cultures and communities and a demonstrated commitment to eliminating barriers and increasing access and transparency in grantmaking

 Benefits

• Compensation: $45-$50 an hour
• Medical and dental insurance
• Flexible spending program
• Retirement benefits plan

Apply by March 8, 2024

Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@millerfound.org with the subject line: Program Associate.
In your cover letter, please include a response to each of these questions:

• Describe your experience managing a grantmaking process, including developing applications and eligibility criteria, tracking applications and applicant data electronically, evaluating proposals, and facilitating grant review with community panels or boards of directors.
• Describe your experience with outreach to diverse communities.

All inquiries will be handled confidentially.
Please do not call, email or otherwise solicit foundation board or staff members regarding this position.

James F. & Marion L. Miller Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from people of color, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, women, and people with disabilities. We believe we can only meet our mission with a diverse board and staff who actively pursue equity and work to create a culture of belonging.