Foundation Summary

The Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation recognizes the power of the arts to challenge and shift perceptions, spark creativity, and connect people across cultures. We lend and exhibit artworks from our collection and provide grants to support innovative individuals and projects in our collection areas (digital & electronic, post-war abstract painting, Spanish colonial, and Japanese bamboo). 

In Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, our Orange Door exhibition space is open by-appointment to collectors, schools and arts organization for tours of the foundation’s art collection.

In Santa Fe, the Art House is a public exhibition space with seasonal rotations of artwork from our collection and hosts educational programming.

Position Summary

The Thoma Art Foundation seeks an entrepreneurial Program Officer to lead our evolving grantmaking program, promote the foundation’s objectives and serve as a day to day mentor to staff. The Program Officer will actively participate in helping to shape and execute the foundation’s vision and delivery on its mission as we move into the next phases of growth.

A successful candidate will have experience working in a creative entrepreneurial organization that requires thinking dynamically about the future while also being effective in the present. The Program Officer will interface with other art organizations, museums, and the public to promote our collections and encourage institutions to apply for grants. 

Candidates should be knowledgeable in and have a passion for the fields of art in which we currently collect, including bamboo baskets, digital art, color field and hard edge art.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage our grants program: research and identify promising projects and grantees, evaluate grant applications, review grant reports, and communicate with grantees from application to post-award process
• Administer and maintain our grants management system to manage, track, and report grant data; oversee the continual improvement of the grants system
• Oversee Foundation operations and internal communications with regular reporting to Founder
• Oversee and evaluate the effectiveness of programming, provide recommendations for improvements, and highlight areas of success
• Demonstrate effective staff leadership and organizational skills in the areas of problem solving and mentoring

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Art History or related field
• Knowledgeable in the fields of Digital, Post-War Abstract Painting, Spanish Colonial, and Japanese Bamboo
• Minimum five years of grantmaking and supervisory experience in an entrepreneurial organization
• Superior research, written and verbal communication skills
• Self-directed and motivated with the ability to execute on plans independent of direction
• Creative and confident to propose new ideas

Periodic travel will be required to build relationships and gain a better understanding of the culture of the arts communities in which the foundation wishes to expand, including New York and Chicago.

Location and Hours

This position is based in Santa Fe but will interface with all foundation staff, including the Chicago based team. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Additional time required outside of office hours for site visits, art tours, visiting guests, and special events that may run into the evening or fall on weekends.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience. Health benefit offered.

To Apply

To apply, please send resume, cover letter and a writing sample to: [email protected]

Further information about the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation can be found at: https://thomafoundation.org.