Title:  Programs Manager

Reports to:  Director of Programs                          

Position Summary

The Levitt Foundation is seeking an experienced, high-performing Programs Manager to provide effective management support to the Foundation’s growing national portfolio of grantees. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative team environment, working closely with Foundation staff—particularly the Director of Programs and Program Associate—to optimize the Foundation’s grantmaking efforts and maximize potential impact. The Programs Manager will play a key role in the various network activities related to Levitt’s mission-driven work, including national convenings and program initiatives. Strong writing, analytical, and interpersonal skills are a must, along with a passion for Levitt’s mission of supporting free, outdoor concerts as a means to revitalize public spaces and invigorate community life.

The Programs Manager will work with existing and prospective grantees, tracking current year progress, and identifying future grant opportunities. This position requires travel throughout the country; an average of 6 to 12 days of travel per month, particularly during the months of June through October.

Responsibilities

• Manage portfolio of grantees including oversight of grant deliverables, disbursements, and reporting
• Build and maintain strong, authentic relationships with grant seekers, grantees and partners
• Provide guidance and support to grantees, including technical assistance and regular communication, for effective execution of funded programs
• Conduct annual site visits at permanent Levitt venues and AMP concert sites throughout the country
• Identify, implement and manage capacity building tools and support resources for grantees
• Manage audience data collection process, including sourcing and hiring teams of local field researchers to conduct on-site surveys at each permanent Levitt venue
• Analyze data collected from grantees and develop performance evaluation metrics
• Work closely within cross-departmental teams to facilitate information sharing between grantees and Foundation staff
• Identify and manage collaboration opportunities and information sharing amongst grantees, both online and in-person
• Work collaboratively with Programs team in management of grant applicant review and awards process
• Play a key role in launch of Foundation’s grants management system and grantee intranet; manage and develop intranet content, including Levitt program information and nonprofit best practices, and provide support for grantee use of intranet
• Assess and evaluate grant program measures, identify key findings and provide feedback for program structure improvements and opportunities for mission alignment
• Work closely within cross-departmental teams in the development and implementation of new grant programs, including helping to assess needs, develop concepts, design application and reporting requirements, as well as ongoing process improvements
• Help identify and develop potential partnerships for the national Levitt network
• Manage various components of national Levitt network convenings, programs, and initiatives, including the coordination of activities and communications, and tracking expenses and reimbursements
• Carry out activities beyond grantmaking to help drive Foundation’s strategic goals
• Provide ongoing guidance and professional development support to Program Associate

• Represent organization at events, conferences, and other related activities
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Qualifications

• 4 – 8 years of progressively responsible experience in grantmaking, program development, and/or project management
• Ability to commit to and interest in traveling throughout the country, up to 3 times per month, for site visits and national conferences. Duration of travel can last 2 – 6 days at a time, for an average of 6 to 12 days per month
• Strong working knowledge of the fundamentals of effective grantmaking, as well as the field of creative placemaking and driving social impact through the arts
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with ability to develop productive relationships with colleagues, grantees, partners, and stakeholders
• Excellent project management skills with a strong ability to balance multiple, often competing, priorities, without loss of attention to detail
• Self-motivated with high degree of initiative and entrepreneurial spirit
• Willingness to adapt as programs evolve and comfortable adjusting based on organization and grantee needs
• Innovative and critical thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to learn new technologies
• Passion for and commitment to the Levitt Foundation’s mission
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some nights and weekends
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Valid driver’s license and current insurance required
• Proven track record in successful program management
• Strong leadership qualities with ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong writing skills with keen ability to communicate clearly

Organization Overview

The Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation is a national private foundation that exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. We empower communities to transform neglected outdoor spaces into welcoming destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together and invigorates community life. 

The Levitt Foundation realizes its mission through two key programs: permanent Levitt venues and the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards, an annual grants competition. In 2016, more than 400 free Levitt concerts will be presented in 22 towns and cities across America, serving more than 600,000 people. All

Levitt concerts feature acclaimed, emerging talent to seasoned, award-winning artists in a broad range of music genres. Levitt’s family-friendly vibe and open green spaces attract people of all ages and backgrounds. Friends, neighbors, as well as those whose paths might not cross otherwise, gather to relax on the lawn or dance to the music. As an example of the high caliber talent presented across the Levitt network, the 2016 GRAMMY nominees included 21 artists who have performed on Levitt stages in recent years.

Permanent Levitt venues are located in cities as diverse as Los Angeles and Pasadena, California; Westport, Connecticut; Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Memphis, Tennessee; and Arlington, Texas. Each permanent Levitt venue is programmed, managed and supported by its own 501(c)(3) Friends of Levitt nonprofit organization, presenting 50+ free concerts every year. Due to accelerating interest from cities and engaged citizens, the Levitt network is growing. Developing Levitt locations across the country include Denver (opening 2017), Houston (opening 2018), and Sioux Falls, S.D. (opening 2019), amongst other cities.

In 2016, the Levitt AMP [Your City] Grant Awards were awarded to 15 small to mid-sized towns and cities, including Greensboro, N.C.; Sheboygan, Wis.; North Adams, Mass.; Asbury Park, N.J.; and Middlesboro, Ky., to name a few. Each Levitt AMP winner will present 10 free concerts in a reimagined public space beginning this spring and continuing through the fall.

Visit www.levitt.org to learn more.

Application

Please email cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to [email protected], including “Programs Manager” in subject line.

Compensation commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package. EEO/AAW employer. 

Announcement Date: 6/21/16, open until filled

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