Program Specialist, Culture Blocks

Job Description

Job Description

Description :

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-Mecklenburg’s 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. ASC’s work aims to remove barriers, ensure cultural access for all, and promote upward mobility.

HOW YOU’LL 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 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%) :

Community Engagement & Relationship Building (10%) :

Marketing & Communications (10%) :

Strategic Contribution & Evaluation (10%) :

Working Conditions

Requirements :

WHAT YOU’LL 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.

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