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Grant Programs Manager

Job Posting— June 26, 2025

Overview

The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) is seeking a full-time Grant Programs Manager to work collaboratively with SEMAC staff and Board to ensure individuals and organizations throughout the 11-county region have access to grant applications, receive the support and training they need to apply for grants, and are clearly communicated with throughout the grantmaking process and during the grant period for successful applicants. The person in this position reports to the Executive Director and works as a member of the SEMAC team – executive director, outreach & accessibility manager, and communications manager – to support and advance thriving arts communities throughout Southeastern Minnesota.

About SEMAC

SEMAC exists to encourage, promote, and assist regional arts development by providing leadership, outreach, advocacy, mentorship, grants, and services.

Established in September 1977, SEMAC is part of a state-wide system of eleven Regional Arts Councils (RACs). Each RAC is an autonomous, grassroots organization designated to assess arts needs, develop programs and services to meet those needs, and distribute grants to fund arts programs in their region.

The primary funding source for each RAC is an allocation from the Minnesota State Legislature, made possible through the 25-year clean water, land, and legacy amendment to the Minnesota Constitution passed in 2008. The RACs work in partnership with the Minnesota State Arts Board to increase access to and participation in the arts, broaden arts awareness, and ensure equitable distribution of legislative arts funding.

SEMAC serves Region 10, which includes Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona Counties.

For more information about SEMAC, including grant programs, workshops, and other services, go to semac.org.

Responsibilities

Grants Management:

  • Manage the online grant interface and administer all aspects of the grant application process, including creating grant applications, reviewing submissions, responding to applicants’ questions, notifying applicants of the outcome of each grant round, etc.
  • Ensure the grant application process and grant writing training sessions are accessible and serve potential applicants well.
  • Present step-by-step grant writing workshops and initiate additional opportunities to support grantees in the grant writing process.
  • Coordinate the Arts Advisory Panel and facilitate grant review panel meetings.
  • Manage the awarding of grants and required follow-ups, including generating contracts, collecting final reports, coordinating with the Communications Manager to publicize grant recipients, etc.
  • Generate and submit data reports required by the State of Minnesota.

Administrative Support:

  • Update the website as necessary.
  • Process payments to vendors, manage payroll, generate grant payments, and provide accounting support.
  • Fulfill basic office manager duties including ordering supplies and ensuring the functionality of the office internet, phone system, and other office equipment.
  • Answer the main phone line.
  • Assist with other tasks as assigned.

Position Information

The Grant Programs Manager position is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with a base salary of $55,000 – $65,000 per year plus health insurance, paid vacation, paid sick leave, paid holidays, contributions to a retirement account, and opportunities for professional development.
The person in this position will maintain a flexible schedule, which may include occasional evenings and weekends, and is required to be in the office during the workday five days a week at least for the first six months. SEMAC’s offices are located in Rochester, Minnesota. If after six months the person wishes to work remotely one or two days a week, we can evaluate whether the responsibilities of the position can be fulfilled with that schedule.

Qualifications

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience with a nonprofit arts organization and/or philanthropic or public institution supporting the arts.
  • History of strong work performance and a commitment to client service.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with a diverse range of people.
  • Experience effectively planning, executing, and evaluating projects.
  • Ability to manage and prioritize workload independently.
  • Strong computer skills, including database management, website management, and ability to quickly learn new online programs. Experience with Foundant, QuickBooks, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace is a plus.
  • Ability to speak a second language is a plus (especially Spanish, Hmong, or Somali).
  • Knowledge of the 11-county region served by SEMAC is a plus.
  • The candidate must live in the SEMAC region or be able to move into the region within three months after their start date and have access to a reliable vehicle to be able to travel throughout the region as necessary. (Mileage will be reimbursed at the current Federal rate, which in 2025 is $.70.)

How to Apply

The application deadline is Friday, August 15, 2025. The start date for this position is Monday, October 27. This is a firm start date to allow for optimum training time with the current Grant Programs Manager.
To apply, submit a cover letter (PDF), resume (PDF), and three professional references via Google Forms at this link: SEMAC Grant Programs Manager Application.
SEMAC is an equal opportunity employer.

For more information, please contact Anastasia Shartin, executive director, at 507-281-4848 or director@semac.org.