Community Investment Program Specialist
We acknowledge that the land we gather on, Mohkinsstsis, is the ancestral territory of the Siksikaitsitapi — the Blackfoot people — comprising the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani Nations, as well as Treaty 7 signatories, the Tsuut’ina Nation and the Îyârhe Nakoda Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nations. Today this land is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government Districts 5 and 6 as well as many First Nations and Inuit from across Turtle Island.
We acknowledge that there has been art, music, dance, storytelling and ceremony on this land since time immemorial and it is in the spirit of this land and its people that we do our work.
Application Assistance
Calgary Arts Development is committed to open, fair and transparent processes. We recognize that the job application process can create barriers to access for many applicants who are interested in applying. Our job calls are written in English, shared online and require applicants to email their applications in English. This creates technological, linguistic, communication and cultural barriers, to name a few.
In recognition of these barriers, eligible applicants can request assistance to help alleviate some of the costs associated with preparing and submitting a job application. Our Applicant Support & Accessibility Policy is available for applicants who may need support from staff, or financial assistance to access support from someone outside of Calgary Arts Development. Please see the end of the document for more information or reach out directly by emailing jointheteam@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
Employment Equity Statement
Calgary Arts Development is an equal opportunity employer and employs people without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, language, citizenship, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical and/or mental abilities.
While remaining alert and sensitive to the issue of fair and equitable treatment for all, Calgary Arts Development has a special concern with the participation and advancement of members of designated groups that have traditionally been disadvantaged in employment: Black, Indigenous, people of colour, immigrants and newcomers, persons with physical or mental disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIAP+ community.
It is important to note that our office in the Edison downtown is not fully accessible although it is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible gender-neutral washroom. We are not presently equipped with technology that supports those with hearing or visual impairments. While we seek to be more accessible in the future, we feel it is important to be transparent about the limitations of our workplace as it is at present.
Who Are We?
Calgary Arts Development is our city’s designated arts development authority. We provide grant investments to hundreds of arts organizations, individual artists, and groups. We value relationships, generosity, reciprocity, plain language and curiosity.
We believe the arts have the power to build our city. Through the arts development strategy, Living a Creative Life, our vision is a creative, connected, prosperous Calgary where every resident has the opportunity to live a creative life. We foster a sustainable and resilient arts sector and support arts-led city building.
Strong relationships are central to our work and will be particularly central to this role. We honour artists and believe that art is a critical component that benefits the public good. We welcome new introductions and partnerships with artists and arts organizations as well as with others whose work may be outside the arts who are trying to make our city great through living a creative life.
Our team has been working towards creating shared environments where all people can feel safe, heard and validated. A sensitivity to the lived experiences of diverse, marginalized and equity- seeking people is very important as we continue valuing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of our work.
The Role
We are recruiting a full-time community investment program specialist to join our team. This position will work across the granting program portfolio and collaborate closely with the Community Investment team to co-design and implement granting programs for arts organizations, artist collectives and individual artists.
Accountabilities
- Co-design and implement grant investment programs in alignment with Calgary Arts Development’s mission, vision, values and strategic framework.
- Ensure that the process is straightforward, transparent and adheres to published program guidelines and timelines.
- Build relationships with artists and arts organizations through one-on-one meetings, feedback, direct application support and technical support for the online grant interface and audio/video applications.
- Communicate grant programs, host information sessions and deliver grant-writing workshops.
- Select and train assessment committees in the grant programs and online grant interface and facilitate the assessment process in a fair manner according to the published program guidelines and criteria.
- Track and manage grant applications through the online grant interface software.
- Work with Calgary Arts Development staff to ensure that the values of Truth and Reconciliation and equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility are embedded in the design and implementation of all investment programs.
Who Are You?
You see yourself in Calgary Arts Development’s impact statement: To support and nurture diverse art and artist-led city building to foster not only a resilient and sustainable arts ecosystem but to achieve a truly equitable, inclusive and accessible city where everyone belongs. You are interested in transforming funding practices and considering new ways of investing in the arts sector. You are familiar with the arts ecosystem in Calgary and have lived experience engaging with arts organizations and individual artists. You have a deep curiosity for all the many different ways art is made and shared, and enjoy working with people, both one on one and in groups.
You’re not all things to all people, but you’re probably already a few of these things:
- You have worked in a decision-making capacity with non-profit organizations, either as a staff member or board member.
- You are familiar with financial processes, governance models, and programming for arts organizations.
- You are well connected or have a strong connection to the arts scene in Calgary.
- You are familiar with processes around art making, both traditional and contemporary.
- You are enthusiastic about acting as a resource for artists and arts organizations and are curious and diligent in your work.
- You are comfortable with public speaking and leading and facilitating group conversations.
- You are committed to growing your awareness of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and want to ensure that our systems reflect those values, but this is not new work for you.
- You are passionate about working with people and interested in building relationships.
- You are familiar with processes around grant investment, including project planning and budgets.
- You have experience working with Indigenous artists, Elders and Indigenous communities in Treaty 7.
- You demonstrate excellent administrative skills in such areas as email and file management.
- You have a track record of working well with teammates on projects and can effectively meet deadlines.
- You are familiar with evaluation processes and practices.
- You adapt quickly to using new technologies.
- You are comfortable working in a collaborative and open work environment.
- You are a self-starter who is adaptable to working both independently and with a team.
- You are a lifelong learner.
If you see yourself in this opportunity, we would love to have a conversation with you. And if you’re not sure, you can learn more about us by exploring our website.
We are also open to having conversations with individuals in advance of the submission of an application to clarify questions about this posting. Please address those inquiries to Allan Rosales, Manager, Community Investment at allan.rosales@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
How to Apply?
Please indicate your interest by emailing hiring@calgaryartsdevelopment.com with your resume and cover letter. Please use the subject line: Community Investment Program Specialist Job Posting.
In your cover letter, please respond to the question “What impact or value do you see in public funding for the arts for all Calgarians?”
While our commitment to finding the right fit may require more time, for best consideration apply by January 27, 2025. We are hoping to fill this position by March 15, 2025.
Minimum annual salary is $55,000 in addition to an extended health benefits package and a matching RRSP program.
If you would like to request application assistance, please contact hiring@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or call 403.264.5330.
If you see yourself in this opportunity, we would love to have a conversation with you. And if you’re not sure, you can learn more about us by exploring our website at calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
Application Assistance
We recognize that the job application process can create barriers to access for many applicants who are interested in applying. Our job calls are written in English, shared online and require applicants to email their applications in English. This creates technological, linguistic, communication and cultural barriers, to name a few.
In recognition of these barriers to access, eligible applicants can request assistance to help alleviate some of the costs associated with preparing and submitting a job application.
Who Can Request Assistance?
Individuals who self-identify as:
- An individual who is D/deaf, hard of hearing, has a disability or is living with a mental illness.
- An individual facing language, geographic or cultural barriers.
To receive assistance, you will need to provide:
- The name and contact information of someone who can help you (this could be a trusted friend or family member, or a professional service provider) so they can bill us for their work with you. We may be able to make recommendations depending on the service being requested.
- The amount you are requesting, including the service provider’s hourly rate.
Types of Assistance
General Transcription or Editing Services and Organizing of Support Materials
- Applicants who identify barriers within the writing process directly due to a physical or learning disability or due to living with mental illness.
- Maximum Contribution: $75
Language Translation
- Applicants writing an application in another language who require translation into English, including American Sign Language.
- Maximum Contribution: $150
ASL Interpretation
- Calgary Arts Development can make arrangements for reputable, in-person ASL interpreters for interviews, in consultation with the interviewee, and at no cost to the interviewee.
Interview Parking
- Applicants who must drive to an interview at our request are eligible to have their parking costs paid by Calgary Arts Development.
- Maximum Contribution: $32 per interview, or the equivalent of the daily rate for parking lots that are close to the Calgary Arts Development office.
Childcare
- Applicants who require childcare services to attend the interview are eligible to be reimbursed for those childcare expenses.
