Program Officer, Arts and Culture

About Us

The Cleveland Foundation, established in 1914 as the world’s first community foundation, continues to shape the future of place-based philanthropy more than a century later. With $3.9 billion in assets and a legacy of bold leadership, we are driven by a commitment to improve the lives of everyone who calls Greater Cleveland home, today and for generations to come.

Joining our team means becoming part of a culture that blends history-making impact with forward-looking innovation. Our vision is a vibrant Northeast Ohio where no Clevelander is left behind. Every team member plays a key role in advancing this vision by tackling Cleveland’s most critical issues, championing opportunities for all, and helping unlock the full potential of our region.

Our headquarters in the heart of MidTown places us at the center of a historic neighborhood and growing district, surrounded by partners, community leaders and residents who are reimagining what’s possible for our city. Here, you’ll work in a dynamic, collaborative environment designed to spark creativity, deepen relationships, and accelerate change.

At the Cleveland Foundation, you can be part of building a stronger future for every Clevelander.

About You

You are passionate about making a difference in your community and excited by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change. You thrive when working collaboratively with diverse groups to solve complex challenges, and you have a proven ability to lead with integrity, foster inclusiveness, and innovate under pressure. You bring a forward-thinking mindset and a commitment to equity to everything you do, always ensuring your work drives social impact and results in tangible, positive outcomes.

Your best results come from thinking strategically while staying grounded in practical, results-oriented action. You analyze business trends and integrate insights to inform decision-making, identifying long-term opportunities and developing plans to seize them. As an excellent communicator and trusted partner, you can listen actively, seek to understand different perspectives, and apply innovative ideas to drive change. You possess a growth mindset, excel in team dynamics, and have a track record of applying entrepreneurial spirit to problem-solving, all while upholding the values of transparency, accountability, and collaboration.

Job Summary

The Program Officer, Arts & Culture advances the Cleveland Foundation's impact goals by cultivating strong relationships with artists, cultural organizations, creative leaders, and community stakeholders throughout Greater Cleveland. Through strategic grantmaking, engagement, and partnership development, this role helps identify opportunities, address challenges, and strengthens an arts and culture ecosystem that supports growth in our region, vibrant neighborhoods, and connecting people to prosperity. The Program Officer manages a portfolio of grants and initiatives while serving as a connector, listener, and thought partner to organizations working to deliver excellence in the arts, expand access to arts and culture, strengthen arts mastery, and foster community vitality.

The Program Officer, Arts and Culture reports to the VP of Grantmaking and will work closely with the Chief Impact Officer on long-term initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Arts & Culture Leadership and Strategy

• Identifies opportunities to strengthen impact through partnerships and coordinated investments
• Supports planning, implementation, and evaluation of initiatives that advance Foundation priorities
• Influence public, private, non-profit and community partners to become champions of the work, embedding the work into the overall system
• Facilitate connections and convene stakeholders around opportunities to advance systems change and community solutions
• Prepare briefings and community insights for internal leadership and colleagues
• Represent the Foundation in public engagements, panels, learning sessions, and working groups
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for programs/grants to deliver results for the long-term Impact Agenda outcomes
• Educate and support partners in developing and tracking outcomes
• Inspire and connect donors to specific projects related to the Impact Agenda
• Assess progress and make changes/adaptations in real time, ensuring the lessons learned are incorporated into ongoing work, outcomes identified and progress made
• Identify and implement when appropriate policy and/or advocacy agenda

Grantmaking and Portfolio Management

• Manages a portfolio of grants and projects aligned with Foundation priorities.
• Conducts proposal reviews, organizational assessments, and due diligence activities.
• Develops grant recommendations and supporting materials for internal review and board consideration.
• Evaluates grant performance, outcomes, and reporting requirements.
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to applicants and grantees throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Supports the implementation of strategic grantmaking priorities and initiatives.
• Maintains accurate grant records and documentation.
• Leverage sector-specific expertise and remain abreast of best practices, trends and innovations, and policy implications shaping key issues impacting the Foundation’s tri-county footprint (Cuyahoga, Geauga, & Lake Counties)

Team and Community Engagement

• Contribute to a culture of innovation, ideation, and data-driven decision making across all facets of the Foundation’s work both in immediate and long-term grantmaking
• Support and strengthen partners through capacity building, problem solving, site visits, and outcome tracking to ensure accountability and community impact
• Collectively identify and recommend training and development needs to enhance team performance and grantmaking impact; collaborate with others on opportunities applicable to the entire enterprise
• Engage with donors through facilitated group conversations and individual meetings; share expertise and knowledge of the community in service of impactful and informed donor-advised grantmaking
• Support peers in the onboarding process for smooth integration into and understanding of TCF best practices and operations; function as a thought partner for ongoing Program Officer development
• Contribute to the Foundation’s overall strategic planning and organizational development

General Competencies

• Judgment
• Communication and Active Listening
• Strategic Leadership
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Problem-Solving
• Results and Impact Orientation

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in public policy, public administration, social work, education, business or a related field strongly preferred
• A minimum of 3 years in a similar role, demonstrating evidence of mastery of managing increasingly complex projects and strategic leadership in the field
• Significant experience working in the City of Cleveland’s neighborhoods
• Passion for Cleveland and its arts and culture sector
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Exceptional writing and presentation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams and diverse communities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and working knowledge of database systems (e.g. Salesforce)
• Experience working in one or more of the following sectors – health and human services, community development, community organizing, neighborhood revitalization, or any other related fields

Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel required
• Flexible work hours with the expectation to attend key community events