Program Officer, Communities

EQUITY STATEMENT
Mass Cultural Council is committed to the equitable investment of all resources and to providing leadership that fosters a cultural sector where racial diversity thrives, decolonization is realized, and inclusion, accessibility, and belonging are the norm. The rich diversity of Massachusetts’ communities, residents, and visitors is essential to the Commonwealth’s continued vitality and success.

We believe that seeing the world through multiple perspectives—and bringing those ideas to life—is the responsibility of the cultural sector and its leaders. Mass Cultural Council supports creative voices through co-created, innovative, equitable, inclusive, and accessible programs and grantmaking.

Our commitment to advancing equity is rooted in meaningful cross-sector collaboration and partnership. This work centers the leadership, insight, and lived experiences of those most impacted by systemic inequities. Together with these communities, we have developed a suite of equity plans that confront structural barriers and commit us to sustained, measurable action:


ABOUT MASS CULTURAL COUNCIL
Mass Cultural Council is an independent state agency that advances the Commonwealth’s creative and cultural sector by celebrating traditions and talents, championing its collective needs, and equitably investing in public resources through a wide range of grants, initiatives, and advocacy for artists, communities, organizations, and schools.

Our Vision
Mass Cultural Council envisions a diverse creative and cultural sector that is valued as essential in the Commonwealth.

Our work is grounded in the following values:

1. Creativity: We believe that creativity is the key to solving many of society’s concerns and advancing this asset helps to make the Commonwealth a preeminent place in the nation for it to thrive.

1. Public Service: We serve the Commonwealth and all who live, work, visit, and play here by amplifying creativity, providing resources, expanding relationships, and championing transformational changes that maintain and grow a thriving creative and cultural ecosystem.

1. Inclusion: We work to build a diverse and equitable creative and cultural sector in the Commonwealth, ensuring that all who practice and participate in creative and cultural expression see themselves in it.

ADVANCING THE CULTURAL SECTOR THROUGH CROSS-SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS
Mass Cultural Council is leading a statewide effort to advance the cultural sector and position it as a critical asset and essential partner in addressing the Commonwealth’s most pressing challenges. Through strategic partnerships, policy initiatives, and relationship building, the Agency collaborates across sectors—including health, education, housing, transportation, climate, agriculture, accessibility, workforce, and economic development—to expand resources, foster growth, advance equity, and expand the cultural sector’s impact. This cross-sector work ensures the sector is embedded in the Commonwealth’s vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient future.

POSITION SUMMARY
Communities: Mass Cultural Council seeks to enhance cultural vitality in cities and towns across the Commonwealth through community-based grants and advocacy. Working with a broad range of cultural communities across the Commonwealth, we celebrate traditions and talents, champion the sector’s collective needs, and equitably invest public resources. From our unique network of 329 Local Cultural Councils to state-designated Cultural Districts and other grant programs and initiatives, we are working to enrich communities through culture and creativity.

The Program Officer advances the goals of Mass Cultural Council’s programs through effective program administration. This role is responsible for supporting the full program lifecycle—from application intake and review coordination to award processing and final reporting—ensuring that all processes are efficient, transparent, and grounded in equity. The Program Officer serves as a key liaison to applicants, grantees, and partners, providing clear guidance and responsive support throughout the program cycle.
While primarily responsible for the Local Cultural Council Program, the Program Officer also supports other programs as needed, fostering a collaborative, team-based approach to grantmaking across the agency.

In addition, the Program Officer contributes to program planning, targeted outreach, and agency advancement initiatives. Outreach efforts focus on inclusive, statewide engagement by developing strategies to connect with individuals and organizations across Massachusetts. Advancement work involves contributing to cross-agency initiatives that expand resources, promote equity, and support the growth of the cultural sector.
The Program Officer is also expected to attend public events, community meetings, and sector convenings to strengthen relationships across the Commonwealth, and seek feedback/learn to ensure Mass Cultural Council’s programs remain accessible, responsive, and impactful throughout the Commonwealth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. Duties will evolve over time and include other tasks or projects relevant to the position and operational needs.

Programs

• Ensure the smooth daily administration of the programmatic operations
• Participate in recruitment and outreach activities to promote program awareness under guidance.
• Maintain application records in the Grants Management System according to established policies throughout the program cycle.
• Collaborate with grantees to ensure program requirements and deadlines are met.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies for all grant activities.
• Monitor program activities for compliance issues and implement corrective actions if needed.
• Coordinate website updates and collaborate with the Public Affairs team to develop communication materials and blog posts for assigned programs.
• Support other agency programs as needed.

Constituent Service

• Regular interaction, coordinates with applicants, recipients, and internal teams.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for applicants and recipients independently.
• Provide support and guidance throughout the program lifecycle.
• Address constituent questions and concerns promptly and efficiently.
• Create training materials, FAQs, and presentations on program processes and requirements.

• Contribute to program efforts by delivering technical assistance through convenings, webinars, and other support materials.

• Identify and escalate complex or sensitive issues to the manager.

Outreach and Recruitment

• Support the planning and execution of outreach activities to promote programs.
• Assist in creating and distributing promotional materials for program awareness.

Advancement

• Organize and prepare materials for stakeholder meetings and events.
• Maintain contact lists and schedules for partner/collaborator communications.
• Provide logistical support for collaborative projects, including scheduling and coordinating meetings.

Cross Agency Coordination and Synchronization

• Provide support for collaborative projects and initiatives
• Support the collection and distribution of information
• Participate in inter-agency meetings to learn and observe

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Below are characteristics we will look for in the selection process. We recognize that the depth of each individually and the balance of all of them collectively may vary from candidate to candidate and as such, encourage applications from individuals with a range of background experiences and skills.

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in municipal government; cultural organizations; arts administration; grantmaking and grants management; community development or organizing or engagement; economic development. This experience may include working within or in partnership with public agencies, nonprofits, for profits, grassroots organizations, or philanthropic institutions.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to manage detail-oriented processes, including administration, reporting, project management, and facilitation.
• Experience facilitating cross-sector collaboration and building relationships among diverse constituents—including public agencies, community-based organizations, and private sector partners.
• Comfort representing an agency externally including speaking at public meetings, participating in cross-sector convenings, and contributing to thought leadership efforts.
• Ability to navigate change, adapt to shifting priorities, and engage in innovative work that advances equity-centered and systems-level impact.
• Demonstrated ability to incorporate racial equity principles into grant operations, programs, and services.
• Ability to understand, explain, and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, etc. governing assigned programs and activities.
• Technical proficiency, including familiarity with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and work within grants and relationship management platforms.

HYBRID WORK MODEL
Mass Cultural Council currently follows a hybrid work model requiring employees to work in the Boston office (10 St. James Ave) at least eight days per month (minimum 60 hours) starting on September 1, 2025.

This requirement is reviewed annually and if it changes employees will be notified two months prior to the change. In-person attendance is required for meetings, training, site visits, and events as directed.

Employees must live within commuting distance and be available for occasional travel, including evenings, weekends, and short-notice requests. These expectations reflect our dedication to public service and statewide engagement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical and sensory demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws, reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties of the job.

Physical Skills: Few physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. Work requires some agility such as the ability to lift, carry, set up, and break down event materials, such as banners, boxes, easels, signs, microphones, speakers, chairs, and tables.

Motor Skills: Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone, personal computer and/or most other office equipment including word processing, filing and sorting of papers.

Visual Skills: Visual demands require constantly reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.

COMPENSATION
Bargaining Unit: 06 NAGE, Program Coordinator I, Grade 10. Pay is determined by the Commonwealth’s NAGE Unit 6 collective bargaining agreement. Based on the grade and step requirements of the collective bargaining agreement, the expected starting salary at hire may be calculated in the range of $71,739.20-$78,525.72 annually.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. We strive to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply.

It is important for us that this application process is accessible for all applicants. For any requests or needs regarding accessibility, accommodations, modifications, or specific preferences we should be aware of to ensure your experience is accessible, positive, and supported, please contact, Cathy Cheng-Anderson at [email protected] .

Information submitted by applicants is collected through the JazzHR Platform, your submission of application materials constitutes your express consent for this information to be provided to JazzHR for processing. Please do not include any personally identifiable information with your application materials other than that specifically requested by Mass Cultural Council. Mass Cultural Council requests basic information such as name, address, telephone number, and email address. You may also self-identify with your race/ethnicity, gender, disability and/or veteran status. However, you should not provide more detailed personal information such as your date of birth or Social Security Number with your application materials.

Pre-employment requirements

• A criminal background check (CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information))
• Completion of Conflict-of-Interest Law Education training and Acknowledgement.
• In compliance with federal laws, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.