Creative Economy and Special Projects Advisor

The City of Little Rock provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. City of Little Rock complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every work location. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Objective & Safety/Security Sensitive Designation

JOB OBJECTIVE: To develop and sustain strategic partnerships with philanthropic foundations, corporations, and community organizations to advance City priorities and achieve fundraising goals; serves as the primary liaison to the philanthropic community by cultivating new relationships, stewarding existing partnerships, identifying and securing grant funding, and generating individual contributions and corporate support to strengthen the City’s resources and long-term sustainability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and maintains relationships with philanthropic foundations, corporations, community organizations, and individual donors to advance City initiatives, support fundraising objectives, and foster long-term partnerships.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for the philanthropic sector by coordinating meetings, briefings, site visits, and partner engagement activities across City departments to strengthen collaboration and advance organizational priorities.
• Develops customized partnership proposals, sponsorship packages, and giving opportunities; coordinates partner recognition and prepares progress reports to maintain positive relationships, support donor satisfaction, and encourage continued engagement and renewal of contributions.
• Conducts research relative to grant related programs and initiatives as it relates to the creative economies and stays abreast of state and federal funding opportunities; compiles inventories of local, State, Federal and other funding sources for the arts, and prepares and evaluates grant proposals for funding; submits grant applications for support of the arts.
• Collaborates with the Department of Finance, Grants Division to identify, evaluate, and pursue grant opportunities that align with City priorities and departmental funding needs.
• Collaborates with City department directors and program leaders to identify fundable priorities and develop compelling cases for support that align with organizational goals and funding opportunities.
• Coordinates cross-departmental initiatives and translates technical organizational needs into clear, compelling narratives and budgets that meet funder requirements and support funding applications.
• Provides guidance, coaching, and resources to City staff on partnership development, grant readiness, and donor stewardship practices to strengthen fundraising capacity and support organizational priorities.
• Develops and implements annual partnership and fundraising plans with measurable goals for revenue generation, funding pipeline development, and partner engagement to support organizational priorities and long-term sustainability.
• Develops and prepares persuasive communications, briefing materials, impact reports, grant narratives, donor updates, and talking points for internal and external audiences to effectively communicate organizational priorities, funding needs, partnerships, and outcomes.
• Collaborates with the Executive Administration, Communications team to coordinate messaging, media relations, social media, and public events that effectively highlight City initiatives, community impact, and partner contributions.
• Tracks and analyzes funding performance metrics, including proposals submitted, funding success rates, revenue generated, renewals, and partner engagement, to evaluate progress toward funding goals and inform fundraising strategies.
• Promotes and maintains ethical fundraising practices and compliance with applicable municipal, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies, and reporting requirements.
• Establishes and maintains hard copy and computer files and records relating to creative, cultural, and artistic-based activities, projects, and programs.
• Operates a computer with database, spreadsheet, and word processing software to generate correspondence, memoranda, and reports in the performance of essential job functions.
• Operates a City pool automobile in the performance of essential job functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

These knowledge, skills, and abilities are usually, although not always, acquired through the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field to include two (2) years of professional-level experience in philanthropy, corporate partnerships, fundraising, or external relations or related field to include demonstrated experience grant prospecting, writing, and management with budget development and post-award reporting or related area; proficiency in Microsoft 365 office suite or related area. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid Arkansas Class D (Non-Commercial Vehicle) Driver’s License before employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position.
• Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

DISCLAIMER: This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise.

Please apply using the link below:

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/littlerock/jobs/5504717/creative-economy-and-special-projects-advisor?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Application Requirements

• Online applications only.
• Applicant’s answers to supplemental questions will be used to screen for minimum qualifications electronically, failure to fully answer all supplemental questions may result in failure of the application.
• Please include a complete work history when completing application. Work history may impact initial salary offer amount for the successful candidate.
• List of qualified applicants will be considered active for up to six (6) months and may be used to fill future openings with same or similar minimum qualifications.
• All communication regarding application status will be sent to candidates via text message/ email address listed on account.
• You may check your inbox to review all notices sent to the email address associated with your applications.
• Applicants may check application status for any position by logging into their account or contacting Human Resources at (501) 371-4590 if they are having computer difficulties.

Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person