Arts Grant Specialist

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 33601
Agency: Tourism - SD Arts Council (SDAC)
Location:Pierre, SDSalary: $64,895.04 - $73,006.92/annually, depending on qualifications
Pay Grade: K
Closing Date: 11/17/2025

Why Join the South Dakota Arts Council?

Working with SDAC means supporting the artists, educators, and organizations that enrich communities across South Dakota. This role is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, organized, and motivated by helping others access the power of the arts. You'll join a collaborative, mission-driven team dedicated to cultural vitality, creative opportunity, and public service.

Position Summary:

The Arts Grants Specialist II supports the South Dakota Arts Council's (SDAC) grantmaking and administrative operations under the direction of the Grants Manager. This position ensures the smooth day-to-day operation of SDAC's individual and organizational grant programs through application support, contracting, payments, data tracking, and grantee service.

This role emphasizes program execution, compliance, and responsive service to artists and arts organizations across South Dakota. The Arts Grants Specialist II contributes to the accessibility, transparency, and effectiveness of public arts funding statewide.

Key Responsibilities:

Grant Administration & Applicant Support -

• Serve as the primary point of contact for organizational and individual (not-roster) applicants and grantees.
• Provide technical assistance to applicants through scheduled sessions and direct communication.
• Review submitted applications for eligibility and completeness and coordinate reviewer logistics as needed.
• Prepare and issue award letters and contracts for approved grants.
• Coordinate and track all grant payments and reimbursement requests.
• Maintain accurate record and data for assigned grant programs.

Evaluation & Reporting -

• Lead data collection efforts and formatting information for required state and federal (National Endowment for the Arts) reports.
• Manage evaluation processes for assigned grant programs, including compiling and analyzing data.
• Assist in translating collected data into reportable metrics and summaries for Council use.

Roster Program Support -

• Support the Arts Council Communications and Community Relations Coordinator with contracting and administration of SDAC's roster-based programs.
• Provide additional administrative and logistical support for these programs as assigned.

Council & Administrative Support -

• Coordinate logistics for SDAC meetings, including scheduling and accommodations.
• Process mileage and per diem reimbursements for Council members.
• Perform other administrative and technical duties that support agency operations.

Data & Compliance -

• Maintain grant and payment documentation consistent with state and federal requirements.
• Monitor grantee compliance and contribute to progress tracking toward strategic plan goals.
• Support internal data systems to ensure completeness and accuracy.

This is a full time (40 hours per week) position with the Department of Tourism - SDAC. For more information on the Department of Tourism - SDAC, please visit https://artscouncil.sd.gov/ .

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license required for occasional travel.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• bachelor's degree in arts administration, public administration, communications, or a related field preferred;
• equivalent experience in finance, grants management, program coordination, or public sector administration may be considered;
• experience working in finance, data management, arts, or nonprofit environments strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• knowledge of grant administration practices, reporting, and compliance standards;
• strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines;
• excellent written and verbal communication skills, including customer service and stakeholder interaction;
• proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, database systems, and online grant application platforms;
• ability to analyze and present data clearly for reports and evaluations;
• strong attention to detail, accuracy, and documentation practices;
• ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment;
• commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusion in the arts.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your cover letter and resume.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=2PD
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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