First Person Arts is a community. Our teams of staff and contractors represent a broad range of individuals whose talents and dedication make our work possible.
First Person Arts is a Philadelphia nonprofit organization that unleashes the power of voice by developing true personal stories from artists and everyday people for the page, stage, on-air and online. Our StorySlams, Applied Storytelling, and First Person Arts Festival programs reinforce our mission to “transform the drama of real-life into memoir and documentary art to foster an appreciation for our unique and shared experiences.” By sharing these stories we connect with each other and the world.
If you don’t see any positions open below which match your skills, check out opportunities to volunteer or intern with us as well!
Click below to go to the job description.
Grant Writer
Full-Time/ Part-Time: 1099 Contractor
Department: Development
Hourly/ Salary: Negotiable
Work Schedule: As Determined
Regular/Seasonal/Temporary: Regular
Organization Overview/Mission:
Founded in 2000, First Person Arts (FPA) is a not-for-profit, 501 c 3 organization whose mission is to transform the drama of real-life into memoir and documentary art to foster appreciation (among people) for their unique and shared experiences. Through our programming, we give a stage to artists and those who do not consider themselves to be artists in order to honor and amplify their lived experiences. We also work with individuals to help them develop their true, personal stories for the stage, page, on-air, online and for personal growth through live and online events, podcasts and customized storytelling activities designed to improve outcomes and build community. For more information, go to www.FirstPersonArts.org.
Position Summary:
The Grant Writer creates compelling solicitations on behalf of the organization to prospective and existing foundations, corporations and government donors by producing all materials related to the grant application. From developing our annual solicitation schedule, writing proposals and reports, to collecting data, budgets, and all relevant documents from a variety of departments. The Grant Writer reports to the Development Director or Executive Director.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years previous experience as a grant writer in a not-for-profit organization.
- Commitment to First Person Arts’ mission.
- Excellent writing ability that is clear, concise and analytic in style.
- Ability to write for various audiences including foundations, donors, and broader general constituencies.
- Comfortable with data management and administration. Knowledge of Tessitura preferred.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
Primary Duties:
- Responsible for researching, writing, compiling, and managing the timeline of all grants including maintenance and oversight of workflow processes and procedures to ensure accurate and efficient collection and timely submission.
- Write grant applications and all reports and conduct prospect research on new opportunities that align with FPAs’ mission. Grant writing will be primarily to foundations and government applications, but corporate giving and sponsorship applications will also be required.
- Work with all departments to collect and synthesize data. Oversees grant workflow processes related to data entry to ensure adequate internal controls and that all grants reporting of data is accurate.
- Work closely with members of the FPA team to respond to requests for special reports, collaterals, and non-grant materials with a strategic perspective.
Please submit CV and cover letter with answers to the following questions:
Full Charge Bookkeeper
REPORTING TO: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
STATUS: 30-35 hours per week
LOCATION: Remote position
START DATE: Summer 2021
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED: Until position filled
RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Management
- Create and present financial reports to the Finance Committee for analysis
- Develop budget and reporting for grants
- Record financial transactions and bank and account reconciliations
- Review financial transactions for accuracy
- Input transactions into the correct ledger
- Reconcile bank and other accounts
- Pay vendors as they come due
- Manage accounts receivable
- Complete required tax forms
- Make deposits and record all cash receipts
- Manage the office petty cash fund
- Process company payroll
- Liaise with the finance committee. Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the finance committee of the board of directors; assess any changes necessary.
- Assist with annual budgeting process in conjunction with the Executive Director
- Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices; improve the finance department’s overall policy and procedure manual.
- Effectively communicate and present the critical financial matters to the board finance committee
- Document standard operating procedures of this role
- Maintain employee benefit trackers
Operations and Administration
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Document standard operating procedures of this role
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Maintain employee benefit trackers
Qualifications
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Associate’s degree in accounting or business administration, or equivalent business experience, as well as a knowledge of bookkeeping and generally accepted accounting principles. Preference will be given to candidates with a working knowledge of the Quickbooks accounting software package and experience in arts & culture or media
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The ideal candidate has experience of final responsibility for the quality and content of all financial data, reporting and audit coordination for either a division or significant program area, and has preferably overseen a human resources function previously
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Ability to translate financial concepts to – and to effectively collaborate with — programmatic and fundraising colleagues who do not necessarily have finance backgrounds
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Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing relationships with software vendors; Must have a working knowledge of Quickbooks and Tessitura (preferred but not required)
This Position Is Not Right For You If You Are…
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If you are don’t value the true personal experiences of others and don’t believe that by honoring them, we improve business outcomes.
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Someone who wants to be an entrepreneur and run their own business. All our team members are “intrapreneurs.” You’ll have the freedom and flexibility to love what you do and be the best at your role, but if you want to run your own company in the near future then we are not for you.
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Someone looking for a 9 to 5, Monday to Friday job. This is not for someone who lives for the weekends and hates Mondays. We’re a mission-driven company who, at the core, is about changing the lives and businesses of everyone who comes into contact with our company. Sometimes you might have to work late, sometimes you may have to work a Saturday, sometimes you’ll get the afternoon off. If we have a project and work needs to get done, then we’re all hands on deck. If this doesn’t sound exciting, then this role and our organization is not for you.
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Someone who has a lot going on already and doesn’t have the time and focus to really dive in.
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Commitment to best practices in human resources activities
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A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making
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Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
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A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced environment
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Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of First Person Arts
This Role Is Perfect For You If You…
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Love a challenge and are resourceful when it comes to figuring things out and making them happen.
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Can work alone and don’t need your hand held every step of the way.
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Have great attention to detail and can pull multiple pieces of a puzzle together (team and tasks).
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Have exceptional communication skills when it comes to dealing with team members and customers.
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Know how to delegate tasks even if you could do them yourself.
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Have a can-do attitude. “That’s not in my job description” is a line we never use.
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Embrace every part of the business with energy and passion.
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Are super organized but can move quickly to ensure things get done effectively and efficiently.
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Are technology savvy.
ABOUT FIRST PERSON ARTS
Founded in 2000, First Person Arts helps people develop their true personal stories for the stage, page, on-air, online and for personal growth. Our principal programs include: Live streaming, podcasted open-mic and curated story shows, the only festival of its kind to feature true personal stories told across multiple disciplines and platforms and Applied Storytelling – customized storytelling activities (individual and group experiences) that apply the artform in traditional arts/cultural and non-traditional spaces collaboratively to achieve innovative goals and objectives.
Our vision is to be a platform for artists and everyday people to share the compelling personal stories they must tell now. We will listen to the issues that matter to them and lift up their voices through our programs.
Everyone has a story to tell, and sharing our stories connects us with each other and the world. Embedded in this core belief is our organizational commitment to diversity and equality as vital to our practice. In fact we find that voices that too often go unheard are most potent.
First Person Arts is an equal opportunity employer
SEND RESUME TO: MPRELL@FIRSTPERSONARTS.ORG No phone calls, please.
Executive Administrative Assistant
REPORTING TO: Jamie J. Brunson, Executive Director
STATUS: Part-Time 20 hours per week
LOCATION: PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania Show Map
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED: Until position filled
Salary: $19 per hour
Type:
Part-Time 20 hours per week
Hybrid – Remote/Office Position
Category:
Administrative
Preferred Education:
Bachelor’s Degree
Reports To:
Jamie J. Brunson, Executive Director
Organization Overview:
We believe everyone has a story to tell and that when we share our stories, we connect with each other and the world. Founded in 2000, First Person Arts (FPA) is a not-for-profit, 501 c 3 organization whose mission is to transform the drama of real life into memoir and documentary art to foster appreciation (among people) for their unique and shared experiences. Through our work, we help artists AND those who do not consider themselves to be artists DEVELOP their true personal stories into art for the stage, page, on-air, online and for personal growth through customized storytelling workshops, one-on-one coaching and open mics; we SHARE those stories across multiple platforms (live & live streaming events, podcasts, television, documentary film and on social media platforms); and ARCHIVE stories as a record of our lived experiences.
Equally as important, our programming entertains, informs and connects A DIVERSE COMMUNITY OF AUDIENCE MEMBERS locally that closely aligns with the demographics of our great city. Since the pandemic, this audience is growing nationally and globally. At its core, our audience is curious, conscious and willing to connect with others through our common human experiences. While they tend to be highly educated, females between 18 – 43; many exist outside of those demographics. Serving our storytellers and audiences allows us to honor, amplify and build community through our lived experiences.
Position Summary:
The main role of the executive assistant is to support the executive Director with day to day tasks, managing her calendar, staying organized, and doing research for long-term and short-term projects and supporting senior staff as needed. You will support a busy organizational leader who handles all administration, reports to an 15-member board of directors, leads a dynamic staff of 6 FTEs and more than 100 contractors annually, manages external affairs including organizational partnerships, and multiple ongoing projects. The ideal candidate is organized, motivated, creative, and always looking to help others. This is a part- time hybrid position that will initially be fully remote with the possibility of becoming hybrid or in person in the upcoming year.
Primary Duties:
- Managing the Executive Director’s Calendar.
- Liaise with First Person Arts Board of Directors on behalf of the Executive Director including: coordinating Board Meetings, taking minutes, preparing agendas, and sharing materials with a dynamic 18-25 member board.
- Researching and creating individual & organizational profiles using existing templates as needed on new contacts and other organizations.
- Handling correspondence with external parties including donors, members, volunteers and external organizational partners.
- Running key sales & fundraising reports using FPAs’ CRM.
- Developing standard operating procedures and their accompanying documents.
- Create presentations with graphics for the Executive Director as needed.
- Other projects and research as needed by the Executive Director.
- Occasionally assist other staff members with projects.
- Manage Executive Director’s social media.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Commitment to First Person Arts’ mission
- Experience using CRM, Tessitura Preferred.
- Experience using Canva or other graphic/presentation software.
- Experience using project management software such as Monday.com preferred.
- Experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
- Organization and time management skills
- Experience working with Volunteers and Staff at all skill and experience levels.
- Must be skilled in Google Drive.
- Research skills.
- Experience in all social media platforms.
- Must be willing to work outside normal business hours during live/virtual events.
Interested parties should submit a letter of interest with references to Mmiller@firstpersonarts.org by December 15th. No calls please.
First Person Arts is an equal opportunity employer.
Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
Marketing & Communications Manager (MARCOM Mgr)
STATUS: Up 30 hours per week
LOCATION: PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania Show Map
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED: Until position filled
In 2018, we produced 62 events through which nearly 450 stories connected Philadelphians throughout the region. First Person Arts’ programming is designed to reach the diverse communities of Philadelphia. The Marketing & Communications Manager (MARCOM Mgr) will have an intimate understanding of First Person Arts’ programming and support the marketing department in sharing First Person Arts messaging broadly across the region and country.
You need to be self-motivated, enthusiastic, and community-driven to take on this exciting role. This position requires someone equipped with a positive attitude, willingness to learn the lay of the land, and readiness to be a team player.
This is currently a remote position with occasional in-person meetings at 245 S 16th St, Phil, PA, 19102, and on-site presence is required for all live events. First Person Arts will compensate between $17-$19 up to 30 hours a week.
- The MARCOM Mgr will be responsible for the project management and implementation of tactical marketing initiatives for First Person Arts including but not limited to:
- In collaboration with the Director of Marketing & Communications, developing marketing strategies for new programs.
- Organizing promotional events and coordinating day-of deliveries and staffing.
- Ensuring the marketing team is working in alignment with the marketing strategy.
- In collaboration with the Director of Marketing & Communications, reviewing current marketing campaigns for weaknesses and developing solutions within budget constraints.
- Lead the conversations with the Digital Marketing Manager in analyzing website click-to-purchase conversion rates and the effectiveness of promotions to determine what drives sales.
- Identifying potential new markets and creating a plan to enter the market.
- Brainstorming fresh advertising ideas with senior management
- Track the effectiveness of content to support marketing communication objectives
- Actively build and maintain a media database in support of upcoming PR initiatives and engage in media outreach with relevant content via Monday.com.
- Manage graphic designer and workflow of marketing asset creation via Monday.com.
- Provide copywriting/editing as needed for marketing collateral, digital advertising, social media, and PR.
- Manage the social media coordinator/content creator, ensuring they have the tools required to execute their functions and that the content they produce is on-brand.
- Support organizational efforts to improve brand consistency and awareness.
- Provide ad-hoc CRM support as needed
- Develop and sustain strong working relationships with internal personnel across all functions of the organization
- Participate in weekly meetings; prepare agendas and minutes as needed
- Competencies:
- Self-starter that is resourceful, creative, and capable of handling multiple projects at one time and meeting deadlines
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while efficiently and effectively managing competing priorities
- Excellent oral communication, written, and copy editing skills.
- Strong organizational skills
- Plans, prioritizes and organizes work effectively to produce measurable results
- Assesses situations accurately and determines appropriate action
- Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related
- 1-3 years of experience in progressive marketing communication roles.
- Fluency across multiple social media platforms
- Expert use of MS Office Suite and Google Suite
- Microsoft (mandatory Mail Merge function), Excel, PowerPoint, familiarity with graphics programs (Photoshop, InDesign, etc.) and HTML.
- Familiarity with workflow programs like Monday.com and CRMs like Tessitura and VBO
- Flexibility in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment.
This is not an exhaustive list of job duties. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned in projects which relate to other areas of focus which include; collateral purchasing, ad buy research, membership communications, etc.
First Person Arts’ policy is to fully and effectively maintain a program of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination for all employees, to employ affirmative action for all protected classes, and to recruit and develop the best-qualified persons available regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law.