Careers

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.

First Person Arts does not discriminate in its hiring practices on the basis of race, age, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, or different ability.

If you don’t see any positions open below which match your skills, check out opportunities to volunteer or intern with us as well!

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 the following questions:

  • I am interested in First Person Arts because…
  • My ideal workplace looks like…
  • Submit your application for:
    • Grant Writing email with job description in the subject.