ROLE OVERVIEW

The Program Officer is a key member of the Research to Impact Lab (R2i Lab) team at CCI, which operates within a specific scope of responsibility and decision rights, in collaboration with other CCI teams. Research to Impact Lab’s scope is to advance research, engage in advocacy, make investments, and incubate new systems and structures to create the social and economic conditions that allow diversity, culture, and self-determination to flourish.

The Program Officer will report to the Director of Research to Impact Lab, and will be responsible for high-level relationship building with new and potential partners, stewardship of existing relationships, management and facilitation of incubated projects, and pursuing and leading public communication (writing, speaking engagements, conference presentations) about the work of R2i Lab

Although the Program Officer will have their own portfolio of projects, the R2i Lab team works very closely together to shape, refine, and align projects and strategy.

CCI has two physical office locations (Los Angeles and San Francisco) but operates permanently as a remote-work workplace, with on-site presence on an as-needed basis. This role can be based anywhere in the lower 48 states within the US and will require travel to participate in conferences and attend key meetings as expected. At times, unconventional and irregular work hours may be expected as well.

KEY ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Refines and advances the R2i Lab vision and strategy in collaboration with the Director and Program Specialist, ensuring clear communication to internal and external partners.
Builds and maintains strong cross-sector relationships within gig work fields (arts, home health care, domestic work, etc.) and across relevant areas of expertise (policy, technology, organizing, research, journalism) to support R2i Lab’s projects.
Incubates and facilitates the development of new and existing R2i Lab projects, guiding them through ambiguity toward clarity, iteration, and implementation.
Manages and oversees multiple consultant engagements, ensuring timely delivery of work product and alignment with CCI’s guiding principles, R2i lab’s strategic goals, and values of diversity, culture, and self-determination.
Stewards grants through every step of CCI’s internal processes, from concept development and proposal through grant agreements, implementation, and final reporting.
Communicates and elevates R2i Lab’s work externally through writing, speaking engagements, and presentations that make visible the processes of experimentation and learning.
Identifies and engages in relevant conferences, convenings, and learning opportunities aligned with R2i Lab’s focus areas (policy, technology, creativity, worker power, community and cooperative ownership models, philanthropy, entrepreneurship), strengthening the Lab’s field presence and partnerships.
Designs and hosts convenings that foster collaboration among R2i Lab partners, build cross-sectional relationships, and seed new project opportunities.
Collaborates with other CCI programs to ensure R2i Lab’s projects are aligned with CCI principles, leverage internal expertise, and contribute to a culture of shared learning and mutual support.
Supports organization-wide responsibilities and projects to advance CCI’s mission.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE AT CCI

At CCI, success is measured by how well you live our guiding principles and push beyond the status quo. While technical skill is important, we value individuals who are motivated by CCI’s mission — those committed to supporting our projects, programs, and team members, and who bring a hopeful mindset toward systems change. Collaboration, integrity, and continuous growth guide everything we do.
Success in this role is not just about completing tasks. It’s about consistently embodying our guiding principles in how you approach your work and collaborate with others, including how you:
Prioritize the approach over tasks
Consider all stakeholders
Test before acting
Align with organizational priorities
Create impact beyond the work
Be proactive
Ensure mutual accountability
Make good decisions
We’re looking for candidates who embody these principles and inspire others to do the same, ensuring our work remains impactful, meaningful, and aligned with CCI’s mission. If you’re passionate about a purpose-driven, values-focused environment and eager to contribute to something bigger than just a job, we encourage you to apply.

WHAT YOU’LL CONTRIBUTE

Technical Skills / Abilities
Clear-eyed critical analysis of existing systems (philanthropy, technology, policy, etc.).
Understanding of how systems (ex: health care, financial markets, education, safety nets, among others) intersect.
Ability to recognize patterns and future trends.
Outstanding written and verbal communication.
Ability to make complex or ambiguous concepts accessible and communicate them effectively across diverse fields, sectors, and professions.
Ability to turn new, intangible concepts into concrete projects.
Ability to build high-level relationships across contexts.
Approaches systems change work with hope.
Approaches new and unfamiliar concepts with curiosity and an appetite for learning.
Thorough project management, including scheduling and meeting facilitation (Monday.com or Basecamp preferred).
Attention to detail and excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to exercise solid judgment, think critically, set priorities, take initiative, and solve problems effectively.
Ability to work independently or collaboratively, maintain confidentiality, and seek guidance when appropriate.
Proficiency in using G Suite (Google Calendar, Docs, Forms) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or equivalent software.
Maintain Pacific Time work hours, travel regularly, and, at times, work unconventional and irregular hours. CCI has two physical office locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco, but CCI operates as a remote-work workplace, with on-site presence on an as-needed basis.

Knowledge
Working conditions of freelancers, including artists, and policies that affect them
The role of culture in systems change (past, present, future)
Philanthropic or nonprofit operations
Cooperative or community ownership models a plus, but not required

Experiences
8+ years of experience in the third sector (ex: philanthropy, nonprofits, organizing, tech for public good, or other social benefit-focused enterprises).
Professional experience leading or incubating cross-contextual partnerships.
Experience with co-leadership or co-creation of a business, nonprofit, project, or other entity.
Lived experience with existing systems that impact freelancers and artists is a plus.
Proven ability to work collaboratively and with kindness with diverse internal and external colleagues across varied backgrounds, personalities, and work styles to enhance systems and workflows.
Experience working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Travel and Flexibility
Availability to travel occasionally for conferences, convenings, and key stakeholder meetings.
Flexibility to work weekends and/or evenings as needed, to attend CCI-supported programs, meetings, and events either virtually or in person.

Salary: $105,000 – $120,000, annually

Benefits: This position is a full-time, remote, exempt role. The annual starting salary for this role is budgeted between $105,000 and $120,000, commensurate with qualifications. Additionally, CCI offers a benefits package that includes:
100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans for employees (eligible dependents available at additional costs)
Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary 403b retirement savings plan
Voluntary Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA
120 personal paid time off hours, which increases over time, and sick time
Time off between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and additional holidays throughout the year
$600 annual stipend for professional development opportunities
$100 monthly stipend for working remotely
Remote office equipment (computer, phone) and supplies.

Education requirements: None

 Deadline to apply: February 28, 2026

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter

How to apply: If you are interested in this position, connect with sean@transformari.com

Role Summary
As a core member of the Grants team, the Program Associate will support managing the full cycle of CCI’s grantmaking portfolio for creatives, culture bearers, and creative entrepreneurs, ensuring all deadline-driven programs run smoothly and on time. Additionally, the Program Associate will work closely with the Director of Grants to design, implement, and improve evaluation efforts that enhance organizational learning and program outcomes. As a CCI representative in the field, the Program Associate will build and maintain positive relationships with various stakeholders, including funders, program partners, and grantees.

Key Role Responsibilities:
Supports the Director in managing priorities and removing obstacles by providing general administrative and operational support, including calendar coordination, scheduling, e-filing, and general assistance across the grant program.
Assists the Director with programmatic support across the full lifecycle of grant programs, including application screening, funding recommendations, research, and grant administration.
Ensures stakeholders receive prompt, professional support that strengthens relationships and reflects CCI’s standards of service.
Ensures that all grant systems data is accurate and complete.
Designs and generates reports for internal and external stakeholders to support decision-making and program efficiency.
Assists with program evaluations and implements process improvements to optimize outcomes.
Authors and updates program procedures to ensure their smooth and consistent operation.
Enhances program visibility and engagement through the design of promotional materials for social media, website, newsletters, and other media outlets.
Supports organization-wide responsibilities and projects to advance CCI’s mission.

Qualifications
Technical Skills / Abilities
Adept at strategically supporting multiple grantmaking priorities with a focus on timeliness and care-centered customer service approaches.
Proficiency in grants management, CRM, and data systems (Salesforce, Submittable, SignRequest, and Zapier preferred).
Familiar with project management tools (Monday.com or Basecamp preferred).
Attention to detail and excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to exercise good judgment, think critically, set priorities, take initiative, and solve problems effectively.
Ability to work independently or collaboratively, maintain confidentiality, and seek guidance when appropriate.
Familiar with and able to use social media and digital publishing platforms.
Ability to create clear and attractive ephemera (such as program guidelines and PowerPoint presentations).
Ability to contribute to a continuous learning culture through ongoing enhancements to data collection and reporting tools.
Proficiency in using G Suite (Google Calendar, Docs, Forms) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or equivalent software (and preferred, but not required, working knowledge of Canva, HTML, Constant Contact, or Survey Monkey).

Knowledge
Best practices in grants administration and management.
Trust-based and participatory processes.
Passionate and knowledgeable about the statewide and national arts and culture ecosystem, particularly with regard to the economic conditions of creatives and creative entrepreneurs.
Ethical practices around data collection and management, and the fair and respectful treatment of applicants and grantees.
Philanthropic grantmaking and funder/grantee relationships management.

Experiences
1-3 years of experience within philanthropy or the arts/culture sector, preferably within a grantmaking context.
Demonstrated experience managing projects/programs, budgets, work plans, and related data management.
Experience working with individuals and communities who represent a diverse range of identities and lived experiences.
Proven ability to work collaboratively and with kindness with diverse internal and external colleagues across varied backgrounds, personalities, and work styles to enhance systems and workflows.
Experience working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

What Success Looks Like at CCI
At CCI, success is measured by how well you live our guiding principles and push beyond the status quo. While technical skill is important, we value individuals who are motivated by CCI’s mission—those committed to supporting our projects, programs, and team members, and who bring a hopeful mindset toward systems change. Collaboration, integrity, and continuous growth guide everything we do.

Success in this role is not just about completing tasks. It’s about consistently embodying our guiding principles in how you approach your work and collaborate with others, including how you:
Prioritize the approach over tasks
Consider all stakeholders
Test before acting
Align with organizational priorities
Create impact beyond the work
Be proactive
Ensure mutual accountability
Make good decisions

We’re looking for candidates who embody these principles and inspire others to do the same, ensuring our work remains impactful, meaningful, and aligned with CCI’s mission. If you’re passionate about a purpose-driven, values-focused environment and eager to contribute to something bigger than just a job, we encourage you to apply.

Salary: $85,000 – $98,000, annually

Benefits: This position is a full-time, remote, exempt role. The annual starting salary for this role is budgeted between $85,000 and $98,000, commensurate with qualifications. Additionally, CCI offers a benefits package that includes:
100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans for employees (eligible dependents available at additional costs)
Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary 403b retirement savings plan
Voluntary Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA
120 personal paid time off hours, which increase over time, and sick time
Time off between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and additional holidays throughout the year
$600 annual stipend for professional development opportunities
$100 monthly stipend for working remotely
Remote office equipment (computer, phone) and supplies

Education requirements: None

Deadline to apply: February 28, 2026

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter

How to apply: Interested applicants located in the California Bay Area should submit in a single email to Stephanie Imah at search@cciarts.org, with the subject line “Application: Program Associate, Grants,” the following:
A (1-page maximum) cover letter with a summary of your relevant experience/transferable skills and how they add value, why you are interested in the position, the kind of work environment you thrive in or enjoy contributing to, and something about CCI’s work that excites you.
Resume (no longer than 2 pages).

Please note that only complete applications, which include a cover letter and resume, will be considered for review. No calls or social media messages, please. This role does not offer relocation assistance. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to review our websites and guiding principles, included herein, before submitting materials for consideration.

About CCI
Founded in 2001, the Center for Cultural Innovation is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) shifts cultural paradigms to catalyze better, alternative solutions for creatives, culture bearers, creative entrepreneurs, and their communities. We envision a future in which U.S. creative and cultural expressions reflect the potential of its people, because structures and their systems of self-determination and care for one another are flourishing. Further information about CCI’s history and ongoing work can be found at cciarts.org, and information about our AmbitioUS and Research to Impact Lab initiatives can be found at ambitio-us.org and r2i-lab.org, respectively.

Role Summary
The Grants Manager stewards CCI’s grantmaking and contracting infrastructure, designing and maintaining the systems, policies, and workflows that enable staff to carry out ethical, efficient, and compliant grantmaking. Acting as connective tissue across programs, operations, and external partners, this role ensures that the organization’s platforms and processes work seamlessly together to support strategic, trust-based grantmaking. In addition to working closely with the Grants and Operations teams, this role collaborates with all Core Program and Leadership teams across CCI.

Key Role Responsibilities
Ensures the smooth operation of the full grantmaking lifecycle, from application intake and review through award, contracting, compliance, reporting, and closeout.
Drives grants workflows and quality control processes to ensure grantmaking is efficient, compliant, and aligned with CCI policies, regulations, and trust-based practices.
Manages all vendor contracts for the grants program, ensuring proper execution, compliance, and alignment with organizational policies.
Ensures all data is accurate, complete, and reliable, enabling consistent tracking across the grants portfolio and the organization.
Designs and generates reports and datasets that support internal learning, impact assessment, and external reporting to partners and stakeholders.
Manages and improves grants-related systems and databases to support high-quality grants management, adapting tools as grantmaking needs evolve.
Develops and maintains clear documentation, procedures, and guidance for grants systems and processes.
Trains and supports staff in the effective use of grant systems, promoting consistency, accuracy, and shared understanding.
Collaborates with Operations around procedures, contracts, payments, audits, compliance, data security, and IRS reporting.
Supports organization-wide responsibilities and projects to advance CCI’s mission.

Qualifications
Technical Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated proficiency in CRM and data systems (Salesforce, Submittable, SignRequest, Zapier preferred), with the ability to partner with vendors and translate complex systems into clear, accessible guidance and training.
Adept at balancing curiosity and willingness to experiment with new approaches with practical implementation.
Familiar with project management tools (Monday.com or Basecamp preferred).
Attention to detail and excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to exercise solid judgment, think critically, set priorities, take initiative, and solve problems effectively.
Ability to work independently or collaboratively, maintain confidentiality, and seek guidance when appropriate.
Proficiency in using G Suite (Google Calendar, Docs, Forms) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or equivalent software.

Knowledge
Best practices in grants management, contracting, and compliance.
Data governance principles.
Trust-based and equity-centered grantmaking.
Ethical practices around data collection and management, and the fair and respectful treatment of applicants and grantees.
Philanthropic or nonprofit operations and funder/grantee relationships.

Experiences
5+ years of progressively responsible experience in grants management, systems administration, or operations within a nonprofit or philanthropic setting.
Demonstrated experience coordinating contracting and compliance processes.
Experience leading or facilitating program-wide improvements or training.
Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners to enhance systems and workflows.

What Success Looks Like at CCI
At CCI, success is measured by how well you live our guiding principles and push beyond the status quo. While technical skill is important, we value individuals who are motivated by CCI’s mission—those committed to supporting our projects, programs, and team members, and who bring a hopeful mindset toward systems change. Collaboration, integrity, and continuous growth guide everything we do.

Success in this role is not just about completing tasks. It’s about consistently embodying our guiding principles in how you approach your work and collaborate with others, including how you:
Prioritize the approach over tasks
Consider all stakeholders
Test before acting
Align with organizational priorities
Create impact beyond the work
Be proactive
Ensure mutual accountability
Make good decisions

We’re looking for candidates who embody these principles and inspire others to do the same, ensuring our work remains impactful, meaningful, and aligned with CCI’s mission. If you’re passionate about a purpose-driven, values-focused environment and eager to contribute to something bigger than just a job, we encourage you to apply.

Salary: $110,000 – $120,000, annually

Benefits: This position is a full-time, remote, exempt role. The annual starting salary for this role is budgeted between $110,000 and $120,000, commensurate with qualifications. Additionally, CCI offers a benefits package that includes:
100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans for employees (eligible dependents available at additional costs)
Life/AD&D and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Voluntary 403b retirement savings plan
Voluntary Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA
120 personal paid time off hours, which increases over time, and sick time
Time off between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and additional holidays throughout the year
$600 annual stipend for professional development opportunities
$100 monthly stipend for working remotely
Remote office equipment (computer, phone) and supplies.

Education requirements: None

Deadline to apply: February 28, 2026

Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter

How to apply: Interested applicants located in California (Los Angeles or Bay Area preferred) should submit in a single email to Laura Poppiti at search@cciarts.org, with the subject line “Application: Grants Manager,” the following:
A (1-page maximum) cover letter with a summary of your relevant experience/transferable skills and how they add value, why you are interested in the position, the kind of work environment you thrive in or enjoy contributing to, and something about CCI’s work that excites you.
Resume (no longer than 2 pages).

Note that only complete applications, which include a cover letter and resume, will be considered. No calls or social media messages, please. This role does not offer relocation assistance. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to review our websites and guiding principles, enclosed herein, before submitting materials for consideration.