Part Time, 20-25 Hours/Week, Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Somerset County Cultural & Heritage Commission (SCC&HC) is seeking a part time Special Projects Assistantto join our team. The ideal candidate will be a highly organized self-starter who is passionate about the arts, cultural heritage, and history. Under the direction of the SCC&HC Manager, the Special Projects Assistant supports the daily operations of the Commission in planning, implementation and administration of Commission programs and services with a focus on grant writing and administration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assist the SCC&HC Manager in the administration of numerous grant programs. Functions include:

• Preparing and writing grant proposals, applications, and reports both to secure funding for the SCC&HC and to administer funding for local arts and history programming support
• Updating and developing all annual grant program literature and applications
• Hosting technical assistance workshops (in-person and virtual) to provide grant support
• Exploring potential new grant opportunities for the SCC&HC
• Collecting and maintaining all information and data required for grant reporting requirements

Provide support to arts, cultural and history projects, grants, and other necessary events required by the Cultural & Heritage Commission. This includes:

• Assisting in the planning and execution of in-person public events and developing written materials to be available to the public at such events.
• Interacting extensively with the public, County Department and Division Heads, and other County personnel, via email, in person and on the telephone. This includes such tasks as preparing and delivering written and/or oral reports during meetings, engaging with the public during events, and answering grant and program related questions.
• Assisting with installing artwork in the Cultural & Heritage Gallery during exhibit rotations.
• Assisting with the planning and execution of Somerset County’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, otherwise known as the Semiquincentennial.
• Performing other related duties as assigned by the SCC&HC Manager and Director of the Office of Engineering and Planning.
• Serving as an ambassador for Cultural & Heritage to help foster a culture of inclusion for all members, volunteers, and guests.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, the Arts, History, or related field
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to analyze and synthesize written material
• Excellent computer skills including intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Ability to communicate at an exceptional level in person, over the telephone and through other forms of electronic communication.
• Must exhibit strong independent working skills with the ability to engage in collaborative work with minimal direction; but understands when to ask for help or guidance when making critical choices
• Maintains a professional and efficient office environment that projects a helpful, friendly atmosphere.
• Ability to recognize, analyze and solve a variety of problems.
• Ability to quickly apply changes in priority or direction of daily duties.
• Ability to exercise judgement and maintain highly confidential or sensitive information.
• Valid NJ driver’s license.

PREFERRED

• Knowledge of County policy and procedures
• Experience with arts, cultural heritage, and/or history focused organizations or programs
• Experience in grant writing and/or administration
• Experience in SAGE; eGMS Reach; grants.gov

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS/WORK DEMANDS

• Professional office setting with direct exposure/interaction with County Officials and the public.
• Position performs in a team-oriented setting; performing a variety of tasks in a fast paced/high pressure environment.
• Works indoors 75% of the time, outdoors 25%.
• Ability to report to work to perform duties in all weather conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment including computers, scanners, telephones, keyboards, copiers, calculators, and other equipment.
• Ability to maneuver between varying offices, conference rooms and locations to perform duties, attend meetings, help run events and Commission activities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on brief occasions.
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours, as needed

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 25 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person