The John Michael Kohler Arts Center, an innovative visual and performing arts complex located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is seeking an Advancement Associate to support the Arts Center’s development operations with an emphasis on writing, research, and stewardship, including gift processing and grant reports.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  1. Write grants under $25,000 and assist with grant writing over $25,000; after circulating for review to programming areas, make revisions and track submissions and responses.
  2. Write gift and grant reports for review and then revise and track submissions and responses.
    • Track deadlines for reports based on information from Advancement team
    • Gather information, including expenditures and any appropriate visuals, statistics, etc.
    • Draft reports aligned with funder guidelines
    • Circulate drafts for internal review 2 to 3 weeks in advance of submission deadlines
    • Revise and finalize report
  3. Assist with drafting and preparation of written materials for special projects
    • Draft collateral, such as auction item descriptions, needed for annual Gala
    • Prepare letters for corporate annual appeal along with info packets
    • Track response to special appeals and draft reportouts to JMKAC leadership as well as to key volunteers
    • Marketing Liaison
      • Social media campaigns
      • Donor Boards updates
  4. Create and update institutional information that is used regularly as basic components of proposals and grant applications.
    • Gather statistics such as # of visitors, # of school group tours, etc.
    • Request impact statements for various areas of the Arts Center
    • Write concise framing or lead-in copy for this information and format as documents appropriate for inclusion as attachments to proposals and grant applications
  5. Assist with creating and drafting an Annual Report for Major Donors (corporate and individual).
    • Work with members of other departments to gather and compile the information
    • Help conceptualize the vehicle for reporting the information (book-form; electronic;…)
  6. Learn gift entry processing to provide additional coverage in this area. Become trained in T-stats and reporting functions using TESS and share that knowledge with Advancement team to facilitate reporting and tracking on key metrics.
Skills and Abilities
Strong written communication skills; Excellent verbal and interpersonal communications skills required; Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic research skills; Ability to adhere to a timeline; Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects; Detail oriented and collaborative team player
Requirements: 1-3 years of grant writing experience preferred, ideally in the arts; familiarity with funding opportunities and application processes
Strong computer skills and proficiency in Word, Excel, and database programs required (Tessitura preferred)
Must exhibit excellent judgement and flexibility
Availability to work weeknights and weekends, as needed
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
For more information about the mission and activities of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, please visit our website at www.jmkac.org.
Send cover letter, résumé, and references to: Human Resources, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, 608 New York Avenue, Sheboygan, WI 53081 or email atritz@jmkac.org. EEO