Grant Program Manager

The Kansas Department of Commerce is requesting proposals for a Grant Program Manager to support the Kansas Arts Commission under an RFP with a proposal due date of October 1, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CST. This is a one-year initial contract with up to four additional twelve-month renewals based on performance and funding availability, running through November 30, 2027.

Bidders must be established firms with either a bachelor's degree or significant experience in arts administration or grants administration, with preference given to candidates holding a bachelor's degree in a related field and three years of arts administration experience. A valid Kansas Tax Clearance Certificate is required prior to contract execution. All bidders must register with the State of Kansas, obtain an invitation to bid from the Procurement Officer, and submit required certifications including immigration reform compliance, sexual harassment policy acknowledgment, Israel boycott certification, and telecommunications equipment certification.

The position involves approximately 40 hours per week managing and administering grant programs focused on arts organizations, coordinating arts education initiatives (including Poetry Out Loud program coordination), developing professional development opportunities for arts organizations, serving as the agency's accessibility coordinator, and conducting constituent outreach. The role requires availability during standard business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CST), flexible work scheduling, and occasional travel. The position reports to the Division Director at the Kansas Department of Commerce office in Topeka, Kansas, and requires a compatible internet connection, laptop or computer, and telephone.

Bidders may submit written questions for clarification to Procurement Officer Nicole D. Mears (nicole.mears@ks.gov, 785/296-6924) by close of business on September 8, 2026. No pre-proposal conference is scheduled. Proposals must be submitted via email to procurement@ks.gov or by courier with separate sealed envelopes for technical and cost proposals. Payment terms are Net 30 days. Travel expenses are reimbursed at current state rates following Kansas State Employees Travel Center and GSA guidelines, with out-of-state travel requiring prior agency approval.