Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Leadership And Community Involvement
Timeline
Generic

John Knight

Missoula

Summary

Experienced Nonprofit Programs Director with expertise in community engagement, program development, and funding administration. Proficient in securing and managing private, corporate, and government grants for arts, culture, and civic education initiatives. Proven track record of establishing cross-sector partnerships with educators, local organizations, museums, tribal communities, and funding bodies to drive sustainable impact. Dedicated to advancing literacy, civic engagement, and cultural heritage through impactful public programming, effective grantmaking strategies, and strong nonprofit leadership.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Programs Director

Humanities Montana
07.2022 - Current
  • Lead statewide humanities and civic engagement programs aligned with strategic and philanthropic goals
  • Coordinate Montana Conversations, engaging 65+ scholars and cultural leaders across rural and tribal communities
  • Oversee Speakers in the Schools and The Democracy Project, developing civic education and youth mentorship initiatives
  • Manage The Montana Center for the Book, supporting literacy programs, book awards, and community reading
  • Administer diverse grant portfolios and lead budget planning, compliance, and evaluation
  • Build partnerships with educators, nonprofits, and state agencies to expand equitable access to programming
  • Provide ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.

Registrar

Missoula Art Museum
09.2018 - 06.2022
  • Managed the museum’s permanent collection, with emphasis on contemporary and Native American art
  • Coordinated art loans, transportation, and insurance for regional and national exhibitions
  • Secured and administered grants for conservation, acquisitions, and public programs
  • Directed the Art in Public Places initiative, placing artworks in civic buildings in Missoula, MT
  • Collaborated on curatorial development and served as liaison for collections policy and acquisition planning

Director

Williamson Knight Gallery
03.2017 - 04.2019
  • Co-founded a socially engaged arts space focused on community-oriented exhibitions
  • Supported artists with funding applications and project development
  • Partnered with universities and nonprofits to host public programming, workshops, and forums

Chief Preparator

Elizabeth Leach Gallery
09.2015 - 03.2017
  • Managed installation and logistics for gallery exhibitions and international art fairs
  • Acted as liaison to artists and collectors, supporting acquisitions and donor relations

Education

Master of Fine Arts - Visual Studies

Pacific Northwest College of Art
01.2013

Bachelor of Fine Arts -

University of Cincinnati
01.2010

Skills

  • Program Development
  • Grant Evaluation Expertise
  • Civic Engagement
  • Budget Monitoring and Control
  • Program Leadership
  • Staff Development
  • Strategic Planning
  • Personnel Supervision
  • Policy Implementation
  • Operational Management
  • Financial Planning

Leadership And Community Involvement

  • Board Member, KALICO Art Center, Past
  • Curator in Residence, Open AIR Residency, 2021
  • Volunteer & Advocate, North Missoula Community Development Corporation & International Rescue Committee

Timeline

Programs Director

Humanities Montana
07.2022 - Current

Registrar

Missoula Art Museum
09.2018 - 06.2022

Director

Williamson Knight Gallery
03.2017 - 04.2019

Chief Preparator

Elizabeth Leach Gallery
09.2015 - 03.2017

Master of Fine Arts - Visual Studies

Pacific Northwest College of Art

Bachelor of Fine Arts -

University of Cincinnati

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