Grants Manager

Grantmaking

• Manage the end-to-end grants process, including intake, organization, award documentation, payment scheduling, and closeout.
• Maintain broad and in-depth knowledge on the Foundation’s funding focus areas, including understanding of needs, trends, best practices, innovations, and values of the community.
• Prepare grant proposals and committee documents for the Executive Director to share with the Foundation's committees and board.
• Communicate grant decisions and monitor active grants and annual reporting.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director as a thought partner to enhance the granting experience for staff, grantees, partners, and board members.
• Lead or contribute to projects that clarify, streamline, and document grant-related policies and procedures.
• Support and participate in Foundation-sponsored events and special projects as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of Foundation activities, meetings, etc.
• Conduct due diligence on prospective grantees, including verification of tax-exempt status and compliance with applicable regulations (e.g., IRS rules, self-dealing restrictions, expenditure responsibility).
• Monitor grantee performance and progress against agreed-upon outcomes.

Communications

• Develop and deliver compelling communications that highlight the Foundation’s mission, values, and impact by crafting stories of community partnership and grantmaking success for use across digital platforms, publications, and public-facing materials.
• Serve as a resource to grantees and applicants regarding the Foundation’s funding focus, grantmaking processes and expectations.
• Develop creative ways to engage with our external partners.
• Represent the Foundation in the community and with our partners.

Technology Systems for Grantmaking

• Serve as the lead staff for the Foundation’s grants management system, Foundant, to ensure system optimization. Maintain system functionality and identify system improvements that support the Foundation’s grant processes.
• Provide technical assistance to applicants and Foundation staff using the Foundant system.
• Serve as the primary contact with Foundant software vendor and consultants as needed.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years of experience in a grantmaking or philanthropic role, either for a corporation or a family foundation.
• Excellent writing and oral communications skills.
• Creative thinking and event planning.
• Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the work required; advanced degree preferred.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail oriented.
• Experience building and managing, relationships, partnerships, and effective collaborations.
• Creative problem-solver with a collaborative mindset.
• Ability to learn, optimize and support the Foundant grants management system.
• Discretion and sound judgment in handling sensitive information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• MS Office Suite proficiency
• Communication tools proficiency, including digital/social platforms.