Head of Grant Operations

About OpenAI Foundation AI is already changing how people work, learn, and access care. It has the potential to unlock extraordinary benefits—faster medical breakthroughs, accelerated scientific discovery, more personalized services in healthcare and education, new tools for creativity and invention, higher productivity and economic growth, improved public services like transportation systems, and so much more. But building powerful systems to benefit humanity is only a part of the work of our mission. Advanced AI models will also present new challenges that are already surfacing, and we need to be prepared to identify these challenges and develop solutions to address them. These are the two dimensions of what we’re building the Foundation to do. We aim to enable the use of AI to find solutions to humanity’s hardest problems, transform what people are capable of, and deliver real benefits in people’s lives—while working hard with partners to be ready for new challenges, and to help make society resilient, as AI advances. This work is just beginning. Over the next year, as we quickly ramp up, the Foundation expects to invest at least $1 billion across life sciences and curing diseases, jobs and economic impact, AI resilience, and community programs. This includes early investments toward our previously announced $25 billion commitment to curing diseases and AI resilience. About The Role We are looking for a Head of Grant Operations to build and lead the Foundation's grantmaking operations function. Reporting to the CFO, this is a foundational leadership role responsible for designing and managing the systems, processes, policies, and controls that support the Foundation's grantmaking activities from initial diligence through final closeout. The Head of Grant Operations will serve as a key partner to program teams, legal, finance, compliance, and leadership. You will help ensure that grants are structured thoughtfully, administered effectively, and monitored appropriately while enabling the Foundation to move quickly and responsibly in pursuit of its mission. This role requires a unique combination of operational rigor, sound judgment, relationship management skills, and a willingness to work directly in the details. You will be expected to operate strategically while also personally managing many aspects of the Foundation's grant portfolio as the organization grows. What you'll do Build the Foundation's grant operations infrastructureDevelop and maintain the Foundation's grantmaking policies, procedures, templates, and operational frameworksDesign scalable grant administration processes that support a growing and increasingly complex grant portfolioEstablish systems for tracking grants, reporting obligations, compliance requirements, and key milestonesMaintain the Foundation's grant register and related recordsDevelop and maintain operational controls that ensure grants are administered consistently and responsiblyHelp select and implement grant management systems and related technology platforms and infuse AI into the processSupport diligence and grant structuringPartner with program teams to evaluate prospective grants and funding opportunitiesConduct operational, financial, legal, compliance, and reputational diligence on prospective granteesAssess organizational capacity, governance, financial health, and execution capabilityIdentify potential risks and recommend mitigation strategiesCoordinate diligence efforts across legal, finance, and program teamsManage grant executionLead preparation, negotiation, and execution of grant agreements and related documentationServe as a primary point of contact for grantees during the grant setup processPartner closely with legal counsel to structure grant agreements appropriatelyEnsure all required approvals, documentation, and compliance reviews are completed prior to fundingOversee grant administration and monitoringTrack grant payments, reporting obligations, milestones, and compliance requirements throughout the grant lifecycleReview grantee reports, deliverables, financial submissions, and other required documentationFollow up with grantees regarding reporting obligations and outstanding deliverablesPartner with program teams to assess grant progress, performance, and impactEscalate potential concerns, risks, or compliance issues when appropriateManage modifications and closeoutCoordinate grant amendments, renewals, extensions, and other modificationsNegotiate revised reporting schedules, deliverables, and grant terms when circumstances changeEnsure grants are appropriately closed upon completionMaintain complete grant records and documentation throughout the grant lifecycleCapture lessons learned and continuously improve grantmaking processesPartner across the FoundationWork closely with program teams, legal, finance, compliance, and leadershipServe as an internal expert on grant administration, grant compliance, and operational best practicesHelp balance operational rigor with an excellent experience for grantees and internal stakeholdersHelp shape the Foundation's broader grantmaking infrastructure and operating model as it scales Qualifications 10-15+ years of relevant experience strongly preferredSignificant experience in grants management, philanthropy, nonprofit operations, compliance, legal operations, foundation administration, or related fieldsExperience administering complex grant portfolios through the full grant lifecycleExperience conducting organizational, financial, operational, compliance, and reputational diligenceExperience negotiating grant agreements, funding agreements, or similar contractual arrangementsStrong understanding of charitable giving regulations, grant compliance requirements, and philanthropic best practicesExcellent project management and organizational skillsStrong analytical and problem-solving capabilitiesExceptional written and verbal communication skillsHigh degree of ownership, judgment, discretion, and accountabilityAbility to operate effectively in a fast-moving and highly ambiguous environment Preferred Qualifications Experience at a large private foundation, public charity, donor-advised fund, family office, university, multilateral organization, or major grantmaking institutionExperience administering international grants and cross-border funding programsFamiliarity with expenditure responsibility, equivalency determination, fiscal sponsorship, and other complex grantmaking structuresExperience implementing or managing grants management systemsExperience supporting large-scale philanthropic portfolios involving significant annual grantmaking