Director, Grants and Foundations

Operation Smile, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through essential medical care. As the Director of Grants and Foundations, you will play a pivotal role in securing significant funding to support life-changing cleft surgeries and comprehensive care for children around the world. This position offers the unique opportunity to develop and implement a comprehensive grants strategy, cultivate relationships with key funders, and oversee the entire grant lifecycle. You will be part of a passionate team committed to global health and well-being, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. If you are a strategic thinker with a strong background in grant writing and management, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

401(k) plan with employer matching

All-in-one health plans

100% paid premiums for life and AD&D insurances

15 days of paid time off

Flexible work arrangements

Opportunities for international medical trips

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of experience in grant writing and management.
• Strong project management and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organization’s grants strategy and secure funding.
• Oversee grant proposal development and compliance.

Skills

Grant Writing

Project Management

Relationship Building

Persuasive Writing

Negotiation

Strategic Mindset

Grants Management Software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management

Master’s degree

Tools

Salesforce

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

Title: Director, Grants and Foundations

Location: Remote, United States

Operation Smile is a global nonprofit specializing in expert cleft surgery and care. We provide medical expertise, research and care through our dedicated staff and medical and student volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits and health systems and supported by our generous donors. Since 1982, Operation Smile has been committed to providing patients with health that lasts through life-saving cleft surgeries and comprehensive care, helping them to better breathe, eat, speak, and live lives of greater quality and confidence. Our training and education programs elevate safe surgical standards and strengthen a global network to reach more people earlier in their lives.

General Description:

The Director of Grants and Foundations will lead the organization’s grants strategy, focusing on securing significant funding from foundations, government agencies, and other institutional partners. This role involves identifying and cultivating relationships with potential funders, developing compelling proposals, and overseeing the entire grant lifecycle, from initial application to reporting.

Essential Functions:

Grant Development and Management:

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive grants strategy to support the organization’s strategic priorities.
2. Identify and prioritize new grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
3. Establish and maintain relationships with key foundation and grant partners, aligning proposals with their giving priorities.

Proposal Writing and Submission:

1. Oversee the development of high-quality, competitive grant proposals, including writing, budget creation, and submission processes.
2. Collaborate with program teams to gather data, success stories, and relevant information to create compelling proposals.
3. Ensure all submissions are timely and align with funders' requirements and priorities.

Grant Management and Compliance:

1. Manage all aspects of awarded grants, including tracking deliverables, coordinating with program teams, and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
2. Oversee the preparation of detailed and accurate grant reports for funders, including financial reporting and programmatic outcomes.
3. Work closely with finance and program departments to track expenditures, ensure funder requirements are met, and maintain accurate financial records for audits and funder review.

Partnerships and Relationship Building:

1. Cultivate relationships with grantors, foundations, and institutional partners to increase long-term support.
2. Serve as the primary contact with foundation partners, providing updates, organizing site visits, and participating in relevant events.

Requirements

Experience Required:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
2. Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in grant writing, management, and foundation relations, with a proven record of securing six- and seven-figure grants.
3. Experience working in a nonprofit environment, ideally within global health.
4. Strong project management skills, with a detail-oriented approach to tracking multiple grants and deadlines.
5. Proficiency with grants management software and/or donor databases (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge).

Competencies:

1. Strategic Mindset: The ability to anticipate and prepare for various outcomes that may or may not occur and eventualities that might unfold as you execute a strategic initiative.
2. Negotiation: The ability to effectively communicate, persuade, and influence others to reach mutually beneficial agreements or resolve conflicts.
3. Persuasive Writing: The ability to effectively communicate a position or argument in writing, aiming to influence the reader's beliefs, attitudes, or actions.
4. Relationship Building: Developing and nurturing positive, long-term relationships with key stakeholders by understanding their needs and providing excellent service.

Why Operation Smile?

Meaningful Work: At Operation Smile, you will engage in meaningful work that transforms lives, providing essential medical care to children and contributing to global health and well-being.

A Brighter Future: Make saving for the future easy with Operation Smile’s 401(k) plan, featuring Safe Harbor and employer matching.

Happy and Healthy: Kick back and relax with Operation Smile's all-in-one health plans!

Worry-Free Insurance: Enjoy true peace of mind with 100% paid premiums for life and AD&D insurances.

Take Your Time (Off): Start with 15 days of paid time off in your first year plus celebrate with company-paid holidays!

Work it, Flex it: Enjoy flexible work arrangements that fit your lifestyle, with remote, on-site, and hybrid work arrangements.

Travel Minus Stress: See the world through our unique employee programs, which offer opportunities to participate in international medical trips, community outreach, and global health initiatives.

Disclaimer: The information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications. Operation Smile is an EOE/Veterans/Disabled/LGBT employer.