Director of Grants Administration

The Chicago Community Trust; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chicago Community Trust is seeking a Director of Grants to lead the Grants Management department and oversee all grant programs, ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and fiduciary standards.

The role reports to the CFO, guiding policy development, system design, and interdepartmental collaboration to improve funding processes and outcomes for the Chicago region.

Qualifications

• Experience managing diverse grant programs (Competitive, Designated, and Donor Advised) and grants systems.
• Strong leadership and people-management capabilities.
• Knowledge of grants policies, procedures, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Grants Management department to execute all types of grants (Competitive, Designated, Donor Advised).
• Lead, train, and evaluate the Grants Management team to meet departmental goals.
• Design and implement efficient funding programs in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Partner with Community Impact to leverage the grants system to achieve goals.
• Incorporate best practices in grants management, ensuring GAAP compliance and strong controls.
• Respond to inquiries about the grant program and funding opportunities; manage grant agreements and reports.
• Plan grant cycles and deadlines in coordination with Community Impact staff.
• Oversee training of staff on grant procedures and software.
• Collaborate across departments to improve internal processes.
• Serve on interdepartmental committees as needed.

Skills

Grant management

Leadership

Policy development

GAAP compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

The Chicago Community Trust was founded in 1915 by Norman and Albert Harris, father and son duo of the Harris Trust and Savings Bank (now BMO Harris Bank). The Trust was the fourth community foundation ever created. There are now 750 community foundations in Canada and the U.S.

As our region’s community foundation, the Trust unites generous donors, committed nonprofits and caring residents to effect lasting change that moves our entire region forward. Our approach centers on tackling the region’s immediate needs and addressing the root causes of deep‑seeded issues to realize a more prosperous future for all who call metropolitan Chicago home.

For more than 100 years, donors have entrusted their philanthropic resources and visions to our stewardship. Guided by our deep knowledge of the community, we fund, lead, convene and collaborate to address the greatest and most critical needs facing the Chicago region. From the $22 million raised to help with unemployment relief in the Great Depression to spearheading an effort to help people keep their homes during the foreclosure crisis of the Great Recession to $35 million raised for the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, which supported nonprofits serving our most vulnerable neighbors, Chicagoans have put their trust in us.

In 2019, we announced we would focus our discretionary spending over the next decade on working to close Chicago’s growing racial and ethnic wealth gap. The Trust envisions a Chicago region that’s stronger and more prosperous because everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, or zip code—has equitable access to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed and live a fulfilling life.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Position Summary:

The Director of Grant collaborates with colleagues across the organization to execute grants that achieve the strategic and philanthropic goals of The Chicago Community Trust. Reporting to the CFO, responsibilities include developing, recommending, and implementing policies and procedures related to grants management, as well as providing leadership for interdepartmental activities regarding the acquisition and administration of Competitive, Designated, and Donor Advised grants. The Director of Grants is responsive to the needs of grant seekers, internal staff, and executive committee members.

Position Responsibilities:

• Oversee the Grants Management department to execute all types of grant‑making including Competitive, Designated, and Donor Advised grants.
• Manage, inspire, train, and evaluate the Grants Management team to achieve departmental goals and support organizational objectives.
• Lead decision-making among colleagues to design and execute efficient and effective funding programs.
• Partner with Community Impact team to leverage the grants management system to best achieve the department’s goals.
• Incorporate industry best practices in grants management to support the Trust in designing and improving grants policies, procedures, and technology, reflecting strong internal controls and US GAAP compliance.
• Answer and manage external and internal inquiries about the Trust’s grant program and specific funding opportunities. Communicate with grantees regarding their grant agreements, payments, and reports.
• Plan grant cycles and deadlines in coordination with Community Impact staff.
• Oversee training staff on both grant procedures and grants management software
• Collaborate across departments to improve internal processes.
• Serve on various internal and interdepartmental committees as needed.

This description should not be construed to contain every function or responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job. Incumbents are required to perform other related functions as assigned.