Grants Manager

Simons Foundation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Simons Foundation is seeking a Grants Manager to oversee comprehensive grant administration for Mathematics and Physical Sciences. You will supervise a Grants Administrator and act as the main liaison for applicants and grantees, ensuring smooth RFA management and post-award activities.

You will work on-site in New York City, coordinating with program staff, reviewing budgets, and developing SOPs to improve workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 3+ years grants administration experience; 5+ years ideal.
• Supervisory/people-management experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Serve as main contact for applicants, grantees, and institutional admins.
• Supervise Grants Administrator(s) and respond to grant-related questions.
• Oversee RFA process from announcement to activation and closeout.
• Review budgets, issue award letters, and activate grants.
• Develop training materials and standard operating procedures for the dept.

Skills

Problem-solving

Time management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SmartSimple

SAM

Job description

POSITION SUMMARYThe Simons Foundation is seeking a Grants Manager. The Grants Manager is responsible for providing comprehensive grant administration for Mathematics and Physical Sciences pre- and post-award grant activities. The Grants Manager will supervise a grants administrator.This position is a full-time position based on-site at the Simons Foundation’s New York City offices. Visit the Simons Foundation career page to learn more.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIESActs as the main point of contact for applicants, grantees, and institutional administratorsManages Grants Administrator(s) and serve as the point person for all grant-related questions from the Grants Administrator(s)Liaises with other departments in the foundationInteracts with internal Simons Award Manager support staff regarding online grants managementManages entire RFA process, from announcement to grant activationFacilitates creation of RFA announcements and schedulesProduces application templates, instructions, and FAQsCoordinates with Program Managers on the review of non-competitive grant applications and renewalsReviews grant budgets, sends award letters, and activates grantsOversees grant-related compliance review activities, such as tax status verification and expenditure responsibility for international granteesPerforms grantee due diligence, as needed, to determine legal compliance, as well as financial and reputational risksCreates grant deliverable templates, instructions, and FAQsOversees the grant deliverable (renewal, supplemental, carry forward, no cost extension, change of institution and termination) submission and review processProvides second tier and, in some cases, final review of grant financial statementsAdministers the grant closeout processPrepares internal reports as needed, including quarterly grant updatesCommunicate outputs to the Foundation and to the appropriate scientific and grant communitiesDevelops training materials and standard operating procedures for the department and their portfolioDevelops innovative solutions and continuously improves grants processes and procedures to streamline workflows and increase efficiencyStays abreast of industry trends, best practices, and standardsDefines workflow requirements for the Foundation’s grants management system, Simons Award Manager (SAM), in partnership with program staff for configurationActively builds and maintains strong relationships with relevant internal and external grants stakeholders, most importantly, Scientific Program Directors and ManagersPerform other duties or tasks as assigned or requiredMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEducationBachelor’s degreeExperienceAt least 3 years’ work experience in grants administration is required, 5 or more is idealExperience at the grants manager level is strongly preferredPeople management experience (in a direct supervisory role) is strongly preferred, including delegating tasks and mentoring team membersKnowledge of SmartSimple or a related award management system is preferred Related Skills & Other RequirementsAbility to work independently and manage othersAbility to balance/complete multiple tasks while working under deadlines with competing priorities in a fast-paced environmentExcellent problem-solving skills and the ability to proactively anticipate needsAbility to adapt to changing needs while maintaining attention to detailDemonstrates flexibility and sound judgment when managing multiple prioritiesSuperb Excel and PowerPoint skillsStrong attention to detailOutstanding interpersonal skills — must be able to work well with and adapt to diverse personalities and communication stylesExceptional written and verbal communication skillsEagerness to grow with the position as the organization’s needs evolveREQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALSPlease submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSThe full-time annual compensation range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000, depending on experience level and qualifications.In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.