Grants Manager

DeKalb County Community Foundation; Sycamore (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Retirement contributions

Alternate compensation for health plan

Job summary

The DeKalb County Community Foundation is seeking a full-time Grants Manager to oversee administration of various grantmaking programs. The role involves coordinating grant cycles, managing applications, and working with community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, 2+ years in program management, and strong communication and organizational skills. This position offers a rewarding work experience but does not include health insurance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in program or project management.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Experience in the local nonprofit sector is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with discretionary grantmaking programs.
• Coordinate and manage responsive grant cycles.
• Maintain grant application and reporting platforms.
• Communicate with applicants and funding partners.
• Conduct due diligence and evaluation processes.

Skills

Project management skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Detail-oriented

Self-motivated

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic database management

Job description

Grants Manager – Full Time (40 hrs./wk.; minimum 80% in-office)

Grants Manager benefits:

• Paid time off, company matched retirement contributions, and very rewarding work experience.
• Please note that the Foundation does not provide or sponsor a health insurance plan for employees or their dependents.
• However, the Foundation does offer alternate compensation to full-time regular employees in lieu of a health insurance plan.
• This benefit is effective upon hiring (and prorated), available without restriction to all eligible employees, and is given as additional salary/wages (taxable income) to employees above their base salary.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Grants Manager is responsible for the administration of various grantmaking programs of the Foundation as outlined in the essential duties below and at the direction of the Grants & Community Initiatives Director. The Grants Manager also works closely with Foundation staff as needed to support related marketing and communications, data management, and donor services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Grantmaking Administration – (90%)

• Assist with discretionary grantmaking programs and distributions from charitable Funds as requested by the Grants & Community Initiatives Director.
• Coordinate and manage responsive grant cycles from application through reporting.
• Maintain grant application and reporting platforms.
• Communicate with applicants, nonprofits, donors, and funding partners.
• Review applications for eligibility, completeness, and compliance.
• Conduct due diligence and support evaluation processes.
• Prepare materials for committees and assist with donor meetings and Board review.
• Coordinate review meetings and help prepare award notifications and agreements.
• Monitor grant reports, payment schedules, deadlines, outcomes, and records.
• Work closely with the Grants & Community Initiatives Director, Grants & Scholarships Manager, Finance Director, Community Engagement & YEP Manager and Administrative Manager as needed to ensure the appropriate use of our information management systems as they relate to grantmaking programs.
• Assist as needed with connecting donors to funding and co-funding opportunities through the Foundation’s Donor-directed and Board-directed responsive grant programs.

General Responsibilities – 10%

• Attend DCCF staff meetings and appropriate DCCF Board/Committee meetings as requested by the Grants & Community Initiatives Director to ensure cross-functionality and information sharing with fellow DCCF colleagues.
• Keep apprised of research and development in the field and participate in professional training, conferences, and meetings as needed and appropriate.
• Adhere to the policies and procedures of the DCCF and National Standards for Community Foundations.
• Professionally communicate in a timely manner via email, telephone, and/or in-person with various stakeholders.
• Provide general management assistance, written communications, database management, and complete special projects as requested.
• Attend and support applicable community networking and committee meetings, presenting information if needed, as requested by the Grants & Community Initiatives Director.
• Provide general assistance as needed, including assisting with office coverage and special projects as assigned.
• Assist with other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES

• Demonstrated project management skills with an ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• High level of personal and professional integrity with good judgment/discretion/ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Extremely organized and attentive to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Effective at relationship building.
• Energetic, creative, self-motivated and strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently, with a team, and with diverse groups.
• Ability to be flexible and work comfortably in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks/projects, as well as prioritize tasks within projects.
• Ability to work under deadline pressure.
• Ability to see both the larger picture and the detailed steps needed to achieve it.
• Fundamental concern for others and belief in the power of philanthropy.
• Commitment to community and an understanding of the local nonprofit/philanthropic community.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
• 2+ years’ experience in a program or project management position
• Excellent computer skills, especially in electronic database management and Microsoft Office products.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience in and knowledge of the local nonprofit sector, foundations, and philanthropy preferred.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Donor and Board-directed responsive grants are processed and delivered in an effective and efficient manner.
• Demonstrates effective project management ability.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with donors, nonprofits/grantees, colleagues, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Contributes to the successful implementation of relevant areas of the Foundation Strategic Action Plan, including the relevant Key Indicators Framework for specific grant programs which fall under the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee is responsible for their own transportation as off-site activities may be required at times. Typical work hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 5:00pm. Occasional evening and weekend activities may be required at times. Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals to perform the essential functions. This job description does not state the above are the only duties and responsibilities to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as required. In no way does this job description constitute a contract, implied or otherwise.