Pre-Award Grant Operations Lead

Themichaeljfoxfoundation; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in New York City is seeking a Senior Grant Operations Specialist (Pre-Award).

The role leads operational planning for RFAs, RFPs, and other grant initiatives, aligning programmatic strategies with efficient grantmaking workflows. You will coordinate scientific review, timelines, and stakeholder communications to deliver high-quality funding opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience as a project manager or operational lead for complex funding programs or similar cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience coordinating RFAs, RFPs, grant competitions, peer review, and related processes.
• Demonstrated ability to apply project management methodologies to organize work, timelines, risks, and outcomes.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple opportunities and priorities.
• Strong communication and relationship skills, with the ability to collaborate across scientific, operational, and administrative teams.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt in a fast-paced grantmaking environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and grants management systems (SmartSimple preferred).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate operational planning and execution for assigned funding opportunities, including RFAs and RFPs.
• Develop and maintain project plans, track timelines, dependencies, and risks; ensure milestones.
• Manage pre-award lifecycle activities: intake, scientific review, and funding recommendation.
• Create and maintain SOPs, templates, checklists, and resources.
• Partner with scientific staff to implement funding strategies into workflows.
• Serve as primary operations contact for applicants, reviewers, and external stakeholders.
• Apply established processes to improve efficiency, quality, and user experience.

Skills

Project management

RFA/RFP coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

Process improvement

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Tools

SmartSimple

Grants management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in New York City is seeking a Senior Grant Operations Specialist (Pre-Award).

The role leads operational planning for RFAs, RFPs, and other grant initiatives, aligning programmatic strategies with efficient grantmaking workflows. You will coordinate scientific review, timelines, and stakeholder communications to deliver high-quality funding opportunities.