Strategic Grantmaking Leader, Global Impact

United Nations Foundation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Nations Foundation seeks a Senior Director, Grantmaking to lead the Foundation’s grantmaking strategy and portfolio, shaping high-impact funding instruments and improving governance.

Based in Washington, D.C., New York City, or globally, this role collaborates with internal teams and UN partners to ensure excellence, transparency, and effective donor stewardship across the grant lifecycle.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in non-profit international grantmaking or related field.
• Experience designing or managing grant instruments and portfolios.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and complex processes.
• Proven ability to work with international and cross-cultural partners.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with donors and beneficiaries.
• Strong grant compliance knowledge and due diligence.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and oversight of UNF’s grantmaking strategy and approach both in and outside the UN system, reflecting best practice in grantmaking governance, review, and decision-making.
• Oversee UNF’s regranting and growth of collaborative and pooled funding.
• Partner with teams to develop innovative grantmaking models to enhance impact.
• Steward internal grantmaking processes for excellence, including governance, review, and decision-making.
• Partner with program leads to maintain cross-team alignment and portfolio relevance to mission and values.
• Strengthen MEL related to grantmaking and knowledge management across the organization.
• Advise across internal teams on grantmaking compliance and guidance.
• Collaborate with Communications to ensure consistent messaging around grant opportunities and impact.
• Develop SOPs, templates, workflows, and quality standards across internal teams.

Skills

Grantmaking leadership

Cross-functional teams

Donor relationship management

Compliance knowledge

Communication skills

Job description

The United Nations Foundation seeks a Senior Director, Grantmaking to lead the Foundation’s grantmaking strategy and portfolio, shaping high-impact funding instruments and improving governance.

Based in Washington, D.C., New York City, or globally, this role collaborates with internal teams and UN partners to ensure excellence, transparency, and effective donor stewardship across the grant lifecycle.