Grants Manager 

The Semi-monthly (per pay period) compensation for this position in FY23 is: 

$4,688 per pay period

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW  

Founded in 1948, the San Francisco Foundation is one of the nation’s largest community foundations — a grantmaking public charity dedicated to improving life within a specific local region. Our mission is to mobilize resources and act as a catalyst for change to build strong communities, foster civic leadership, and promote philanthropy in the San Francisco Bay Area.

POSITION SUMMARY 

The following sections are designed based on the Results Based Leadership for Racial Equity Framework that the Foundation uses to accomplish our work.

We are seeking a Grants Manager who is experienced in and will be responsible for assisting the management of grant processing for the foundation, evolving the foundation’s grants management systems and processes to higher levels of efficiency and maturity.

Under the direction of the Director of Grants Administration, the Grants Manager will be responsible for the grants management process from application through closing and will be contribute to the ongoing administration of the Grants Management System (GMS). 

Boundaries 

The Grants Manager reports to the Director of Grants Administration (DGA) and is, in partnership with the DGA and Grants Administration Team, the primary support for the DGA’s responsibility for all proposal and grant tracking, grant-related compliance, and administration. In collaboration with other Foundation staff and the DGA the Grants Manager contributes to development and implementation of Foundation systems, policies and procedures related to the grantmaking processes - from inquiry and application intake through final reporting and administrative close. The work is supported by two Senior Grants Assistants and a Grants Associate who, report directly to the DGA. As the organization evolves its grant making strategies, the incumbent will be a thought partner and contributor to bringing ideas to fruition. The incumbent will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other sector peers.

Authority 

The role sits within the Grants Administration team, part of the foundation’s Operations department. The Grants Manager will collaborate with multiple teams to maintain or create efficient, centralized workflow for the Foundation’s grantmaking processes.

Role

This position will: 

• Oversee the grantmaking process, in collaboration with the DGA and Grants Administration Team throughout the grant life cycle and serve as technical support for grantees and staff as they navigate the process

• Understand and ensure compliance with IRS and Foundation requirements and regulations

• Ensure smooth coordination and communication between Community Impact (CI) staff and Philanthropy and Gift Planning (PGP) department managers for grant-related issues

• Understand and support proper fund administration as it relates to grantmaking compliance including working knowledge of restricted gifts and trusts.

• Manage, lead, and implement continuous improvement initiatives ensuring solutions align with strategic goals 

• Support the design, documentation, communication, and implementation of grants administration and compliance policies and procedures 

Tasks

• In partnership with the DGA, provide and oversee orientation for new staff on grants administration 

• Provide leadership, technical assistance, and training to Community Impact and Philanthropy and Gift Planning staff on grants process, reporting, compliance, and innovation 

• Understand and support proper fund administration as it relates to grantmaking compliance including working knowledge of restricted gifts and trusts 

• Communicate with staff and others in a timely and effective manner 

• Work with Finance staff to ensure proper fund and grantmaking budget administration.

• Provide back-up to the Director of Grants Administration in processing complex compliance including expenditure responsibility, international grantmaking and lobbying

• Assist with the selection, onboarding, and ongoing development of grants administration staff 

• Takes initiative and uses sound judgement to navigate multiple and competing priorities

• Demonstrates ability to make decisions in alignment with objectives in the absence of Director of Grants Management 

 
Core Competencies & Qualifications

• 5 years of transferable experience in compliance and due diligence of outgoing grants in a grantmaking environment

• Familiarity with using grants management systems and customer relationship management systems is required (ideally Fluxx and Salesforce) 

• Demonstrated experience of applying IRS regulations to grantmaking is required 

• Experience using analysis and critical thinking to solve problems 

• Experience making well-reasoned decisions 

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience applying, IRS regulations in relation to grantmaking 

Preferred Experience 

• Successful completion of a course (or courses) which teach the fundamentals of compliance (e.g., Council on Foundations Fundamentals Course; or Foundation Center’s Grantmaking 101)

• Supervisory experience a plus

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align exactly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for his or other roles.

Compensation: When determining compensation at the Foundation, we consider total compensation including base wage, variable pay, discretionary and legally required medical and fringe benefits, education and development expenses, taxes and insurance. Each position offers a set pay based on external market and internal equity factors. In compliance with the California pay transparency law, salaries are listed for each position on the posting sites where positions are posted. More information about our compensation philosophy and benefits may be found on the career page of the San Francisco Foundation website.

Remote Work Policy: The Foundation has adopted a long-term hybrid in-person and remote work policy. Dedicated to its employee health and safety, The Foundation will continue to make decisions in accordance with San Francisco County and California mandates. Employees must reside or plan to relocate to California if hired.

Requesting Accommodations: The Foundation is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, The Foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact hr@sff.org. 

The San Francisco Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of diverse backgrounds to apply.