Grants Management Assistant

Position Summary

The grants management assistant works in collaboration with grantees and staff to complete the grant life cycle efficiently for GHR Foundation and its client foundations. This position plays a critical role in maintaining data integrity within the grants management database, generates and monitors payment and requirement schedules to ensure consistent grant processing and reporting, and performs other administrative tasks and projects in support of the grants management team.

Reporting and Collaborative Relationships

The grants management assistant reports to the Director of Grants Management but takes direction from and has a dotted line relationship with other staff as assigned. 

Primary Responsibilities

Grants processing and operations (60%)

Supports the grants management process, coordinates the flow of grant request data and manages the grantee report process in compliance with legal, audit and foundation requirements for one or more GHR foundations.  Working in close collaboration with grants management, program and accounting teams, these services generally include:

·       Processes grant applications including receiving and importing applications, verifying data completeness, managing contact records, and performing necessary compliance checks

·       Maintains and tracks payment and requirement schedules including generating requirement reminders, following up on late requirements, importing reports, and communicating with program staff

·       Creates and maintains grant files, verifying completeness of grant records prior to approval and assisting staff in updating grant requests as needed

·       Responds to grantee questions regarding proposal status, subsequent payments and other administrative inquiries

Administrative Support (30%)

Provides comprehensive administrative support to the grants management team, and general administrative support to GHR operations to advance annual administrative and operations work plans. These services generally include:

·       Schedule and setup virtual and in-person meetings for grants management team

·       Provides reports, responses to inquiries and grants histories as requested

·       Closes out complete grant records on a timely basis

·       Serves as integral part of an administrative cohort providing support on GHR-wide projects and staff capacity during peak periods

Other duties as assigned (10%)

From time to time, special projects arise aimed at continually improving our operations and responding to internal/external needs. The following are meant to serve as examples of what other assigned duties may look like, with support and guidance from upper management and peers:

·       Participate in the assessment and recommendation of tools to maximize grantmaking efficiency and effectiveness, including new software systems and/or upgrades to existing systems 

·       Complete data migration and cleanup projects

Qualifications

The grants management assistant is an experienced administrative support professional with a minimum of three years of related professional and/or lived experience; an active curiosity and passion for the charitable work of GHR; and a genuine commitment to work to support a team to ensure customer focus and the achievement of high-quality work:

·       Experience working with a grant-making foundation and/or nonprofit organization is highly preferred

·       Knowledge of database systems, ideally grants management software. Experience with GivingData a plus

·       An aptitude and desire to learn best practices in grantmaking

·       Strong computer skills, including advanced use of Microsoft Word and Excel 

·       Excellent communication (written and verbal)

·       Excellent interpersonal skills; a genuine desire to help others; diplomatic style; attentive listener; ability to interact with people of diverse backgrounds with poise and professionalism

·       Quick learner with impeccable attention to detail and demonstrated ability to multi-task

·       A self-starter with the ability to work independently

·       Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills; ability to set priorities and work in a self-directed fashion making optimal use of time

·       Ability to work in a collaborative, team environment where flexibility and adaptability are highly valued

·       Exceptional maturity and high degree of sound judgment; ability to handle confidential matters in an appropriate manner

·       Willingness and flexibility to handle issues outside of stated job description when need arises; positive attitude and a commitment to being part of and building an encouraging work environment

Working Conditions

GHR fosters a respectful, inclusive, collaborative and fun environment as well as a supportive and engaged team. GHR is a hybrid work environment, with an office in downtown Minneapolis and remote work environment. Occasional local and domestic travel may be required. It is preferred that candidates be based in the Twin Cities.

Compensation and Benefits Package

The starting salary for this position is $60,000 - $70,000 depending on qualifications.

GHR provides a robust set of benefits including health, dental, vision (for self, partner and children) parental leave, medical leave, long-term disability, monthly technology stipend, a generous retirement matching program, PTO starting at 20 days/year, educational assistance program, pre-tax health and transportation accounts and nine paid holidays a year. The office is closed from December 25 – January 1 each year.

GHR is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, or any other status protected by state or local law for an individual who falls within the jurisdiction of such law.

We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce.

To Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume to talent@ghrfoundation.org. Application review will begin on May 11, 2026.