Grants Officer

Role: Grants Officer

Reports To: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt, full‑time, in‑person

Salary Range: $95,000–$110,000

Position Summary

The Grants Officer is responsible for leading and executing strategic grantmaking activities. This is a senior, execution‑oriented role that combines independent grant oversight with partnership management, applied research, and contribution to program strategy and design. The Grants Officer translates the Foundation’s research‑driven priorities into high‑impact funding decisions, manages complex grant portfolios, and serves as a trusted thought partner to senior leadership. The role requires sound judgment, analytical rigor, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage ambiguity while maintaining operational discipline. The Grants Officer represents the Foundation externally and plays an active role in shaping funding opportunities that extend beyond traditional grantmaking.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Grantmaking & Portfolio Management

• Lead and manage assigned grant portfolios across the full grant lifecycle, including pipeline development, due diligence, recommendation, approval, contracting, monitoring, and close‑out.
• Independently evaluate grant proposals using research, data analysis, and professional judgment to assess strategic alignment, potential impact, and risk.
• Identify and surface emerging trends, risks, and opportunities within assigned program areas to inform funding strategy and decision‑making.
• Provide ongoing strategic support to grantees through problem‑solving, performance monitoring, and course correction to ensure intended outcomes are achieved.

2. Design & Execution of High‑Impact Funding Opportunities

• Play a lead role in designing and executing large‑scale, public‑facing funding opportunities, including challenge grants, RFPs, pilots, and other strategic initiatives.
• Identify, engage, and manage external partners, vendors, evaluators, and intermediaries to support high‑quality execution and outcomes.
• Maintain accountability for deliverables, timelines, and results, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Apply research, data, and field insights to refine funding strategies and continuously improve program design.
• Represent the Foundation at meetings, convenings, conferences, and site visits as a knowledgeable and credible ambassador of its priorities.

3. Internal Coordination & Leadership Support

• Coordinate closely with internal teams to ensure effective grant operations, accurate reporting, and strong documentation.
• Support preparation for board and committee meetings, including development of grant materials, summaries, and analytical memos.
• Maintain high‑quality records within the grants management system and contribute to ongoing improvements in internal workflows and systems.
• Apply Lean, Kaizen, and continuous‑improvement principles to strengthen efficiency, decision quality, and organizational learning across grantmaking activities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required; PhD preferred.
• 5–10 years of relevant experience in philanthropy, research, project management, or business development
• Ability to independently manage complex workstreams and make sound, high‑judgment decisions.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with experience in applied research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
• Demonstrated success collaborating across disciplines and sectors.
• High standards of professionalism, discretion, and integrity.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience using Salesforce or similar grants‑management or CRM systems.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Copilot and other AI‑enabled productivity tools.
• Strong comfort with data tracking, digital documentation, and reporting systems.
• Proficiency with research methods, research analysis, and qualitative and quantitative measurement.
• Experience with Lean, Kaizen, or continuous‑improvement approaches preferred.

Personal Characteristics (Humble, Hungry, Smart)

• Intellectually curious: Learns new subject areas quickly and applies insights thoughtfully.
• Operationally disciplined: Highly organized, dependable, and detail‑oriented.
• Results‑focused: Prioritizes follow‑through, impact, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborative: Builds trust with colleagues, partners, and grantees.
• Professional steward: Represents the Foundation’s values and reputation with care and integrity.

Compensation & Benefits

The Foundation offers a generous benefits package and competitive compensation commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $95,000–$110,000, depending on experience and demonstrated capability.

About the McElhattan Foundation

The McElhattan Foundation is a Pittsburgh‑based, research‑driven grantmaking organization established in 2018 following the sale of Industrial Scientific Corporation. Approximately 40% of the Foundation’s grantmaking is dedicated to its flagship priority of Ending Death on the Job, with the remaining funding advancing Economic Development in Knox & Franklin, Out‑of‑School‑Time Learning, and End‑of‑Life Planning and Care. Across all areas, the Foundation emphasizes evidence‑based decision‑making, measurable outcomes, and continuous improvement to ensure its capital drives real‑world impact.

Pay: $95,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $95,000 - $110,000