Director of Grants and Scholarships

Director of Grants & Scholarships

The Director of Grants and Scholarships plays a critical leadership role in advancing the mission of Gulf Coast Community Foundation by overseeing the strategic, equitable, and impactful distribution of grant and scholarship funds. This position is responsible for guiding the full lifecycle of our grantmaking and scholarship programs, ensuring that every dollar entrusted to us is stewarded with integrity, transparency, and purpose. The ideal candidate brings both a heart for service and a sharp attention to detail, combining relationship-building, sound judgment, and operational excellence to help drive meaningful, measurable impact across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Key Responsibilities

Grants & Scholarships Leadership

• Lead the strategy, administration, and continuous improvement of all grantmaking and scholarship programs to ensure alignment with the Foundation’s mission and community impact goals
• Oversee the full lifecycle of scholarship programs, including annual outreach, application management, and award distribution
• Oversee the full lifecycle of competitive grant programs, including outreach, application review, and ongoing grantee engagement throughout the grant term
• Partner with selection committees, fundholders, school counselors, and community stakeholders to ensure fair, transparent, and effective review processes
• Review and approve all grant and scholarship disbursement requests, ensuring proper documentation, compliance, and fund availability
• Prepare and manage grant dockets and reports for committee and Board approval, including weekly and full Board materials
• Maintain and optimize grant and scholarship workflows within the donor software management system, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and an excellent user experience
• Monitor program outcomes and identify opportunities to enhance impact, streamline processes, and strengthen relationships with donors and recipients

Operations, Finance & Compliance

• Serve as liaison with outside financial contractors
• Serve as an internal resource for fund information, researching and responding to donor inquiries with accuracy and professionalism
• Establish and maintain records for all funds, including new fund setup, documentation, and system entry
• Maintain employee attendance records and support day-to-day HR administration
• Administer employee benefits, including health insurance enrollment and monthly payment processing through Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Ensure compliance with employment requirements, including processing new hires through E-Verify and coordinating onboarding documentation with payroll and benefits providers
• Provide cross-functional operational support to team members as needed to ensure the Foundation runs efficiently and continues to meet community needs

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, finance, public administration, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• Minimum of three years of experience in nonprofit operations, finance, or a related role
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple programs and deadlines with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, regulations, and donor intent with sound judgment and discretion
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage competing responsibilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with donors, board members, community partners, and internal staff
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a community foundation or similar philanthropic organization
• Familiarity with IRS regulations related to charitable giving, scholarships, and grantmaking
• Experience supporting board or committee processes, including preparing reports and presentations
• Ability to build relationships and provide excellent customer service to donors, fundholders, and community stakeholders

TO APPLY BY MAY 29, 2026:

Submit your resume and cover letter to Christen Duhé: CDuhe@mgccf.org.