Community Grants Program Lead

Yum! • Irvine, CA

6h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Taco Bell Foundation breaks down barriers to educate and inspire the next generation of America’s leaders. We invest in America’s youth, ages 16-26, and help them pursue their educational goals and career aspirations – no matter what their unique passion. We do this through our Community Grants program, strategic partnerships, and our signature programs – Live Más Scholarship and Ambition Accelerator. Since 1992, the Foundation has reached more than 5 million young people across the country and has awarded more than $155 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education, mentorship, and career readiness. In 2023 Taco Bell Foundation awarded $23M in grants to over 450 nonprofit organizations in the US – big and small - who are making a difference in the education and career pathways of young adults.

The Community Grants Program Lead is responsible for executing all aspects of the Foundation’s multi-million-dollar grantmaking and philanthropic efforts, encompassing strategic planning and leadership, program management and delivery, and stakeholder engagement and collaboration. This role will build relationships with our franchisees and grantees, fosters local engagement opportunities, and seeks out nonprofit partners in all communities where Taco Bell operates. The Lead will oversee the implementation of all our grantmaking programs, including Community Grants, Emergency Relief Grants, Capital Grants, Impact Fund, and international grants. The role will have direct reports and be responsible for growing and engaging their direct reports.

Requirements

• BA or BS degree, preferably in public affairs, nonprofit management, communications or equivalent experience in related field
• At least 5 years of experience in philanthropy, grants management, nonprofit management, community engagement, partnership building, impact-oriented storytelling, or related field.
• Proficiency with software platforms such as Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Salesforce, and understanding of grants management software.
• Knowledge of key trends and best practices in social impact, grants management and philanthropy
• Possesses the ability to work effectively in ambiguity, making progress and sound decisions even in times of uncertainty. A strong influencer who can find the middle ground, gain buy-in, and see both sides of the coin, serving as both an individual contributor and a team leader in driving projects and initiatives.
• Willingness to travel periodically.
• At least 2+ years' experience in a leadership or management position

Responsibilities

• Assist Manager in setting strategy for franchisee engagement with local nonprofit partners
• Lead the strategy for communicating with grantees, planning the annual grant awards announcement
• Managing the effort with Communications and Marketing teams to highlight grantees’ work through storytelling.
• Lead implementation of grant program evaluation framework to assess the strategies of the program(s) and identify areas for improvement.
• Onboard new vendors as needed to position up our grantmaking for future growth.
• Manage and grow team administering multi-million annual grants portfolio and serve as lead liaison to 50+ nonprofits.
• Assist Manager in leading of program delivery of the Community Grants, Emergency Relief Grants, Capital Grants, Impact Fund, and International Grants programs and lead the full program grant cycles.
• Oversee grants disbursement and grant impact reporting.
• Oversee grant review processes: proposals, evaluations, and site visits.
• Inform and advise leadership about program insights and best practices in grantmaking.
• Actively work with the communications team to capture, develop, share, and utilize knowledge to lift the work of grantees.
• Oversee new engagement opportunities and facilitating connections between franchisees and grantees.
• Collaborate and network with industry experts and funders.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule (onsite expectation Tues, Wed, Thurs) and year-round flex day Friday
• Onsite childcare through Bright Horizons
• Onsite dining center and game room (yes, there is a Taco Bell inside the building)
• Onsite dry cleaning, laundry services, and carwash
• Onsite gym with fitness classes and personal trainer sessions
• Up to 4 weeks of vacation per year plus holidays and time off for volunteering
• Generous parental leave for all new parents and adoption assistance program
• 401(k) with a 6% matching contribution from Yum! Brands with immediate vesting
• Comprehensive medical & dental including prescription drug benefits and 100% preventive care
• Discounts, free food, swag

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager