Finance & Grants Integration Manager

John E. Fetzer Institute•Kalamazoo, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Finance & Grants Integration Manager plays a vital role in creating the systems, processes, and connections that enable Fetzer's mission to flourish. The ideal candidate believes that healthy systems create the conditions for people to thrive. They delight in connecting people, processes, and technology in ways that make work feel more seamless, collaborative, and purposeful. Naturally curious and energized by solving complex puzzles, they see opportunities where others see obstacles and enjoy transforming "there has to be a better way" into reality. Serving as the bridge between Finance, Programs, Learning & Integration, Operations, and Information Systems, this role ensures financial operations, grant administration, and supporting technologies work together as one integrated ecosystem that empowers colleagues to focus on the meaningful work of advancing Fetzer's mission. Combining strategic thinking with hands-on execution, the Finance & Grants Integration Manager designs and improves workflows, coordinates the grant lifecycle, supports the implementation and optimization of financial systems, and guides the adoption of new processes across the Institute. This role is equal parts strategist, collaborator, teacher, and builder—someone who enjoys bringing clarity to complexity, fostering cross-functional partnerships, and creating operational experiences that are intuitive, sustainable, and continuously improving. Through thoughtful stewardship of systems and relationships, this role helps build the operational foundation that allows both people and the Institute to flourish.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Operations, or related field required
5+ years of experience in finance operations, systems coordination, process improvement, or related operational roles
Experience supporting or implementing financial systems and workflows
Strong organizational, analytical, and project coordination skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across departments
Strong communication, training, and problem-solving skills

Nice To Haves

Experience in nonprofit finance or grant administration preferred

Responsibilities

Coordinate the design, alignment, and integration of financial systems and workflows across the Institute
Ensure financial tools, processes, and data flows support efficient operations and cross-functional collaboration
Partner with internal teams to improve workflow visibility, coordination, and operational consistency
Identify opportunities to streamline work and reduce process inefficiencies
Support the evaluation, selection, implementation, and optimization of financial systems and operational tools on an as needed basis
Help ensure systems align with organizational priorities, compliance expectations, and long-term operational sustainability
Coordinate implementation activities, testing, training, and process adoption efforts
Partner with the ISS team on system enhancements; review and triage Finance related tickets and communicate results and resolutions back to staff.
Assess existing processes against business needs, system capabilities, and compliance requirements; identify gaps, inefficiencies, or risks surfaced through audits, reports, staff feedback, or system changes.
Design and document new or revised processes — defining purpose and scope, gathering stakeholder requirements, and mapping workflows with clear decision points and handoffs.
Develop and improve workflows, automation opportunities, and operational procedures
Implement approved processes with the necessary training, communication, and change management; measure results against KPIs and optimize on an ongoing basis.
Assist with change management efforts related to process and system updates
Promote continuous improvement and operational effectiveness across the Finance team and the Institute
Coordinate the grant lifecycle within financial and tracking systems — from proposal intake and approval routing through budget setup, milestone and payment tracking, monitoring, and close-out — in partnership with the Programs and Learning & Integration teams.
Ensure accurate grant setup, tracking, and status in D365.
Coordinate approval routing and follow-up; monitor in-progress approvals and keep routing status and follow-up dates current.
Track and communicate due and overdue project requirements to Staff Leads and Program Assistants.
Support close-out: confirm documentation is complete, close remaining tasks, and update project status.
Maintain consistent grant-related procedures and documentation across systems and workflows.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflow documentation, and process guides
Support internal controls, records retention practices, and operational compliance efforts.
Maintain accurate system documentation and ensure operational consistency across Finance functions
Develop and deliver training and support materials related to financial systems and workflows
Support staff adoption of new systems, processes, and operational standards, and coordinate change management for process updates.
Convene staff periodically to review process updates, issues, and improvement opportunities.
Serve as the primary resource for Finance-related process, systems, and D365 questions across the Institute.
Attend the Tuesday morning Community of Freedom Gatherings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT each week.
Independently directed professional and spiritual development built into your work plan.