Grants Manager

Paul M. Angell Family Foundation • Chicago, IL

3d • $130,000 - $150,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Grants Manager executes the strategy and operations of our grantmaking, ensuring our systems are as robust and equitable as the work we fund. As a key partner to staff and grantees, you will move beyond simple administration to lead a culture that values efficiency, data integrity, and constant improvement.

We are looking for a systems thinker who finds joy in the details and thrives when building for the future. You are a lead-by-example teammate who balances technical mastery with a deep commitment to people. You excel at keeping a high volume of moving parts—like our 500+ annual grants—accurate and on track, but you never lose sight of the mission. Organized, analytical, and collaborative, you bring a sense of order to our grantmaking and a partnership-driven approach to our growing team.

Requirements

• Grants Management Expertise. At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in grants administration or management.
• Project Management Skills. A track record of managing multi-stakeholder projects and consistently meeting deadlines.
• Collaborative Leadership. A demonstrated ability to plan and execute work effectively both within and across teams.
• Data Analysis. A proven ability to prepare, interpret, and synthesize grants data and financial reports.
• Board-Level Communication. Previous experience distilling complex information into clear, actionable insights for a Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Grants Ecosystem. Serve as the primary architect and administrator of our grants management system (Foundant, an agile software requiring ongoing training). You’ll ensure the platform is optimized, data is high-quality, and the system evolves to meet the foundation’s growing needs.
• Oversee the Grant Lifecycle. Provide strategic oversight for all funding cycles, managing multi-year commitments and contingencies while ensuring the Grants Associate has the support they need to execute daily tasks.
• Create cycle summaries and board reports. In partnership with the program teams, you will coordinate and compile funding recommendations and supporting documents so that the Board of Directors can make informed funding decisions.
• Ensure Integrity & Compliance. Own the due diligence process and grant documentation standards. You’ll set the bar for accuracy and ensure the foundation’s grantmaking history is meticulously preserved and audit-ready.
• Mentor and Train. Identify key topics and develop trainings for the Program Teams to grow their mastery of the grants management system. You are the "go-to" for system best practices and internal process improvements.
• Cultivate Grantee Partnerships. Act as a senior point of contact for our partners, handling complex inquiries and ensuring that our communication with applicants is clear, supportive, and reflects our commitment to equity.
• Thought Partner in System Evolution. Support the Senior Grants Manager in the upcoming migration to a new grants management system, ensuring a seamless transition and co-designing workflows that serves both current needs and future growth.
• Facilitate Board Governance. Manage high-level administrative support for Board and committee meetings. This includes producing Board Books, capturing all funding and grants-related decisions for the minutes, and ensuring compliance with all established legal and governance .
• Stay at the forefront. Represent the foundation and be an active member within the grantmaking community. You’ll stay current on industry trends and grantmaking best practices, bringing innovative ideas back to the team.

Benefits

• Healthcare: 100% paid Platinum PPO health insurance premium for employee and 80% for dependents or family.
• Dental and Vision: 100% paid premium for employees, dependents, and family.
• 403b retirement savings plan employer contributions match: After three months of employment, the Foundation will contribute up to 9% of the employee’s salary—5% will be an outright contribution, and the Foundation will match up to 4% of the employee’s contribution to the plan.
• In addition to vacation, holidays, wellness, and sick days, the PMAFF offices are closed from December 26th through New Year’s Day annually and employees’ salaries are paid during this closure.
• Twelve weeks of paid parental leave for a birth parent, non-birth parent, or adoption.
• We are committed to supporting your growth through professional development funds, tailored to your role and learning needs. We provide opportunities for collaboration, skill-building, and the time and space to grow in your career.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed