Grants Officer

Ford Foundation • New York, NY

12d • $120,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Ford Foundation seeks multiple fixed-term Grants Officers to provide interim support across several program areas, including Technology and Society, Civic Engagement & Governance, and Future of Work & Racial Justice, as well as coverage for Program Officers seconded to special strategy design units. Grants Officers bridge operational gaps by managing existing grant portfolios, focusing on streamlined grant administration, monitoring timelines, ensuring due diligence, and executing grants effectively.

The role involves understanding program goals, strategic approaches, and theories of change; monitoring grant activities with grantees; conducting due diligence and grant coding; maintaining grantee records and virtual grant files; supporting relationships and communications with grantees and other stakeholders; disseminating grantee outputs and reports; and representing the Foundation in relevant meetings and convenings. The position is based in the Foundation’s New York office and follows a hybrid model requiring three office days per week. It is fixed-term for one year, with a stated salary of $120,000.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in philanthropy, grantmaking, or within a mission-driven nonprofit or endowment organization similar to the Ford Foundation.
• Practical experience in grantmaking and grants administration, and proficiency with standard grants management and budgeting systems.
• Ability to manage complex, detail-intensive workloads and special projects while balancing competing priorities in a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to work independently and analytically, exercising discretion and good judgment.
• Exceptional cross-functional collaboration skills and ability to work with Foundation colleagues, grantees, and external consultants.
• Excellent communication, writing, and proofreading skills.
• Experience analyzing data, with strong quantitative and problem-solving skills.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent practical work experience.
• Ways of working and engaging that align with the Foundation’s mission, core values, and commitment to creating a culture of excellence.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Google Suite apps and online grants management systems such as FLUXX.
• Familiarity with internal foundation policies and grantmaking procedures.

Responsibilities

• Develop a strong understanding of program goals, strategic approaches, and theories of change.
• Work with grantees to monitor and report on grant activities through written reports, meetings, relationship building, and network building.
• Conduct due diligence, including monitoring grantee performance and benchmarks, ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation, and working with grantees to resolve challenges or concerns.
• Conduct grant coding and draft grant strategic alignment write-ups in consultation with the Director or Program Officers.
• Work with Directors, Program Officers, and the grants management team to maintain and update grantee records and virtual grant files.
• Support and strengthen relationships between grantees, the Foundation, and other key stakeholders through prompt and effective communication.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues to develop and execute grantee communications as needed.
• Develop outreach related to the dissemination of grantee outputs and reports.
• Represent the Foundation in relevant meetings, briefings, consultations, and convenings.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits effective on the first day.
• Personal, vacation, sick, extended holiday, and wellness days.
• Parental leave for birth, surrogacy, adoptive, and foster parents.
• Backup child and elder care resources.
• Retirement benefits with employee and employer contributions of up to 13%.
• Professional development and opportunities to build expertise and expand professional networks.
• Hybrid working model and flexible work arrangement policies.

What This Job Offers

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