Grants Officer

Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation•Palo Alto, CA

1d•$140,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is seeking a Grants Officer to help advance the Foundation’s mission through effective, efficient, and compliant grantmaking processes, from grant inception through closeout and reporting. Working in partnership with Program, Legal, Finance, and other Foundation teams, you’ll oversee grant documentation and agreements, maintain data integrity, provide guidance and training, and help resolve policy and process questions. You will also lead cross-functional projects and continuous improvement efforts, drawing on data, stakeholder feedback, industry best practices, and responsible AI tools to strengthen grantmaking operations. This role is ideal for a highly motivated, service-oriented professional who takes initiative and works effectively in a collaborative team environment. You’ll bring strong customer relationship skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex requirements while helping program teams and grantees navigate the grantmaking process. Hands-on experience with contract management, advanced technical skills including basic AI skills with an appetite to learn more, and a general understanding of relational databases and data stewardship will help you succeed in this role. This position is based in Palo Alto, California, at the Foundation’s main office. We operate under a hybrid work model that combines flexibility with meaningful in-person collaboration. Staff are required to work and reside within a reasonable driving distance of the Palo Alto office, and this role will work onsite in Palo Alto a minimum of one day each week. Additional on-site presence is required during the weeks of the May, August, and November board meetings and periodically throughout the year as business needs require.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
10+ years of relevant work experience in a not-for-profit or for-profit organization.
Experience working with workflows and projects that require the application of multiple business rules, external regulatory rules, and compliance requirements
Experience managing databases and maintaining data integrity, with a general understanding of relational databases and data stewardship.
Advanced Excel and database management skills.
Basic AI skills with openness to learning more.
Understanding of and experience in using SMART goals, service level agreements, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to align work with desired outcomes and service levels.
Exceptional ability to synthesize and communicate findings from data analysis to varied audiences both verbally and in writing.
Proven ability to produce high-quality deliverables and to manage and prioritize multiple time-sensitive tasks.
Strong customer service orientation while balancing the requirements to adhere to legal requirements, policy, grantmaking approach, and internal processes.
Ability to work independently, as well as in a team-based, highly collaborative environment. Must be a creative thinker, a self-starter, and take initiative.
Strong planning, organization, and time management skills. Ability to adhere to deadlines.
Ability to plan and deliver training content to individuals and groups in a clear, engaging, and effective way.
Flexible and positive approach to problem solving in a collaborative team environment and an ability to work collaboratively with multiple audiences.
Detail-oriented but also able to focus on the big picture and identify risks and trends effectively.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion; establish and maintain credibility and trust.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with contract drafting, negotiation, and management preferred, but not required.
Demonstrated interest in the not-for-profit and/or philanthropic sector (preferred).

Responsibilities

Facilitate the smooth and expeditious processing of grants by proactively monitoring the grantmaking pipeline and collaborating closely with Program leads to forecast submissions.
Lead the final review of grants submitted for approval for the assigned Program teams, including verifying database records, and reviewing grant documents and budgets for completeness, adherence to policy, accuracy, and appropriate approvals.
Manage the drafting, execution, and tracking of grant agreements and amendments, ensuring timely delivery, revisions, and proper internal reviews.
Design and deliver grantmaking training, both one-on-one and in groups.
Routinely evaluate and resolve inconsistencies between planned reporting and system data to maintain integrity and transparency.
Champion a customer-centric approach by providing expert guidance and responsive support to program teams and grantees on grantmaking policies, processes, and systems.
Apply sound judgment to identify when legal, policy, or business rules apply, and partner with stakeholders to ensure compliance.
Collaborate with colleagues to identify solutions to complex contracting and other grantmaking issues.
Partner with colleagues to maintain and improve training resources, the Grantmaker Process Guide, and grant agreement templates.
Lead continuous improvement efforts by evaluating tools and processes, integrating industry best practices, and incorporating stakeholder feedback to enhance operational excellence. Embrace responsible and impactful use of AI to improve processes and/or innovate new workflow approaches.
Support grantee organizations in engaging with the Foundation’s grantmaking lifecycle.
Generate and share insights on the Foundation’s grants and grantmaking process.
Lead, plan, and facilitate key team meetings and projects, ensuring clarity of purpose, effective coordination, and measurable outcomes.
Build and strengthen cross-Foundation partnerships through collaboration and active participation in multi-team initiatives.
Assess and recommend system and process enhancements, driving innovation to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and impact of the grantmaking function.
Demonstrate agility in managing shifting priorities, partnering effectively with the team to rebalance workload and sustain high performance during peak periods.
Lead special initiatives and perform additional responsibilities as assigned to advance the Foundation’s mission and strategic priorities.