Grants Operations Manager

RWJF • Princeton, NJ

21h • Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the senior director, Grants Management, the grants operations manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless execution of grantmaking operations, serving as both a strategic leader and operational expert. This position oversees the full lifecycle of grants management—from intake to compliance—while leading a dedicated team and fostering cross-functional collaboration. With a strong focus on process improvement, regulatory adherence, and engagement, the Grants Manager ensures that the organization’s philanthropic efforts are executed with a deep commitment to equity, precision, transparency, and impact. As with staff at all levels of RWJF, the grants operations manager is expected to demonstrate a passionate commitment to equity and the Foundation’s mission and Guiding Principles.

Requirements

• Deep social justice values and commitment to the practice of racial justice, health equity, and the Foundation’s vision, values, and Guiding Principles.
• Knowledge of budgeting, analysis, reporting, and grants management.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and supporting multiple teams and a portfolio of grants.
• A successful track record in setting priorities, analyzing data, problem-solving skills, which supports and enables sound decision making.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and organizational capabilities.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well with colleagues, consultants, funders, and grantees across many diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Ability to work independently and analytically, exercising discretion and good judgment.
• Willingness to handle complex, heavy and detail-oriented workload and assigned special projects.
• Demonstrated experience working with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft applications.
• Knowledge of the legal and compliance issues related to grantmaking.
• Familiarity with grants management software and related systems.
• Ways of working and engaging that align with the Foundation's mission, core values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with a minimum of five (5) years of progressive grants management experience in a philanthropic organization.
• Eight (8) years of progressive grants management experience in a philanthropic environment, as well as experience managing a team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Ten (10) years of progressive grants management experience in a philanthropic environment, as well as experience managing a team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Grants Management Operations team, including: Manage daily operations, guidance, and support to staff on grantmaking processes and compliance. Mentor and promote a collaborative and inclusive culture. Provide training, guidance, and support to staff on grant processes and compliance. Ensure database accuracy and regularly review processes for improvement. Participate in cross-functional teams to support organizational initiatives. Provide expertise in support of other projects as needed. Stay abreast of grants management best practices and regulations in order to lead change management efforts that are aimed at improving grantmaking practice.
• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure internal policies remain compliant with federal, state, and foundation guidelines. Periodically review and revise grants management operations processes for continuous improvement, efficiency, effectiveness, and equitable practice. Contribute to the development, improvement, and implementation of initiatives to streamline workflows and enhance technology tools used in grantmaking, as appropriate. Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Serve as primary liaison with Cyber Grants for matching gifts and memorial gifts, including: Tax status verification Setting up and taking down memorial gifts opportunity pages Processing paper forms Responding to participant inquiries Entering and approving organizations for proposal types Delivering training and communications to participants Troubleshooting system issues Maintaining records of matching gifts and memorial contributions Liaising with HR for announcements and providing HR and finance with gift totals

Benefits

• comprehensive health and retirement benefits
• generous paid time off
• A transition stipend is provided to all new hires to aid in costs related to transitioning to a new job.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees