Grants Program Manager

Pacific Life • Newport Beach, CA

6d • $124,830 - $152,570 • Onsite

About The Position

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own. We’re actively seeking a talented Grants Program Manager to join our Community Relations and Pacific Life Foundation team in Newport Beach, CA. We are open to considering candidates with a higher level of experience. Final job level and compensation will be determined based on each candidate's qualifications, skills, and relevant experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10+ years of experience managing corporate foundation, corporate philanthropy, social impact, CSR, charitable giving, nonprofit leadership, or grantmaking programs.
• Experience supporting foundation governance, Boards of Directors, executive committees, or other governance-related activities.
• Experience managing complex grant portfolios, charitable investments, strategic partnerships, or large-scale community impact initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct nonprofit due diligence, evaluate funding opportunities, and develop strategic grantmaking recommendations.
• Experience developing impact measurement frameworks, executive reporting, dashboards, Board materials, and presentations for senior leadership.
• Experience partnering across functions including communications, sustainability, human resources, legal, finance, treasury, and business leadership.
• Experience working with domestic nonprofit organizations; global philanthropy or international grantmaking experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and philanthropy technology platforms such as Blackbaud Grantmaking, YourCause, Benevity, CyberGrants, Bonterra, or similar systems.
• Proven ability to lead process improvements, operational efficiencies, and technology-enabled solutions.
• Strong executive presence, strategic thinking, relationship management, communication, and project leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred in Foundation Management, Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, Social Impact, Sustainability, Philanthropy, Communications, or a related field.
• Experience serving as an officer of a corporate foundation or supporting foundation Board governance activities.
• Experience working directly with senior executives, Board members, and governance committees.
• Experience designing, scaling, or modernizing corporate philanthropy, social impact, CSR, or foundation programs.
• Experience developing community investment strategies and aligning philanthropy with broader business objectives.
• Experience translating data, outcomes, and impact metrics into executive-level insights and recommendations.
• Experience leading impact measurement, benchmarking, research, or program evaluation initiatives.
• Experience building partnerships across philanthropy, sustainability, governance, and community impact functions.
• A passion for creating meaningful community impact while balancing strategic vision with strong operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously enhance Pacific Life Foundation grantmaking programs, including the annual grant cycle, strategic community investments, disaster response efforts, employee-driven giving programs, and other charitable initiatives that advance community impact.
• Serve as Vice President of the Pacific Life Foundation, supporting Board governance, fiduciary responsibilities, financial stewardship activities, committee operations, and related governance functions.
• Lead all aspects of the grantmaking process, including application management, nonprofit due diligence, proposal evaluation, stakeholder and committee coordination, approvals, communications, and impact reporting.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend nonprofit organizations, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships aligned with Pacific Life Foundation priorities, community needs, and long-term social impact objectives.
• Develop executive-level presentations, Pacific Life Foundation Board materials, impact reports, dashboards, and strategic recommendations that support decision-making and demonstrate measurable community outcomes.
• Regularly participate in Pacific Life Foundation Board and committee meetings, engaging with senior executives, directors, and cross-functional leaders on governance, grantmaking, and community investment matters.
• Support the continued growth of Pacific Life's domestic and global philanthropy efforts by partnering with nonprofit organizations, business leaders, and international colleagues to strengthen charitable giving, strategic partnerships, and community investments.
• Lead initiatives that enhance grantmaking effectiveness through impact measurement, benchmarking, process improvement, technology solutions, and operational excellence.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with nonprofit leaders, community partners, and internal stakeholders while ensuring strong governance, compliance, and program administration.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
• Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

What This Job Offers

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