Director, Grants Management

Global Action is seeking an experienced Director, Grants Management to guide the next chapter of its grantmaking operations by driving effectiveness and impact. The Director, Grants Management will be responsible for the coordination, documentation, and implementation of grantmaking activities. Working closely with the Program Officer, the Director, Grants Management will manage grantmaking operations and field efforts for Global Action’s global grants portfolio.

The position blends operations and mission, providing operational leadership and supporting program planning.

Reporting to the President, the Director will lead the Grants Management team, consisting of two direct reports, and be responsible for grants management strategy, systems, tools, and processes, which support GA’s grantmaking.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader in philanthropic grants management, with prior experience at a private foundation. They must have a deep understanding of a grant’s lifecycle. The Director, Grants Management will assess potential grant applications, engage in pre-award diligence and contracting processes, monitor grant compliance and financial performance, approve payments, foster grantee relations, and close out grants. Success in this role will require fluency in grantmaking technology and legal and compliance frameworks, and the skills to work cross-functionally and collaboratively.

The Director, Grants Management will serve a key role as co-liaison (with the Program Officer) with GA’s Board of Directors and specifically, the Science Oversight Committee, which oversees GA’s grantmaking. In collaboration with the Director, Media, the Director, Grants Management also will contribute to GA’s communication about grantees’ work.

• Manage efficient workflow to support the full grant lifecycle, including organization verification, grant recommendation, grant approval, grant agreement, payments, amendments, reporting, and close out.
• Monitor and evaluate grant progress and deliverables to ensure that milestones are being met within project timeline, compliance and reporting requirements are satisfied, and finances are in order.
• Manage grantmaking timelines, workflows, and internal coordination for grantmaking strategies and initiatives, and ensure alignment with program goals and deadlines.
• Manage grantmaking compliance, including with respect to grants to non-US 501(c)(3) entities.
• Evaluate grant proposals, performance, and impact, and draft documents, including memos, analytical documents, and excel spreadsheets that synthesize findings.
• Assess existing grants management processes, resources, and capabilities to advance opportunities for greater efficiency, efficacy, and cost savings.
• Prepare, review, and organize materials for Board meetings, including grant recommendations and related materials.
• Directly supervise and mentor two high-performing team members.
• With Program Officer, build and maintain relationships with grantees across Global Action’s global grants portfolio.
• Coordinate with the Finance team to ensure accuracy in budgeting and payments.
• Support the Program Officer in developing annual grantmaking priorities and tracking progress and impact.
• Support the Communications team in communicating about grantees’ work, progress, and impact.
• Other tasks and responsibilities as may be assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree related to the scientific or health disciplines (such as psychology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or biology) preferred but not required.
• 10 years of grants management experience, at least 7+ years at a private foundation.
• Deep understanding of the grants lifecycle, policies, and workflow.
• Advanced knowledge of the legal requirements and compliance rules for private foundation grantmaking, including in-depth understanding of expenditure responsibility regulations.
• 3+ years of people management experience, including a proven track record in mentorship and development.
• Strong written, verbal, and analytical communication skills, including the ability to collect, review, synthesize, and present information and findings in a clear and…