We are looking for a Head of Grant Operations to build and lead the Foundation's grantmaking operations function. Reporting to the CFO, this is a foundational leadership role responsible for designing and managing the systems, processes, policies, and controls that support the Foundation's grantmaking activities from initial diligence through final closeout.
The Head of Grant Operations will serve as a key partner to program teams, legal, finance, compliance, and leadership. You will help ensure that grants are structured thoughtfully, administered effectively, and monitored appropriately while enabling the Foundation to move quickly and responsibly in pursuit of its mission.
This role requires a unique combination of operational rigor, sound judgment, relationship management skills, and a willingness to work directly in the details. You will be expected to operate strategically while also personally managing many aspects of the Foundation's grant portfolio as the organization grows.
What you'll do
Build the Foundation's grant operations infrastructure
Develop and maintain the Foundation's grantmaking policies, procedures, templates, and operational frameworks
Design scalable grant administration processes that support a growing and increasingly complex grant portfolio
Establish systems for tracking grants, reporting obligations, compliance requirements, and key milestones
Maintain the Foundation's grant register and related records
Develop and maintain operational controls that ensure grants are administered consistently and responsibly
Help select and implement grant management systems and related technology platforms and infuse AI into the process
Support diligence and grant structuring
Partner with program teams to evaluate prospective grants and funding opportunities
Conduct operational, financial, legal, compliance, and reputational diligence on prospective grantees
Assess organizational capacity, governance, financial health, and execution capability
Identify potential risks and recommend mitigation strategies
Coordinate diligence efforts across legal, finance, and program teams
Manage grant execution
Lead preparation, negotiation, and execution of grant agreements and related documentation
Serve as a primary point of contact for grantees during the grant setup process
Partner closely with legal counsel to structure grant agreements appropriately
Ensure all required approvals, documentation, and compliance reviews are completed prior to funding
Oversee grant administration and monitoring
Track grant payments, reporting obligations, milestones, and compliance requirements throughout the grant lifecycle
Review grantee reports, deliverables, financial submissions, and other required documentation
Follow up with grantees regarding reporting obligations and outstanding deliverables
Partner with program teams to assess grant progress, performance, and impact
Escalate potential concerns, risks, or compliance issues when appropriate
Manage modifications and closeout
Coordinate grant amendments, renewals, extensions, and other modifications
Negotiate revised reporting schedules, deliverables, and grant terms when circumstances change
Ensure grants are appropriately closed upon completion
Maintain complete grant records and documentation throughout the grant lifecycle
Capture lessons learned and continuously improve grantmaking processes
Partner across the Foundation
Work closely with program teams, legal, finance, compliance, and leadership
Serve as an internal expert on grant administration, grant compliance, and operational best practices
Help balance operational rigor with an excellent experience for grantees and internal stakeholders
Help shape the Foundation's broader grantmaking infrastructure and operating model as it scales
Qualifications
10-15+ years of relevant experience strongly preferred
Significant experience in grants management, philanthropy, nonprofit operations, compliance, legal operations, foundation administration, or related fields
Experience administering complex grant portfolios through the full grant lifecycle
Experience conducting organizational, financial, operational, compliance, and reputational diligence
Experience negotiating grant agreements, funding agreements, or similar contractual arrangements
Strong understanding of charitable giving regulations, grant compliance requirements, and philanthropic best practices
Excellent project management and organizational skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
High degree of ownership, judgment, discretion, and accountability
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving and highly ambiguous environment
Preferred Qualifications
Experience at a large private foundation, public charity, donor-advised fund, family office, university, multilateral organization, or major grantmaking institution
Experience administering international grants and cross-border funding programs
Familiarity with expenditure responsibility, equivalency determination, fiscal sponsorship, and other complex grantmaking structures
Experience implementing or managing grants management systems