Grants Manager

Full-Time Exempt 
New York, NY 

About the Wallace Foundation 

The Wallace Foundation, an independent research foundation based in New York City, traces its origins back more than half a century to DeWitt and Lila Acheson Wallace, founders of The Reader’s Digest Association. Our work is grounded in our mission to help all communities build a more vibrant and just future by fostering advances in the arts, education leadership, and youth development. A set of core values guide how Wallace staff work together and with our partners. The foundation strives to do excellent work in service to and with others. Together, we aspire to create an engaging and inclusive work environment based on mutual trust and respect, and driven by equity, diversity, transparency, collaboration, and continuous learning. 

For more information on The Wallace Foundation and to see examples of our work, please visit https://www.wallacefoundation.org. 

The Wallace Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to maintaining a diverse workplace where differing perspectives are a source of strength. 

The Opportunity 

The manager is a key contributor to effective grants management at the foundation, responsible for the full lifecycle of grants and initiative-related contracts for designated program areas. The position also serves as a trusted partner to communications, program, and research teams as well as the legal team, providing guidance on policies, compliance, and best practices. The manager ensures that grantmaking operations are carried out with accuracy and efficiency. 

The manager will join a highly collaborative team led by the head of grants management, and the team sits under Finance and Operations and led by the chief financial officer. 

Responsibilities 

Grants/Contracts Management 

• Manage the full lifecycle of grants and relevant contracts, in support of 2-3 program units.
• Be a partner to units, providing guidance on grantmaking planning, foundation policies and procedures, and on grantmaking best practices generally.
• Provide technical assistance to grantees and external partners regarding Wallace policy requirements and grants management system use.
• Ensure all activities have the appropriate authorizations; help track spend against originally authorized funds.
• Generate draft grant agreement and initiative-related contract templates, including terms and conditions, scopes of work, workplans and budgets. 

Compliance and Due Diligence 

• Ensure grants are in compliance with applicable internal and external processes and regulations, performing due diligence on applicants and grantees.
• Lead due diligence reviews of grantee organizations including requesting IRS determination letters, charity checks, and Form W-9s, as well as audited financial statements and Form 990s for Finance’s review and sign-off. 

Grants Database Management [Smart Simple - GMS360] 

• Support the development and implementation of updated systems functionality, designing workflows and testing processes.
• Provide technical support, including troubleshooting system issues, and deliver training for internal users and grantees. 

Reporting and Data Use 

• Generate and interpret reports and analysis to support decision-making.
• Assist in preparation of grant-related materials for board meetings and audits.
• Work collaboratively to identify trends, streamline processes, and improve data quality. 

Qualifications 

Experience 

• 5+ years in grants management roles at private foundations or grantmaking public charities.
• Demonstrated experience with grants management software and related systems.
• Adept at reviewing grants and contacts for compliance with internal and external requirements and regulations 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Strong knowledge of legal and compliance issues relevant to private foundation grantmaking.
• Exceptional project management skills and can manage competing projects and timelines.
• Highly proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite producing charts and data visuals with ease.
• Outstanding collaborator and communicator to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to accountability, transparency and delivering high-quality customer service.
• Proactive and continuous learner about the philanthropic sector and as a grants management professional, which includes staying abreast of new regulations and best practices. 

Compensation, Benefits and Work Schedule 

The salary for this position is $138,005.

A snapshot of our competitive benefits package includes a choice of health insurance plans and a healthcare reimbursement account, a new stand-alone mental health benefit, 403(b) retirement plan with 15% employer contribution upon eligibility, and a community service matching gifts program recognizing employee volunteer hours with a financial contribution to a qualifying nonprofit organization. 

The foundation’s regular in-person schedule is Tuesday-Thursday with the flexibility to work remotely on Monday and Friday. 

Contact 

Interested and qualified candidates should send their resume and cover letter to Courtney Keegan by email: courtney@clarityrecruiting.com