Senior Manager of Grantmaking
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's ResearchJob Title: Senior Manager of Grantmaking
Position Summary:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research ("the Foundation") is seeking top talent for its Senior Manager of Grantmaking position. This position is focused on supporting the Grant Operations function within the Research Operations department. The department occupies a uniquely interconnected position within the organization, partnering with programmatic teams and collaborating across departments to facilitate grantmaking, grants administration, and program operations management in support of the Foundation’s mission.
This role is primarily responsible for building and managing a team of grants management professionals that deliver operational excellence, strengthen the applicant experience, and advance the Foundation's mission. This position includes continuously monitoring and refining internal processes to reduce burden, enhance usability, and ensure efficient grantmaking operations. This role is also focused on ensuring compliance with grantmaking policies, developing comprehensive documentation and procedures, and maintaining effective communication with grantees and researchers.
This is a hybrid-flex position that may require in-person attendance at the Foundation’s office in New York City.
Key Responsibilities:
Grantmaking Policy & Compliance:
- Ensure team adherence to grantmaking policies and contribute to policy development that will position the Foundation as state-of-the- field based on operational insights
- Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of the Foundation’s grantmaking policies and procedures to guide and enhance grantee awareness & compliance
- Maintain and expand existing knowledge library of templates, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and other internal guidance documents in support of efficient staff onboarding and ongoing training
- Conduct regular compliance reviews and implement corrective actions as needed
- Leverage learnings from communication with the Foundation’s researcher community to drive continuous process improvement; support special projects to enhance the Foundation’s grantmaking processes as required
- Manage day-to-day grantmaking operations and make decisions regarding workflow prioritization and resource allocation; escalate complex issues to manager or senior leadership as appropriate
- Oversee communication with the Foundation’s researcher community related to application guidelines, grantmaking policies and procedures, and general troubleshooting
- Monitor & periodically evaluate key metrics related to grants administration team customer service
People Management:
- Manage a team of frontline grants management professionals at the Foundation; support team growth and development through effective coaching, feedback, and performance monitoring
- Monitor staff workloads, ensure effective handoffs, and periodically report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to compliance and team performance
- Routinely train & upskill staff in core competencies for effective grants management; lead trainings, and/or contribute to development of resources for grants management team in support of operational excellence
Qualifications & Skills:
- Foundational knowledge and experience in grants administration
- Foundational experience managing a team, developing talent, and leading through change or challenge
- Committed to delivering and receiving actionable feedback; coaching others to receive feedback
- Proficient with grants management systems; experience with SmartSimple highly preferred
- Sound judgement, critical thinking, and decision-making skills; ability to make informed recommendations using data and experience
- Navigates conflict and differences with empathy, clarity, and courage; eagerness to create a strong, collaborative team culture
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines; able to think big picture while maintaining excellent attention to detail
- Willingness to be adaptable, stay curious and optimistic in the face of changing business dynamics and priorities
Compensation & Benefits
Individual compensation for this role is dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, qualifications, skillsets, and applicable laws. In addition to salary, the Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums)
- Competitive dental and vision plans
- 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution
- Flexible spending accounts
- Employer paid life and disability insurance
- 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4
- Flexible work environment. We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.
Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted.
About Us:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.
Visit www.michaeljfox.org for more information.
Research has shown that people from marginalized communities apply to roles only when they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, and you are someone who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we strongly encourage you to apply.