Company Name
McKnight Foundation
Company City
Minneapolis
Company State
MN
Job Location
Twin Cities, MN
Company Information
Job Description
The Program and Grants associate is part of the Foundation’s Grants and Program Operations team and reports directly to the Director of Grants and Program Operations. The Grants and Program Operations team provides grantmaking and operations structure, administration, resources, and internal knowledge to enhance program results and turn the Foundation’s vision and goals into reality. The team is a group of experts in how our work gets done and ensures that we are working effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with the Foundation’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Program and Grants Associate (PGA) role provides grantmaking and additional types of funding expertise and support. The PGA works directly with a specific program team to manage valued relationships with internal and external partners to advance overall program work. The Foundation has four PGA roles on staff and is currently hiring a PGA to support McKnight’s Vibrant and Equitable Communities program.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Provide support to programs and grantee partners.
• Attend regular program team meetings, and work with program team to provide direction on moving funding ideas forward.
• Grantee relationship management, including grantee questions regarding grantmaking process, coordination of site visit scheduling with program team administrator, grant terms, and reporting requirements.
• Produce grantmaking budget for program, assist in monitoring payout for current year and future year commitments.
• Track and manage grantmaking process from inception through closing.
• Process grant approval and agreement materials.
• Create payment materials.
• Ensure receipt of required reports.
• Ensure the timely closing of complete grant files.
• Coordinate creation of team’s quarterly board book grants information.
• Provide back-up for other program and grants associates as needed.
Maintain compliance with and share knowledge of Foundation policies and IRS regulations in relationship to grantmaking and additional types of funding support.
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the Foundation’s funding policies and procedures and program guidelines (i.e., Equivalency Determination, Expenditure Responsibility, Direct Charitable Expenses, fiscal sponsorships, etc.).
• Identify gaps in understanding and execution of funding procedures among Foundation staff and assist with necessary training and/or follow-up.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, exploring new approaches, including equitable grantmaking practices, non-traditional types of support, and other continuous adaptations to grantmaking practices.
Coordinate the flow and accuracy of grant and funding data.
• Review incoming grant and other funding request data for completeness.
• Ensure that grant and funding request information is directed to appropriate program staff.
• Prepare and send denial correspondence to requesting organizations.
• Collaborate with the communications team to ensure that all program information, online and print materials, is up-to-date, accurate, and effectively presented for various audiences.
Review grant and funding materials, process status changes, and distribute to staff for appropriate follow-up.
• Ensure accurate merger of request organization’s legal and contact information between online system and grantmaking database.
• Prepare requests for program team review and update in grantmaking database.
• Respond to requests for pre-grant and post-grant approval information from foundation staff and grantees.
Verify completeness of grant proposals.
• Prepare and send proposal invitation correspondence to perspective grantees.
• Review proposals for completeness, including required financial statements and legal information.
• Verify and maintain current IRS status information.
Manage the grants report process to ensure information is correct and compliant with Foundation guidelines.
• Prepare reports for online grantee access.
• Ensure report requirements contain relevant notes for accurate processing.
• Ensure timely reporting from grantees through reminder correspondence and follow-up with grantees and program staff.
• Ensure compliance with overdue reporting policies through follow-up with grantees, program staff, and senior staff.
• Ensure timely due diligence of received reports.
Participate in Foundation-wide meetings and events.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, retreats, staff development learning activities, and other relevant meetings.
• Participate in cross-functional work groups as appropriate.
Job Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree
• 3 years related full-time work experience in a foundation, non-profit, or governmental field, or combination of equivalent experience and training.
• Preference is given to those applicants who have professional work experience in grants management or an administrative position, including experience maintaining a database and files.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Ability to manage highly detailed work with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively across organizational functions.
• Ability to learn and master data systems on a continuous basis.
• Ability to communicate effectively interpersonally and in a group setting.
• Ability to constructively navigate differences and arrive at shared solutions.
• Ability to prioritize and organize workflow.
• Ability to be flexible, despite many interruptions and changes in deadlines.
• Ability to prepare and/or edit written summaries and analysis.
• Ability to work autonomously and without a lot of direction.
• Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite or comparable software applications (such as Google suite).
• Personal passion for the Foundation’s mission of creating a just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive.
• Ability to reflect on and build cultural competency and awareness of bias and inequities.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, racial equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
How to Apply
Please view the full job description and submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest in the position, as well as your work experience or lived experience in advancing racial equity, inclusion, and accessibility on McKnight’s website here.