Grants Program Officer

The Grants Program Officer plays a key role in managing the grantmaking process for foundation-directed programs and supporting donor-directed grantmaking. This position is responsible for soliciting, reviewing, and evaluating funding proposals; coordinating grant approvals; and supporting follow-up reporting and documentation. Foundation-directed grants totaled $1.6 million through more than 300 grants.

The Grants Program Officer also provides administrative and research support to the broader Grants team, including assisting with distributions from donor advised funds, researching potential nonprofit partners, and maintaining accurate grant records.

Requirements

Experience: 2+ years as a grants manager or grants program associate at a foundation or other grantmaking entity.

Education: Bachelor's degree

Skills:

• Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Possess working knowledge of donor advised funds, endowments, and competitive grantmaking.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office 360 - primarily Outlook, Word, and Excel - and be able to learn and use foundation-related software, including grant application and donor portals.
• Experience with Salesforce is a plus.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Show strong attention to detail and the ability to analyze data.

Characteristics

• Exhibit a heart for the Catholic faith, a connection to the local community, and a commitment to the mission and values of the Catholic Community Foundation (CCF).
• Show curiosity about issues and trends in the communities served by CCF grants.
• Be self-motivated and comfortable taking initiative.
• Enjoy collaborating across departments and working in a team environment.
• Desire a dynamic, fast-paced work setting.
• Demonstrate the ability to receive direction and feedback with grace.

Responsibilities
As one of two Grants Program Officers, you will partner with the Vice President of Impact to implement strategies for high-impact, faith-consistent grantmaking. Your responsibilities will include:

CCF-Directed Grants Programs

• Researching community needs and services.
• Requesting and tracking applications.
• Conducting or facilitating site visits.
• Managing grant notifications, grant agreements, check requests, and grant publicity.
• Requesting, receiving, and reviewing required outcome reports.

Administrative Support

• Acting as liaison with CCF marketing and communications department to help identify opportunities to highlight impact.
• Providing administrative support for CCF grantmaking processes, including providing backup support for distribution of donor advised fund grants in the absence of the Grants Manager.
• Supporting the Vice President of Impact and the Grants Manager with special projects or activities as needed.
• Screening new charities for alignment with Catholic social teaching consistently with CCF's procedures.
• Managing an online donor portal by adding new participants, coordinating content, and providing technical support.
• Managing grant application forms.
• Assisting with distributions from perpetual endowment funds as needed.
• Responding to and logging unsolicited grant requests.
• Taking minutes at Grants Committee meetings.

To Apply:

Send your resume, along with a cover letter stating your reason for interest in the position and highlighting your relevant skills, to:

Meg Payne Nelson
Vice President of Impact
nelsonm@ccf-mn.org