ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to the senior director, Grants Management, the grants operations manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless execution of grantmaking operations, serving as both a strategic leader and operational expert. This position oversees the full lifecycle of grants management—from intake to compliance—while leading a dedicated team and fostering cross-functional collaboration. With a strong focus on process improvement, regulatory adherence, and engagement, the Grants Manager ensures that the organization’s philanthropic efforts are executed with a deep commitment to equity, precision, transparency, and impact.
As with staff at all levels of RWJF, the grants operations manager is expected to demonstrate a passionate commitment to equity and the Foundation’s mission and Guiding Principles.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Grants Management Operations Oversight (40%)
Lead and manage the Grants Management Operations team, including:
Manage daily operations, guidance, and support to staff on grantmaking processes and compliance.
Mentor and promote a collaborative and inclusive culture.
Provide training, guidance, and support to staff on grant processes and compliance.
Ensure database accuracy and regularly review processes for improvement.
Participate in cross-functional teams to support organizational initiatives. Provide expertise in support of other projects as needed.
Stay abreast of grants management best practices and regulations in order to lead change management efforts that are aimed at improving grantmaking practice.
Operations and Compliance (40%)
Monitor regulatory changes and ensure internal policies remain compliant with federal, state, and foundation guidelines.
Periodically review and revise grants management operations processes for continuous improvement, efficiency, effectiveness, and equitable practice.
Contribute to the development, improvement, and implementation of initiatives to streamline workflows and enhance technology tools used in grantmaking, as appropriate.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Matching Gifts and Memorial Gifts Process (20%)
Serve as primary liaison with Cyber Grants for matching gifts and memorial gifts, including:
Tax status verification
Setting up and taking down memorial gifts opportunity pages
Processing paper forms
Responding to participant inquiries
Entering and approving organizations for proposal types
Delivering training and communications to participants
Troubleshooting system issues
Maintaining records of matching gifts and memorial contributions
Liaising with HR for announcements and providing HR and finance with gift totals
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Deep social justice values and commitment to the practice of racial justice, health equity, and the Foundation’s vision, values, and Guiding Principles.
Knowledge of budgeting, analysis, reporting, and grants management.
Demonstrated experience in managing and supporting multiple teams and a portfolio of grants.
A successful track record in setting priorities, analyzing data, problem-solving skills, which supports and enables sound decision making.
Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and organizational capabilities.
Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work well with colleagues, consultants, funders, and grantees across many diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Ability to work independently and analytically, exercising discretion and good judgment.
Willingness to handle complex, heavy and detail-oriented workload and assigned special projects.
Demonstrated experience working with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft applications.
Knowledge of the legal and compliance issues related to grantmaking.
Familiarity with grants management software and related systems.
Ways of working and engaging that align with the Foundation's mission, core values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with a minimum of five (5) years of progressive grants management experience in a philanthropic organization.
Candidates whose experience exceeds the minimum requirements will be given particular consideration for a higher placement within the salary range:
Eight (8) years of progressive grants management experience in a philanthropic environment, as well as experience managing a team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Ten (10) years of progressive grants management experience in a philanthropic environment, as well as experience managing a team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS
The operations manager will perform job duties in a typical business office environment. Specific physical abilities required by this job include operating basic office equipment. The incumbent will be required to attend meetings, both in person and off-site via phone or videoconference. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. RWJF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
POSITION’S ASSIGNED OFFICE LOCATION
This position is assigned to our Princeton, N.J. office.
HYBRID: FLEXIBLE PURPOSE (HFP) EXPLAINED
As of January 1, 2023, the Foundation has implemented a model we call Hybrid: Flexible Purpose (HFP). RWJF’s new operating model is the infrastructure (e.g., policies, practices, protocols, procedures, systems) that forms the basis for how the day-to-day operations are managed, culture is built and nurtured, and mission is delivered. This model is designed to meet the needs of the organization while giving employees as much flexibility as possible. On-site participation is determined by job responsibilities, organizational and team-level requirements, and mandatory gatherings throughout the year. While there are no fixed days per week, all employees are expected to plan their time on-site and cover commuting expenses as needed to meet those expectations. Learn more about our operating model and in-office requirements.
SALARY
The non-negotiable starting salary for this position is $111,500. Candidates who the Foundation determines have directly related experience exceeding the minimum requirements outlined above may be provided a higher starting salary of up to $122,650. All salary offers are non-negotiable.
BENEFITS
RWJF offers comprehensive health and retirement benefits to employees, generous paid time off, and more. Why work at RWJF? Learn more about the benefits of working at RWJF.
TRANSITION STIPEND
A transition stipend is provided to all new hires to aid in costs related to transitioning to a new job.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should submit a resume and required letter of interest by the stated deadline.
Internal RWJF applicants should submit a resume and letter of interest through the Internal Jobs Hub app in Workday.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Tuesday, May 26, 2026, by 10 a.m. ET