THE AHMANSON FOUNDATION:

The Ahmanson Foundation, a private foundation with more than $1 billion in assets, was incorporated in the State of California in 1952.  The Foundation concentrates its funding on Arts and Culture, Education, Health and Medicine, and Human Services, and reviews grant requests from 501(c)(3) organizations that are not private foundations and are based in and serving Los Angeles County.  Simultaneously, the Foundation is particularly committed to the support of nonprofit organizations and institutions which continually demonstrate sound fiscal management, efficient operations, and program integrity.  Through these focused interests and a shared vision with the nonprofit sector, the Foundation endeavors to enhance Southern California’s quality of life and cultural legacy.

For further information about The Ahmanson Foundation, please visit the website at www.theahmansonfoundation.org.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Grants Manager is responsible for overseeing the grants management process to ensure a streamlined workflow in an increasingly paperless environment – from applicants’ inquiries through grant closure – and for communicating grant information to program and finance staff.  Duties involve extensive record keeping with attention to accuracy and regulatory compliance, as well as the ability to envision, recommend, and implement process improvements.  The position requires someone who is comfortable with both strategic thinking and implementation of detail.  The Grants Manager reports to the Managing Director.  

The Foundation distributes approximately $50 million annually, divided among roughly 500 grants. 

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Use the MicroEdge GIFTS Alta database system for entering data, categorizing and processing information, and updating and maintaining database records.
• Ensure compliance with IRS regulations and Foundation requirements for grants.
• Document grants management policies and procedures.
• Design and produce grant reports, forms, and letters from the database.
• Review, categorize, and summarize incoming letters of inquiry or grant requests to present to management and program officers at weekly proposal review meetings, and distribute other specified reports between weekly meetings.
• Coordinate draft correspondence relating to grant requests and grant awards. 
• Optimize the functionality and utility of the database system for the Foundation, including developing quality control procedures to safeguard the accuracy of the grants data.
• Train new staff in using the database, and advise and assist staff in searching the database, running reports, and creating dashboards.
• Use data visualization and other tools to describe and interpret the Foundation’s grantmaking.
• Provide specified grants information to the Foundation’s finance staff each week.
• Initiate, oversee, or participate in other activities and projects as assigned. 

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS: 

The Grants Manager will be a strategic thinker with proven analytical and problem-solving skills.  This position requires excellent attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy, and the ability to meet deadlines.  Strong organizational skills combined with initiative, resourcefulness, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal direction are essential.  The successful candidate will be self-motivated with the demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, as well as independently.  The Grants Manager must possess exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills, while also being a good listener.  He or she will be able to interact effectively at all levels in a professional work environment.  Candidates should be open-minded, flexible in approach, and willing to adapt when necessary.

CAREER TRACK LEADING TO THIS POSITION: 

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years in grants management with experience in a philanthropic, nonprofit, or related organization.  Knowledge of grants management software is essential, preferably MicroEdge GIFTS Alta, as is proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Internet research.  The successful candidate will have an understanding of best practices in grant making and will have a demonstrated commitment to continuous process improvement.  Candidates should also have experience providing training in the use of database management software, internal processes, and compliance. 

EDUCATION: 

An undergraduate degree is required. 

COMPENSATION: 

The Ahmanson Foundation provides a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience and an excellent benefits package. 

TO APPLY:

Please direct inquires, nominations, and applications, including resume and a compelling letter of interest in confidence to:

Jay Berger

Morris & Berger

500 North Brand Boulevard, Suite 2150

Glendale, CA  91203

Telephone 818-507-1234 – Fax 818-507-4770

[email protected] 

Electronic submission is encouraged.