The McKnight Foundation seeks a professional Program and Grants Associate (PGA) to help support and advance the goals of the Arts program team. Reporting to the Grants & Information Management Director, this role will be joining the McKnight Foundation at a critical moment in its history as the institution advances its recently adopted Strategic Framework.

The PGA will provide grantmaking and additional types of funding support for the Arts program, as well as work directly with a program director and two program officers to manage valued relationships with internal and external partners to advance overall program work.

Key Responsibilities

Program Support

• Grantee relationship management, including external scheduling, grantee questions regarding grantmaking process, site visits with grantees, grant terms, and reporting requirements.
• Produce grantmaking budget for program, assist in monitoring payout.
• Process grant reports and create payment packets.
• Attend regular program team meetings, contribute to initial inquiry and/or reviews meetings.
• Track and manage quarterly grant cycle deadlines and board book process.
• Coordinate creation and production of team’s quarterly board book materials.
• Provide backup for other program and grants associates as needed.

Compliance & Policies for Grantmaking

• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the Foundation’s funding policies and procedures and program guidelines.
• 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 racial equity grantmaking, nontraditional types of support, and other continuous adaptations to grantmaking practices.

Grant Proposals & Reporting

• Review incoming grant and other funding request data for completeness.
• 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.
• 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.
• Review proposals for completeness, including required financial statements and legal information.
• Prepare reports for online grantee access and ensure report requirements contain relevant notes for accurate processing.
• Ensure compliance with overdue reporting policies through follow-up with grantees, program staff, and senior staff.

Core Competencies

• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively across organizational functions.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and master data systems on a continuous basis.
• Ability to communicate effectively interpersonally and in group settings.
• Ability to constructively navigate differences to arrive at shared solutions.
• Ability to prioritize and organize workflow.
• Ability to manage highly detailed work with speed and accuracy.
• Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.
• 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 with minimal direction.
• Ability to advance the Foundation’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, excellence, and purpose.

Qualifications of an Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years’ related full-time professional work experience in a foundation, nonprofit, or governmental field, or a combination of equivalent experience and training.
• Professional work experience in an administrative position is preferred, including experience maintaining a computer database and files, or a combination of equivalent experience and training.

This is a full-time non-exempt position based in Minneapolis. The salary range is approximately $67,300–$71,126.

The above statements are intended to provide a general framework for what this position requires. There may be other functions and qualifications that emerge in time, and the chosen candidate may be asked to perform other duties that are not listed here.

The McKnight Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

To Apply

Click here to apply for the opening. The position closes on March 19, 2020.

About the McKnight Foundation

The McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation, advances a more just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive. Established in 1953, the McKnight Foundation is deeply committed to advancing climate solutions in the Midwest; building an equitable and inclusive Minnesota; and supporting the arts in Minnesota, neuroscience, and international crop research. The Foundation has approximately $2.3 billion in assets and grants about $90 million a year.

McKnight has earned national recognition for fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusiveness that empowers our diverse teams to achieve our shared mission. McKnight has been named one of the best workplaces for women and one of the best small workplaces in the nation. McKnight offers a high-trust, high-performing culture that encourages continuous learning and improvement across its program areas. The Foundation’s offices are located above the Mill City Museum in downtown Minneapolis. This landmark building is an architecture award winner whose sustainable design and historic preservation practices blend modern amenities with original features and reclaimed materials. Filled with art and natural light, the space offers stunning city and riverfront views that connect the urban and natural environments year-round—a reflection of the Foundation’s mission.