Grants Manager/Grants Officer

JOB OPENING

Grants Manager/Grants Officer

Park Foundation Inc.

Ithaca, NY

Park Foundation seeks nominations and applications for a Grants Manager/Officer to serve

as the lead administrator for the Foundation’s grantmaking infrastructure and systems. This

role oversees the full grants lifecycle, ensuring accurate, timely processing and high-quality

administration aligned with Foundation policies and strategic priorities. They will lead the

design and implementation of grants management systems and standard operating

procedures, promote consistent best practices across program areas, and strengthen

coordination among program, finance, and operations teams. The position also serves as

the primary point of contact for the grantmaking system and will support the Foundation’s

planning and transition to a new system in the coming years. This role reports directly to

the Executive Director.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience related to our programs,

as well as people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

About Park Foundation

Park Foundation is a family foundation dedicated to advancing a more just, equitable and

sustainable society and environment, both nationally and in our local Ithaca community. We are

principled, strategic and fearless in our grantmaking, collaborative with our partners, and nimble

and innovative in our approach. We are committed to challenging the powers that threaten an

independent media, a robust democracy, and the future of our planet. Park Foundation was

formed in 1966 with an original focus on education and grant-making in communities where Park

Communications had interests. The Staff includes 8 team members and there are three local

priority areas and five national programs that reflect the mission of the Park Foundation. These

priorities include national grantmaking programs in Media, Environment, Civic Participation,

Democracy, Animal Welfare and local support for Community Needs, Sustainable Ithaca and

School Food and Nutrition.

Position Summary

This role manages the full grants lifecycle experience—from intake and review through approval,

payment, monitoring, and closeout—ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting. The

position oversees due diligence and grantee documentation in accordance with IRS regulations

and Foundation policies, tracks active grants to ensure all pre- and post-award requirements are

met, and responds to internal data requests to support decision-making, reporting, and

evaluation. The role also provides guidance to staff and grantee partners throughout the

application and reporting process. The position is responsible for identifying opportunities to

streamline grantmaking operations and strengthen cross-departmental collaboration to ensure

that grantmaking practices remain aligned with the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.

Key Responsibilities

Grantmaking Systems & Reporting

• Provide strategic oversight of the Foundation’s grants management system and data,

ensuring the platform supports current operations and future growth.

• Evaluate long-term grants systems needs and lead planning for planned upgrades or

system transitions as the organization evolves.

• Manage the Foundation’s grantmaking system end to end, including entering and

maintaining grant requests, reports, organizational records, board-approved grants,

payments, and grant status through closeout.

• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of grants data through regular audits, quality checks, and

ongoing system maintenance and configuration updates.

• Develop and maintain core system tools—including templates, dashboards, and

reports—to support staff workflows, tracking, and decision-making.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external technical support, including

troubleshooting issues, coordinating updates, and assisting users as needed.

• Manage the grantmaking system’s vendor relationship and oversee contract renewals and

licenses.

• Conduct functionality testing of system upgrades; track and resolve system issues with

vendor.

• Generate special reports for the Executive Director, Trustees, and staff as needed.
• Lead training initiatives on the grantmaking system.

Grants Management

• Serve as the primary grants management point of contact for program teams and their

grantee partners.

• Review grants to confirm compliance with IRS regulations and Foundation requirements.
• Partner with the program team and Executive Director to resolve complex issues and

challenges that may be presented by a particular grant or grantee circumstance.

• Draft and prepare grant agreements and letters for Program Officer and Executive Director

review.

• Coordinate with the CFO to ensure financial accuracy before issuing payments.
• Management distribution of grant payments, ensuring proper documentation and

signatures.

• Maintain the annual Grant Cycle Timetable and update staff and trustees calendars

accordingly.

• Advance the Foundation’s grantmaking by leading improvement initiatives that foster

accessible, inclusive, and equitable grantmaking practice

Networking and Other Duties As Required

• Participate as a valued member in relevant networks such as PEAK Grantmaking and

Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG) and stay informed of trends, best practices,

and activities in the philanthropic sector.

• Assist Executive Director, trustees, and staff with any special projects as they arise.
• Administrative duties as requested.

Qualifications, Competencies & Skill Sets

• 7–10 years of grants management experience in a philanthropic organization.
• Deep knowledge of the grantmaking lifecycle, including due diligence, compliance, and

reporting.

• Solid understanding of foundation and IRS regulations related to grantmaking compliance.
• Strong experience managing grantmaking systems and producing reports; familiarity with

Blackbaud Grantmaking a plus.

• Proficiency with grantmaking systems, CRMs/databases, and Microsoft or Google

productivity tools; adaptable to new platforms.

• Collaborative, service-minded approach and a commitment to providing thoughtful,

reliable support to others.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage

multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• High attention to detail and accuracy, with a strong commitment to data integrity and

documentation.

• Sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills with staff, board

members, grantees, and partners.

• Analytical skills to translate data into insights through reports and dashboards.
• Demonstrated commitment to philanthropy, social justice, and the mission, values, and

equity goals of the Park Foundation.

Additional Requirements

Some travel may be required. Willingness to work additional hours if needed during peak periods.

Salary & Benefits

This is an exempt, full-time position. The targeted starting salary range for this position is

$95,000-$140,000 based on experience. Park Foundation offers an extensive and generous

benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) retirement plan with an

employer contribution match.

Working with Park Foundation.

We believe that diversity is critical to our mission, and we value an inclusive culture. We strongly

encourage applications from people with lived experiences related to our programs and

applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Park

Foundation is an equal opportunity employer; we do not discriminate in employment based on

race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical

condition, marital status, sex, gender or gender identity, age or sexual orientation.

The Foundation is based in Ithaca, NY. This position could be remote with regular travel to Ithaca

or based in Ithaca. Park Foundation is currently operating in a hybrid work model.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume addressed to Rachel Leon, Executive

Director and email it to: assistant@parkfoundation.org by April 10, 2026. Please note in the

subject line the role for which you are applying.

Park Foundation offers an extensive and generous

benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) retirement plan with an

employer contribution match.