The program and grants associate (PGA) is part of the Foundation's Grants and Program Operations team and provides grantmaking and operations structure, administration, and internal systems knowledge to enhance program results. The team is a group of experts in how our work gets done and ensures that we work effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with the Foundation's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This position manages the grantmaking process and budget in partnership with a specific program team to advance the program's goal and the Foundation's mission.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Manage the grantmaking process for a specific McKnight program.

1. Ensure grant data is appropriately and accurately captured throughout the process and grants are made in alignment with Foundation values and compliant with Foundation policy and IRS rules.
2. Respond to requests for pre-grant information from foundation staff and grantees and provide guidance on the appropriate grantmaking process.
3. Review incoming grant request data, ensuring an accurate merger of grant application information between the application system and grantmaking database.
4. Perform early-stage due diligence and advise program staff or grantee on any necessary compliance procedures.
5. Prepare grant requests and coordinate and facilitate grantmaking meetings for the program team to review and make decisions.
6. Verify application materials are complete and ready for grant review, correspond with applicants, as necessary.
7. Partner with reviewer to complete the grant review process, ensuring data is accurate, financial review is completed, and flagging concerns for reviewer to prepare the recommendation.
8. Partner with Learning and the reviewer to develop grantee learning plans, as applicable.
9. Prepare grant information quarterly for board meeting materials.
10. Process grant approval, grant agreement, and payment materials.
11. Manage grantee reporting process by reviewing incoming grantee reports, sharing concerns and/or achievements with the program team, completing financial and other applicable due diligence, determining necessary next steps and seeing them to completion.

Manage the grantmaking budget for a specific McKnight program.

1. Ensure the annual grantmaking budget payout will be met and cash flow is managed accurately and effectively.
2. Develop and implement systems and processes to efficiently track and plan grant payments throughout the year, allowing Finance and Investments colleagues to manage cash flow effectively.
3. Create and approve materials for bi-weekly grant payments.
4. Communicate regularly with the program team and supervisor/leadership on grant budget/payout status and projections and provide recommendations for hitting grantmaking targets.

Partner with the program team and other Foundation colleagues to meet program goals and Foundation mission.

1. Provide internal expertise on grantmaking process, equitable grantmaking practices, Foundation policies and procedures, and IRS regulations to make grants efficiently and effectively in service to the mission.
2. Identify gaps in understanding and execution of funding procedures among Foundation staff and assist with necessary training and/or follow-up.
3. Work in partnership with GPO team to propose and develop systems for collecting and using grantmaking data effectively.
4. Prioritize grantee needs throughout grantmaking process and respond to questions or requests for help in a timely manner.
5. Identify opportunities for innovation in the grantmaking space, exploring new approaches, including equity-centered grantmaking processes, non-traditional types of support, and other continuous adaptations to grantmaking practices.
6. Collaborate with the communications team to ensure that any public-facing program information related to grantmaking is up-to-date, accurate, and effectively presented for various audiences, ensuring that internal stakeholders are aware.

Participate in Foundation-wide meetings and events.

1. Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, retreats, staff development learning activities, and other relevant meetings.
2. Participate in cross-functional work groups as appropriate.

Required Competencies

Foundation-wide Competencies

1. Collaborates, Communicates Effectively, Manages Complexity, Builds Networks, Being Resilient, Drives Results, Strategic Mindset, Instills Trust

Grants and Program Operations Competencies

1. Customer Focus, Decision Quality, Optimizes Work Processes, Ensures Accountability, Communicates Effectively, Organizational Savvy, Nimble Learning

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

1. Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience in project management, database management, following compliance procedures, demonstrated experience in process improvement or a combination of 3 years of equivalent experience and training.
2. Experience in a foundation, non-profit, or governmental field is preferred.
3. Preference is given to those applicants who have professional work experience in grants management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Ability to manage highly detailed work with speed and accuracy.
2. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively across organizational functions.
3. Ability to learn and master data systems on a continuous basis.
4. Ability to communicate effectively interpersonally and in a group setting.
5. Ability to constructively navigate differences and arrive at shared solutions.
6. Ability to prioritize and organize workflow.
7. Ability to be flexible, despite many interruptions and changes in deadlines.
8. Ability to prepare and/or edit written summaries and analysis.
9. Ability to work autonomously and without a lot of direction.
10. Skill in using Microsoft 365 suite or comparable software applications (such as Google suite).
11. Personal passion for the Foundation's mission of creating a just, creative, and abundant future where people and planet thrive. 
12. Ability to reflect on and build cultural competency and awareness of bias and inequities.
13. Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, racial equity, inclusion, and accessibility. 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

1. Work is normally performed in an office work environment.
2. McKnight offers a hybrid work environment.
3. Work is normally performed in an office environment but may occasionally include off-site meeting or event venues.
4. Regular and sustained operation of office machines, including computer, phone, printer, and copier is required.
5. Opportunities for occasional travel within the US may arise but are not usually required; certain programs travel internationally, and this role will be expected to travel on occasion.
   
   

Compensation and Benefits

This opportunity is a full-time, exempt position based in Minneapolis. The hiring salary is $78,974.45.Compensation includes generous time off and participation in the Foundation's comprehensive and robust benefits plan, which includes an annual Tuition Assistance and Professional Development plan and employee spending account programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The McKnight Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer and proudly values diversity. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. As an employer, McKnight has the opportunity and responsibility to embed equity across its policies and practices-in how teams are hired, trained, developed, and supported, and in how the organization crafts its culture.

President Tonya Allen heads a majority women, majority people-of-color senior leadership team. In addition, McKnight has increased diversity at every level and in every department across the Foundation. This didn't happen by chance. It required actively recruiting candidates from a variety of backgrounds and valuing their skills and lived experiences in addition to specific academic degrees or other formal credentials. McKnight's team has a wealth of diversity in perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences to advance the Foundation's mission.

To Apply

Please apply for this position through McKnight's website: https://www.mcknight.org/careers/. Please submit a resume and a cover letter describing your interest in the position, as well as your work experience or lived experience in advancing racial equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, August 27, at 5:00 pm Central Time. Our offices will be closed for Labor Day weekend starting August 30 through September 2 so applicants should not expect to hear from us until after September 2.

The above statements are not intended to encompass all functions and qualifications of the position, rather, they are intended to provide a general framework of the requirements of the position. Job incumbents may be required to perform other functions not specifically addressed in this description.

Fraud Warning: The McKnight Foundation is dedicated to the safety and security of our community. We have been alerted to fraudulent emails from unauthorized individuals impersonating McKnight Foundation leadership and staff, particularly targeting individuals seeking employment. We advise you to refer to our official communication channels, like our Careers page, for accurate information regarding our hiring process and other engagements. Learn more.