Description

ABOUT COMER FAMILY FOUNDATION:

The Comer Family Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to seeding ideas and supporting innovative programs that make a lasting and positive impact on the lives of individuals and their communities. For more than 35 years, the Foundation has continued to support organizations leading change in the areas of education, healthcare, environment, and culture. Its earliest grantmaking focused on the city of Chicago and syringe exchange programs nationwide. It remains committed to supporting organizations in Chicago and Madison and is the longest standing funder of comprehensive harm reduction programs that improve the health and wellness of people who use drugs. To learn more about the Foundation please visit www.comerfamilyfoundation.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

The Grants and Data Manager is a new position that will play a critical role on our small team. The position will be responsible for overseeing database management, the grant review process, researching new grantees, coordinating the annual Climate Conference, and providing administrative support to the Executive Director. The ideal candidate will have experience at a foundation or a relevant nonprofit, knowledge of Foundant software (or similar databases/tools) and Excel, as well as data visualization, communication, and basic finance skills. We are looking for candidates who are self-motivated, detail-oriented and consistently exhibit good judgment and integrity. As a Foundation rooted in harm reduction and racial equity, the Grants and Data Manager will also have a deep understanding of the importance of these values in the grantmaking process. This is a wonderful career opportunity for someone who is excited by data and analysis, enjoys bringing both creativity and efficiency to their work, and is interested in the field of grants management.

The Foundation strongly encourages candidates from all backgrounds and identities to apply, especially those that have been historically excluded from the philanthropic sector. We believe that diversity enriches our work and strengthens our impact. Therefore, we welcome applicants who can bring a variety of perspectives and experiences to our team. Your gifts and lived experiences matter to us more than titles. You may be exactly who we are looking for!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage and maintain the Foundation’s grantmaking database, Foundant, including data entry, data quality control, reporting
Serve as the primary point of contact for grantee technical assistance with Foundant
Create and maintain customized reports to support the Foundation’s grantmaking activities, decision-making processes, and learning by analyzing data on grantee impact
Manage the grant application and review process, including pre- and post-award communication with grantees, organizing review meetings, making recommendations for funding, and confirm all required reporting materials are submitted
Conduct research to identify potential eligible grantees and areas of interest for the Foundation
Work closely with the Foundation’s Executive Director to develop and implement grantmaking policies and procedures, ensuring that they align with the Foundation’s mission and values
Support the Executive Director with Board packets, requesting checks, preparing drafts of cover letters, and other administrative tasks as needed
Support the team in coordinating logistics for the foundation's annual Climate Conference, including attendee registration and tracking
Build and steward relationships with grantees, community partners, and peer funders, and other stakeholders
Participate in relevant networks and professional organizations to stay current and knowledgeable on trends in philanthropy, grant making, and grants management
Ensure compliance with Board policies and procedures

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum of three years of experience in data management and analysis, with an emphasis on Foundant grants management software, Excel, or similar tools
Minimum of three years of experience in the nonprofit sector, ideally with a focus on grants management and operations and/or administrative support
Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as nonprofit management, public administration, public health, social science, data science is preferred or relevant work experience
Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and management
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a self-directed approach to work
Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
Understanding of harm reduction, racial equity values, and a commitment to incorporating these values into all aspects of the Foundation’s work
Strong interpersonal skills with enthusiasm for relationship building among community and staff
Motivated by professional development and long-term career at a foundation
Holds a drive to think creatively and offer suggestions to improve administrative processes

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This is a full-time position. Evening and weekend work are occasionally required, particularly during our annual Climate Conference.
The role requires travel three to five times per year and attendance at internal and external meetings.
The position is located in Chicago, IL with the ability to work remotely three days per week.
Ordinarily, this position operates primarily in an accessible office environment. Some travel to other off-site locations in the Chicago area is required. Some may not be accessible.
Staff are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Comer Family Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees are made in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, military service and/or marital status, order of protection status, handicap, disability, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state, or local statutes.

TO APPLY:

Submit resume, salary requirements, and, instead of a cover letter, answers to a few short questions on the application form on the next tab.
Candidates selected for an interview may be asked to provide references and a writing sample.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Due to the high volume of applications, only those selected for further discussion will be contacted. Please, no phone calls.
To request accommodations, contact the Foundation at careers@comerfamilyfoundation.org. The Comer Family Foundation complies with federal and state disability laws and will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.

Benefits

COMPENSATION:

The salary range for this position is $65,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience.
The Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.

Comer Family Foundation

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Grants & Data Manager