Director of Grants Administration

Position Summary:   

The Director of Grant collaborates with colleagues across the organization to execute grants that achieve the strategic and philanthropic goals of The Chicago Community Trust.  Reporting to the CFO, responsibilities include developing, recommending, and implementing policies and procedures related to grants management, as well as providing leadership for interdepartmental activities regarding the acquisition and administration of Competitive, Designated, and Donor Advised grants.  The Director of Grants is responsive to the needs of grant seekers, internal staff, and executive committee members. 

Position Responsibilities: 

• Oversee the Grants Management department to execute all types of grant-making including Competitive, Designated, and Donor Advised grants.
• Manage, inspire, train, and evaluate the Grants Management team to achieve departmental goals and support organizational objectives.
• Lead decision-making among colleagues to design and execute efficient and effective funding programs.
• Partner with Community Impact team to leverage the grants management system to best achieve the department’s goals.
• Incorporate industry best practices in grants management to support the Trust in designing and improving grants policies, procedures, and technology, reflecting strong internal controls and US GAAP compliance.
• Answer and manage external and internal inquiries about the Trust’s grant program and specific funding opportunities.  Communicate with grantees regarding their grant agreements, payments, and reports.
• Plan grant cycles and deadlines in coordination with Community Impact staff.
• Oversee training staff on both grant procedures and grants management software

• Collaborate across departments to improve internal processes.
• Serve on various internal and interdepartmental committees as needed.

This description should not be construed to contain every function or responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job.  Incumbents are required to perform other related functions as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Finance or Economics OR an equivalent combination of professional work experience, training, and education.
• Ten (10) years of grant development experience.
• Three (3) years’ prior experience in grant administration policies and procedures.
• Three (3) years of prior supervisory, managerial or project management work experience.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local rules, regulations and guidelines related to grants administration.
• Considerable knowledge of grant writing and application process. Knowledge of grants management software.

• Ability to analyze financial and other statistical data. Ability to determine compliance with federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations, as well as departmental grant policies.
• Ability to make sound judgments and effectively communicate with others in written and oral form.
• Ability to evaluate and prioritize multiple assignments in an efficient and timely manner.

• Excellent Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Experience with process improvement.
• Skilled in the management of other professionals engaged in computer-based financial and budgetary analysis.
• Skilled in presentation development using Microsoft PowerPoint and/or other presentation software.
• Strong problem-solving skills, a willingness to take calculated risks and creatively address complex issues.
• Strong listening skills, with the ability to synthesize feedback and information from various stakeholders.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Trust is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at careers@cct.org if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are fundamental to achieving our impact

The Chicago Community Trust’s vision is a Chicago region where equity, opportunity, and prosperity abound. We acknowledge the specific role discrimination and systemic barriers based on race, ethnicity, and other varied identities and differences have played in limiting opportunities for too many. A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is at the core of who we are, the decisions we make, and the actions we take in our work to strengthen the communities we serve and advance our strategic focus to close the racial and ethnic wealth gap. Click here to learn more about our strategic plan.

The History of The Chicago Community Trust

The Chicago Community Trust was founded in 1915 by Norman and Albert Harris, father and son duo of the Harris Trust and Savings Bank (now BMO Harris Bank). The Trust was the fourth community foundation ever created. There are now 750 community foundations in Canada and the U.S.

As our region’s community foundation, the Trust unites generous donors, committed nonprofits and caring residents to effect lasting change that moves our entire region forward. Our approach centers on tackling the region’s immediate needs and addressing the root causes of deep-seated issues to realize a more prosperous future for all who call metropolitan Chicago home.

For more than 100 years, donors have entrusted their philanthropic resources and visions to our stewardship. Guided by our deep knowledge of the community, we fund, lead, convene and collaborate to address the greatest and most critical needs facing the Chicago region. From the $22 million raised to help with unemployment relief in the Great Depression to spearheading an effort to help people keep their homes during the foreclosure crisis of the Great Recession to $35 million raised for the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund, which supported nonprofits serving our most vulnerable neighbors, Chicagoans have put their trust in us.

In 2019, we announced we would focus our discretionary spending over the next decade on working to close Chicago’s growing racial and ethnic wealth gap. The Trust envisions a Chicago region that’s stronger and more prosperous because everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, or zip code—has equitable access to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed and live a fulfilling life.

With assets of more than $3.7 billion, the Trust, in partnership with its donors, distributes more than $600 million in grants each year. The Trust Team seeks to match the passion and commitment of donors, grant recipients, residents, and community leaders that continue to work tirelessly to make the Chicago region one where all have the opportunity to realize their dreams.

Submit resume and cover letter.