Grants Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Simons Foundation is seeking a Grants Manager. The Grants Manager is responsible for providing comprehensive grant administration for Mathematics and Physical Sciences pre- and post-award grant activities. The Grants Manager will supervise a grants administrator.

This position is a full-time position based on-site at the Simons Foundation’s New York City offices. Visit the Simons Foundation career page to learn more.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Acts as the main point of contact for applicants, grantees, and institutional administrators
• Manages Grants Administrator(s) and serve as the point person for all grant-related questions from the Grants Administrator(s)
• Liaises with other departments in the foundation 
• Interacts with internal Simons Award Manager support staff regarding online grants management
• Manages entire RFA process, from announcement to grant activation
• Facilitates creation of RFA announcements and schedules
• Produces application templates, instructions, and FAQs
• Coordinates with Program Managers on the review of non-competitive grant applications and renewals
• Reviews grant budgets, sends award letters, and activates grants
• Oversees grant-related compliance review activities, such as tax status verification and expenditure responsibility for international grantees
• Performs grantee due diligence, as needed, to determine legal compliance, as well as financial and reputational risks

• Creates grant deliverable templates, instructions, and FAQs
• Oversees the grant deliverable (renewal, supplemental, carry forward, no cost extension, change of institution and termination) submission and review process
• Provides second tier and, in some cases, final review of grant financial statements 
• Administers the grant closeout process
• Prepares internal reports as needed, including quarterly grant updates
• Communicate outputs to the Foundation and to the appropriate scientific and grant communities 
• Develops training materials and standard operating procedures for the department and their portfolio 
• Develops innovative solutions and continuously improves grants processes and procedures to streamline workflows and increase efficiency
• Stays abreast of industry trends, best practices, and standards
• Defines workflow requirements for the Foundation’s grants management system, Simons Award Manager (SAM), in partnership with program staff for configuration

• Actively builds and maintains strong relationships with relevant internal and external grants stakeholders, most importantly, Scientific Program Directors and Managers
• Perform other duties or tasks as assigned or required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree

Experience

• At least 3 years’ work experience in grants administration is required, 5 or more is ideal
• Experience at the grants manager level is strongly preferred
• People management experience (in a direct supervisory role) is strongly preferred, including delegating tasks and mentoring team members
• Knowledge of SmartSimple or a related award management system is preferred

 Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Ability to work independently and manage others
• Ability to balance/complete multiple tasks while working under deadlines with competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to proactively anticipate needs
• Ability to adapt to changing needs while maintaining attention to detail
• Demonstrates flexibility and sound judgment when managing multiple priorities
• Superb Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Outstanding interpersonal skills — must be able to work well with and adapt to diverse personalities and communication styles
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Eagerness to grow with the position as the organization’s needs evolve

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000, depending on experience level and qualifications.
• In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

Our Commitment to Expanding Pathways to Science & Opportunities for All:

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of our mission, we support partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.

The Simons Foundation provides equal opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.