New Canaan, CT

The Organization

About The Tow Foundation

Established in 1988, The Tow Foundation is a family foundation committed to promoting justice, wellness and access to opportunities so that individuals and communities can thrive. Grounded in our work in Connecticut and New York, we support visionary leaders and nonprofit organizations that serve historically marginalized populations, help individuals contribute to their communities and champion advancements and experiences that make it possible for all people to live a healthy and joyous life. In all that we do, we are guided by our core values of collaboration, transformation, innovation and entrepreneurship. To accomplish our goals, we invest in innovative programs and reform in the areas of culture, higher education, journalism, justice and community wellness, and medicine.

If you, like us, are motivated by a desire to make a positive impact, then come join our growing team.

If You Are…

• A team player who enjoys collaboration and is willing to pitch in where needed
• A self-starter who takes pride in managing your responsibilities
• A great communicator who writes and speaks clearly, and listens well
• Tech savvy with a willingness to learn new systems and tech solutions
• Flexible, adaptable and resourceful
• Well-organized, detail-oriented and able to manage several projects at once

Someone who:

• has a passion for personal growth
• embraces change and enjoys a fast-paced environment
• leads with kindness and demonstrates patience toward yourself and others
• approaches the world with optimism
• enjoys finding solutions that result in greater success and efficiency
• is passionate about having a positive impact in the world

…then this could be a great partnership.

Position Overview

Reports to: Director of Operations

Direct Reports: Consultants and vendors as needed

Salary Range: $90,000 – $100,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus benefits

Location: New Canaan, CT, Hybrid position, two days/week in the office.

Position Description

Reporting to the Director of Operations, this position works with the entire Foundation team to support and improve grantmaking operations through the management of: 1) Grant workflows and data management; 2) Compliance with regulatory and legal requirements; and 3) Documentation of grantmaking procedures. Responsibilities focus on effectively managing the Foundation’s grant lifecycles, enhancing efficiencies of data and workflow systems, and preserving grant archives. The Foundation’s annual grantmaking currently averages $20 million per year.

Strong candidates must be committed to and passionate about developing innovative approaches to investing in promising, high-impact nonprofits that range from small grassroots organizations to large, complex institutions.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and outstanding organizational and project management skills
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written and analytical skills
• Strong creative problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to handle confidential and time sensitive information with discretion
• Adaptive, and comfortable in a dynamic and rapidly changing work environment
• Ability to develop strong relationships with people at all career levels and in various roles, (e.g., marketing, finance, executive, etc.)
• Aptitude to learn quickly and apply new technology
• Interest in philanthropy, social justice and knowledge of the nonprofit field

Experience

• Minimum five years of experience in grants and contract management, preferably at a nonprofit or philanthropic organization, or an equivalent combination of experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of current IRS regulations related to private foundations, including equivalency determination, expenditure responsibility, self-dealing, lobbying, etc. is required
• At least three years of experience with managing data integrity in grants management systems and/or customer relationship management systems
• Proficiency in Mac operating systems, Zoom and all Microsoft Office applications on iOS mobile technology and business apps is required
• Familiarity with electronic contract systems
• Experience with project management systems and collaboration apps

Education

Minimum associate’s degree, preferably in project management, accounting, administration, data science or legal studies, or equivalent level of experience

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times
• Must be comfortable attending indoor and outdoor site visits and other external activities as needed

Other Requirements

Ability to travel up to 10% of the time to attend Foundation events as needed

COVID-19 Operations

The Tow Foundation is currently operating as a hybrid workplace. This role currently requires an on-site presence at our office in our New Canaan, CT at least two days per week. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, including booster, is required. We provide our team with the IT necessary to work both in our office and remotely. Compliance with office COVID-19 safety protocols is required.

Responsibilities

Grants Management

• Manage grant lifecycles and internal controls to ensure timely processing of grants in accordance with the Foundation’s policies and IRS regulations
• Ensure that all grants comply with IRS regulations as well as all financial and legal requirements for private foundations
• Administer grant payments
• Prepare annual grant budgets and monthly grant cash flow reports
• Prepare and process discretionary grants requested by the Board of Directors, Chairman or President
• Support the Director of Operations, General Counsel and senior program staff in structuring complex grants and grant agreements
• Partner with the Information Systems Manager to ensure grantmaking systems comply with governance, legal, auditing and Foundation requirements

Knowledge Management

• Manage and maintain documentation of grantmaking policies, procedures and training materials, ensuring that they reflect the Foundation’s values and promote equity and inclusion
• Maintain and prepare grant financial reports and materials for the 990-PF, the Board of Directors, the Board’s Investment Committee and other colleagues as needed
• Proactively train colleagues on grantmaking procedures
• Manage and maintain Foundation grant archives in accordance with our policies
• Assist in research projects related to the Foundation’s current and historical grantmaking and grantmaking trends, as needed

Project Management & Optimization

• Manage and lead the production of Board meeting materials
• Implement and maintain process improvements to maximize efficiency across the Foundation’s grantmaking operations
• Partner with the Information Systems Manager to design and implement the use of technology systems and procedures that ensure efficient and effective grantmaking
• Maintain and develop relationships with grantee partner organizations
• Other duties as assigned

The Ideal Candidate Will Be…

• A strategic, analytic thinker and problem solver
• A diplomatic communicator who is comfortable working with diverse constituencies, from grassroots organizations to established institutions, while maintaining a high level of discretion and confidentiality
• A strong project manager with excellent organization skills and the flexibility to manage shifting priorities in a self-directed fashion
• Comfortable taking initiative within a collaborative team environment
• Knowledgeable about the philanthropic sector. Experience managing grants to grassroots organizations and large institutions is a plus
• Committed to building broad knowledge of the Foundation’s values, programs, practices, policies and procedures

How To Apply

We are managing the application process via LinkedIn and you should submit a resume via LinkedIn. We will prioritize the review of your resume over your LinkedIn profile and you are encouraged to apply even if your LinkedIn profile is not up to date. If you do not have access to LinkedIn, then please email your resume to employment@towfoundation.org with the subject “Grants Manager.” The deadline to apply is Friday November 4, 2022.

Should you advance to the next round, you will be asked to submit a cover letter and create a LinkedIn profile to continue going through our screening process. The ideal start date for this position is January 16, 2023.

The Tow Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, veteran status, physical/mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.