Job Description: Grants Manager

About the Disability Rights Fund and the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund

The Disability Rights Fund (DRF) is a multimillion-dollar grantmaking collaboration between a diversity of donors and the global disability rights community that resources organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) to advocate for equal rights and full participation in society. The Disability Rights Advocacy Fund (DRAF) is DRF’s sister organization, supporting advocacy for legislative change. DRF/DRAF currently work across Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Caribbean. The Funds – which are based on a participatory grantmaking model – annually make 200-300 grants, mainly ranging from USD $10,000-$50,000 each, to OPDs to advance the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), including in implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Disability Summit commitments.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The main objective of the Grants Manager position is to manage and implement all components of international grants processing, including legal and regulatory compliance, processing of grantmaking requirements, data entry, and reporting of data. The Grants Manager will work closely with the rest of the DRF/DRAF team to enhance the Funds’ grantmaking strategy and tools.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure legal compliance of the Funds’ grantmaking, including for international advocacy grants.
• Ensure compliance with IRS regulations and collaborates with Executive Director, Finance Director, and Accountant to fulfill IRS reporting requirements.
• Update the Funds’ grants administration manual and ensures compliance of grants with internal requirements.
• Provide clear and concise grants administration policies and procedures for staff and grantees.
• Train staff on both grants administration procedures and previous and new online grants database, Blackbaud Grantmaking (BBGM, formerly Gifts Online) and WizeHive Zengine.
• Work with the Program Director to develop or revise applications and grantee report formats to ensure data can be tracked in grants management software and via DRF/DRAF’s Monitoring and Evaluation System.
• Develop and oversee standard terms and conditions for grant award letters, agreements, and contracts.
• Provide links between program, finance, information technology, and other administrative functions so that all grant management activities are smoothly implemented.
• Conduct ongoing grants administration and research, including analyses of grant reports and trends.
• Coordinate with Program Director on mapping out timing of grant application and review process.
• Receive and enter grants data into grants management system and online filing system and ensures integrity of data, in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements as well as with the Funds’ own processes and requirements.
• Supervise Data Entry Coordinator. When settled into role, will hire Grant Coordinator(s) with regional expertise and likely based in the regions where DRF/DRAF operate.
• Conduct due diligence of grantees, including reviewing all applications for red flags around legal requirements, such as lobbying activities (which must be funded from DRAF).
• Review grant entries in database with Program Officers to ensure completeness and accuracy of information.
• Collaborate with Program Team on grant recommendation review from a grants administration legal compliance perspective.
• Assist Program Director in preparing docket presentation and reports for staff, donors, Grantmaking Committee, and Board.
• Solicit and receive grant reports, log reports in system, and link to database.
• Schedule payments, including grant awards and installments in coordination with Program Director, Finance Director, and Accountant
• Work with finance team to schedule wire transfers within online banking system and communicate payment information and verification to grant recipients.
• Produce reports on grants information as requested.
• Conduct watchlist checks.
• Ensure DRF grantmaking and information is regularly shared and updated with philanthropic, human rights, and other transparency partners.
• Stay abreast of new technologies, requirements, trends, and best practices within the field of grants administration.
• Serve on the Risk Operations Management Teams.
• Such other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND CAPABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent; advanced degree desired.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in grants management, including international grantmaking, expenditure responsibility, and other legal/IRS compliance issues.
• Demonstrated experience in working in a small team.
• Experience working with grants management databases.
• Knowledge and application of best practices in grantmaking.
• Knowledge of current regulations pertaining to IRS, international grantmaking, and advocacy grantmaking.
• Proven abilities in analysis, database management, and data reporting.
• Experience with WizeHive Zengine and BBCM.
• Advanced computer skills (in particular, developing Word forms/templates, Adobe Acrobat forms, and manipulating data in Excel); willingness to learn additional applications (and accessible technology) as necessary.
• High level of attention to detail and strong organizational skills, and, at the same time, ability to think broadly and analyze trends.
• Highly motivated self-starter, with ability to work successfully in a virtual team environment.
• Passion for promoting social and economic justice.
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills, with attention to detail required.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical, budgetary, and grants administration details to staff, donors, grantees, and Board members.
• Ability to design and implement effective workflow processes and procedures.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and follow through to effectively manage work and meet multiple deadlines.
• Capability to foster an atmosphere which recognizes and respects cultural and individual differences.

Salary and Benefits

• This is a full-time position; salary will be commensurate with experience.
• DRF offers an excellent benefits package including employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance for employees. 

LOCATION

• If not based in Boston, the candidate must have the ability to work independently from a home location. Preference will be given to an individual based in the Northeast or on the West Coast. 
• If not Boston-based, travel will be required to DRF/DRAF’s Boston office on an as-needed basis. International and other domestic travel may be needed. 

HOW TO APPLY

The Disability Rights Fund is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to build a diverse team. Applicants shall not be discriminated against on any basis. Individuals from historically marginalized identities including Black, Indigenous, and people of color and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Please email a cover letter and resume to:

Roger Falcón, Deputy Director

jobs@disabilityrightsfund.org (please no phone calls)

DEADLINE

Applications are due by January 10, 2022 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Click here to download a Word version of the Grants Manager Job Description