Palo Alto, CA

The Organization

Gordon and Betty Moore established the foundation to create positive outcomes for future generations. In pursuit of that vision, we foster path-breaking scientific discovery, environmental conservation, patient care improvements and preservation of the special character of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Guided by this vision and the Statement of Founders’ Intent, each day we strive to make a significant and positive impact on the world. We tackle large, important issues at a scale where we believe we can make significant and measurable impacts. We know that our ability to take risks and make long-term and relatively large commitments allows us to undertake challenges not accessible to many other organizations.

Foundation facts

• Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA
• $8+ billion in assets
• Annual foundation budget of over $300 million
• About 100 employees
• Four program areas: Environmental Conservation, Science, Patient Care, and the San Francisco Bay Area

Position Overview

Grants Officer

The Grants Administration department oversees the grantmaking process at the foundation. The Grants Administration team collaborates with all departments within the foundation to facilitate the processing of grants, including detailed recording of data, monitoring for internal and external compliance, and producing reports for decision-making. Grants Administration, comprised of four additional colleagues, plays an integral and collaborative role in grant submission, negotiation of grant terms, active grant management and closing of grants.

The Position

The Grants Officer is a highly motivated self-starter who can bring the same initiative to a team environment. The individual will work on submission and active management of grants, as well as contribute to the team throughout the grantmaking lifecycle. The Grants Officer will serve as the point person to assigned programs and will additionally provide training to new staff and refresher training to others to update their skills and knowledge of grantmaking. The Grants Officer is also responsible for interfacing with other departments involved in grantmaking activities. The ideal candidate will have exceptional customer service skills, advanced Word and Excel skills, a general understanding of relational databases and a broad understanding of private foundation operations.

This position reports to the Director of Grants Administration and is based at foundation headquarters in Palo Alto, California; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, work will initially occur remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional customer service to our respective program teams and grantees, related to grantmaking, systems, and foundation practices
• Develop familiarity with and recognition of when legal and internal business rules/policies apply
• Review submitted grant documents and budgets for completeness, adherence to policy, accuracy and appropriate approvals to facilitate the smooth and expeditious processing of grants
• Manage the delivery and tracking of grant agreements and amendments, including requests for revisions and internal reviews
• Develop and provide grantmaking training to employees, including one-on-one training and group presentations that inform and educate new and seasoned staff
• Assess incongruencies between planned reporting and system
  • Assess when our legal agreements with grantees are reflected accurately in our system
• Facilitate collaborations across teams and serve as a participant in various cross-foundation groups
• Plan and facilitate project and team meetings
• Maintain system data integrity
• Collaborate with the Grants Administration team to monitor and support adherence to policies and best business practices
• Assess, recommend and test system and process enhancements to maximize grantmaking efficiency and effectiveness
• Partner with team members during peak grantmaking periods to pivot and rebalance priorities
• Other duties as assigned

Experience and Education

• A Bachelor’s degree
• 7+ years relevant work experience in a not-for-profit or for-profit organization
• Experience managing databases and maintaining data integrity

Competencies

• Mastery of production and design of management reporting
• Strong quantitative, analytical and data visualization skills to interpret data effectively
• Advanced Excel and database management skills  (experience with GIFTS database is a plus)
• Exceptional ability to synthesize and communicate findings from data analysis to varied audiences both verbally and in writing
• Proven ability to produce high-quality deliverables and to manage and prioritize multiple time-sensitive tasks
• Strong customer service orientation while balancing the requirements to adhere to legal requirements and policy
• Demonstrated ability to conduct training both one-on-one and a with group
• Flexible and positive approach to problem-solving in a collaborative team environment and an ability to work collaboratively with multiple audiences
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion; establish and maintain credibility and trust
• Demonstrated interest in the not-for-profit and/or philanthropic sector (preferred)
• Willingness to support and promote the foundation and colleagues through commitment to enhancing the foundation’s considerations of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Attributes

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following attributes, which describe how we at the foundation strive to do our work with each other and our partners.

• Committed to Excellence
• Passionate
• Collegial
• Open and Honest
• Humble and Self Aware

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation includes a competitive base salary and an excellent package of health, retirement savings and other benefits.

How To Apply

To apply, please visit:  https://jobapply.page.link/BmG4

The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates for this search.  We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.