Manager, Grants

Overview Position: Manager, Grants Department: WFF Education Program Reporting to: Senior Manager, Grants FLSA Status: Full-time; Exempt Location: Jersey City, NJ or Washington, DC The Walton Family Foundation is seeking a skilled, highly motivated, and collaborative individual to join the team as Manager, Grants. The ideal teammate will bring strong experience in grants administration, private foundation compliance, team leadership, and process improvement, with the ability to manage complex grantmaking operations while building effective partnerships across the organization. About the Position The Manager, Grants oversees the operations and administration of the Walton Family Foundation Education Program’s grants and contracts, helping to ensure grantmaking processes are efficient, compliant, accurate, and aligned with IRS regulations and organizational priorities. This role oversees teamwork product, supports staff development, leads process improvement efforts, and partners with internal stakeholders to support grantmaking, contracting, reporting, and charitable activity operations for the Education Program’s $250M+ annual grantmaking budget. What you will do The Manager, Grants will support the day-to-day administration of the Education Program’s grantmaking portfolio of more than $250 million annually, overseeing team execution, strengthening processes, and ensuring accurate, compliant management of grants and contracts. This role partners closely with Program Officers and cross-functional teams including Legal, Finance, and Grants Administration to improve systems, reporting, and operational effectiveness, while also supporting budget and pipeline management, coaching associates, managing priority projects, and serving as a resource on private foundation grantmaking requirements. Responsibilities Support and oversee team execution of Education Program grantmaking processes, ensuring work is completed accurately, timely, and in compliance with organizational policies and applicable Support the management of the Education Program grant budget and pipeline tracking, including commitments, forecasts, and emerging risks. Identify and lead improvements to grants administration processes, resources, documentation, templates, reporting, and systems. Help define and implement requirements for processes, reporting, and software systems supporting grantmaking, contracting, and charitable activities. Manage projects aligned with team goals, process improvements, system enhancements, and organizational priorities. Partner with colleagues and departments to collect, analyze, and report grant and charitable activity data. Train associates on grant processes, policies, tools, and IRS regulations related to private foundation grantmaking. Serve as a resource on IRS rules, private foundation regulations, and other federal or state requirements applicable to grantmaking. Partner with Legal, Grants Administration, Finance, and other teams to ensure grants and contracts comply with foundation policies and requirements. Provide direct support with project management and grantmaking operations to Program Officers and on priority team initiatives. Identify process, compliance, or operational needs and escalate risks or recommendations to the Senior Manager, Grants. Who we are looking for Skills needed Grants’ administration and lifecycle management Private foundation compliance and IRS regulations Staff management, coaching, and training Process improvement and project management Grants’ management systems, data tracking, and reporting Documentation, policies, templates, and workflow tools Stakeholder coordination and cross-functional partnership Analytical thinking, sound judgment, and issue resolution Confidentiality, discretion, and professional communication Experience with use of AI tools to drive efficiency and quality Qualifications required for your success Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred, or equivalent relevant Minimum of 5 years of related experience in grants management, grants administration, nonprofit operations, private foundation grantmaking, compliance, or similar work Minimum of 2 years of staff, team, or people management experience, including coaching and developing others preferred. Strong understanding of grantmaking processes, compliance requirements, financial considerations, and documentation standards. Experience using grants management systems, data tracking tools, reporting tools, or similar technology platforms. Experience with Fluxx preferred. Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain processes, requirements, and compliance expectations clearly. Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, resolve issues, and escalate risks appropriately. Personal attributes that support your success Demonstrates discretion, integrity, and good judgment when handling confidential or sensitive information. Leads collaboratively and respectfully, supporting a team-oriented and service-minded Is organized, accountable, and committed to accurate, timely, and high-quality Approaches work with curiosity, flexibility, and a continuous improvement Communicates clearly and directly while building trust with colleagues and All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work. Benefits Information Compensation Range: $110,000 - $137,000 Benefits Information: We offer a comprehensive and generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401 (k) retirement plan and paid time off. Work Environment and Physical Demands The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations will be made, provided they do not pose an undue hardship to the company. Work is generally performed in a standard office or remote office environment. Duties typically require sitting for long periods; prolonged use of a computer, phone, and other standard office productivity equipment; participating in meetings, communicating by phone, video, and email; and occasional movement within the office or between meeting locations. Occasional lifting of boxes, files, or paperwork may be required. The role is not normally subject to extreme environmental conditions or unusual physical demands. About Walton Family Foundation We are a family-led organization, supporting multiple generations of Sam and Helen Walton’s family. We value trust, mutual respect, and a workplace where every associate belongs and can do their best work. We bring together talented people with different backgrounds and viewpoints, support their growth, and empower them to contribute meaningfully. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.