POSITION SUMMARY
The Simons Foundation is seeking a Grants Manager/Senior Grants Manager (dependent upon experience level and qualifications). This position is responsible for providing comprehensive grant administration currently for the Flatiron Institute, Founder’s Directed; President Directed; Science, Society & Culture; Simons Foundation International portfolios of grants and gifts, including pre- and post-award grant activities, which currently includes Pivot Fellowship Request for Applications. The Grants Manager/Senior 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 Responsibilities
- Acts as the main point of contact for applicants, grantees, and institutional administrators
- Point person for all grant-related questions from the Grants Administrator(s) and/or Grants Assistant(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 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
- Manages Grants Administrator(s)
- Develops innovative solutions to increase efficiency and streamline workflows
- Continuously improves grant processes and procedures to improve and streamline workflows
- 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
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Bachelor’s degree
Experience
- 3-5 years’ work experience in grants administration is required, at least 5-8 years is required for the Senior Grants Manager level
- Knowledge of SmartSimple or a related award management system is preferred
- People management experience is strongly preferred, including delegating tasks and mentoring team members. The Senior Grants Manager level requires people management experience.
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-passed environment
- Ability to adapt to changing needs while maintaining attention to detail
- Demonstrates flexibility and sound judgement when managing multiple priorities
- Superb Excel and PowerPoint skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with Senior Leadership
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Familiarity with grant management systems (like SmartSimple, ProposalCentral, or similar) is a plus.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $99,000 - $135,000, depending on experience level and qualifications.
- In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
- Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.
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.