To be considered for this position, please submit your CV/resume and a cover letter. The deadline to apply is Nov 11, 2026.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Ford Foundation seeks multiple fixed-term Grants Officers to provide interim support across several program areas including Technology and Society, Civic Engagement & Governance, Future of Work & Racial Justice as well as coverage for Program Officers seconded to special strategy design units.
In these roles, Grants Officers will bridge key operational gaps by managing existing grant portfolios. Responsibilities focus on streamlined grant administration, monitoring timelines, ensuring due diligence, and high-impact grant execution.
HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE
The Grants Officer will perform the following and related responsibilities:
- Develop a strong understanding of program goals, strategic approaches, and theories of change.
- Work with grantees to monitor and report on grant activities through written reports, meetings and relationship and network building.
- Conduct due diligence activities including monitoring grantee performance and benchmarks, ensuring legal compliance and risk mitigation, and working with grantees to resolve challenges or concerns.
- Conduct grant coding and draft grant strategic alignment write-ups, in consultation with the Director or Program Officers.
- Work with Directors, Program Officers and grants management team to maintain and update grantee records and virtual grant files.
- Support with maintaining and strengthening relationships between grantees, the Foundation and other key stakeholders through prompt and effective communication.
- Collaborate with internal colleagues to develop and execute grantee communications as needed.
- Develop outreach related to the dissemination of grantee outputs and reports.
- Represent the Foundation in relevant meetings, briefings, consultations and convenings.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING
- At least 5 years of experience in philanthropy, grantmaking, or within a mission-driven nonprofit or endowment organization similar to the Ford Foundation.
- Practical experience in grantmaking, grants administration and proficiency with standard grants management and budgeting systems.
- Skilled at managing complex, detail-intensive workloads and special projects while balancing competing priorities in a high-pressure environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and analytically, exercising discretion and good judgment.
- Exceptional cross-functional collaboration skills, with the capacity to work seamlessly alongside Foundation colleagues, grantees, and external consultants.
- Excellent communication, writing and proofreading skills.
- Experience analyzing data; strong quantitative and problem-solving skills.
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent practical work experience.
- Ways of working and engaging that align with the Foundation’s mission, and commitment to creating a culture of excellence.
HELPFUL BUT NOT REQUIRED
- Familiarity with Google Suite apps and online Grants Management systems (e.g. FLUXX).
- Familiarity with internal foundation policies and grantmaking procedures
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position is primarily a sedentary role. However, the person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with internal staff, access files, office machinery and a copy machine/printer.
SALARY: The Ford Foundation is committed to practicing salary transparency. The salary for this position is $120,000. We review global compensation on a regular basis to ensure market competitiveness and equity. The starting salary for this position has been carefully crafted in alignment with the market.
LOCATION: This position is based in the foundation’s New York office. We operate in a hybrid model and require staff to be in the office three days per week.
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Fixed-term for one year.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: To be considered for this position, please submit your CV/resume and a cover letter. The deadline to apply is Nov 11, 2026.
Li-Hybrid
