Grants Officer

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,  core values, 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.

The Ford Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, the Foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact [email protected].

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. 

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WORKING AT FORD

• Commitment to creating a culture where everyone feels respected

• A hybrid working model and flexible work arrangement policies offer colleagues the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways and the space to maintain a healthy work-life balance 

• Professional development and ample opportunities to build your expertise and expand your network

• Comprehensive benefits package designed for your well-being and work-life needs, including medical, dental, and vision benefits effective on your first day

• Generous time off, including personal, vacation, sick, extended holiday time off, and wellness days

• Generous parental leave policy, including birth, surrogacy, adoptive, foster parents, and resources for backup child and elder care that support our colleagues’ ability to attend to family responsibilities 

• Comprehensive retirement benefits options (with employee and employer contributions of up to 13%), allowing you to invest in your financial future with confidence

Learn more about what it’s like to work at the Ford Foundation.  

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at The Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law. The Ford Foundation does not discriminate against formerly incarcerated individuals.