ECMC Foundation is a nationally focused foundation whose mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments to remove barriers to postsecondary completion; build the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems; and transform the postsecondary ecosystem using a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures.
Job Summary The Grants Management Associate reports to the Manager of Grants Administration and plays a key role in supporting the Foundation’s grantmaking operations and grants management system (Fluxx). This position provides operational and administrative support throughout the full grant lifecycle, helping ensure efficient, accurate, and compliant grantmaking processes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Conducts due diligence reviews of Letters of Intent (LOIs) and grant applications, ensuring submissions are complete, accurate, and aligned with Foundation requirements.
- Administers grantmaking activities throughout the grant lifecycle, including preparing award documentation, processing grant agreements, coordinating payments, and documenting grant modifications.
- Owns and maintains the integrity of the grants management system (Fluxx), including ensuring accuracy and completeness of grant data.
- Oversees day-to-day grants management operations, collaborating across department to resolve complex ad hoc issues related to grantmaking process and procedure, payment processing, systems optimization, and compliance activities.
- Serves as a primary point of support on grantmaking operations for staff and grantees, providing guidance on grant processes, requirements, and system navigation.
- Delivers onboarding and ongoing training to staff on grants management systems, policies, procedures, grantmaking workflows, and data standards.
- Generates and maintains grant records, reports, and documentation to support operational, financial, and compliance requirements.
- Assists with the preparation of materials, reports, and presentations for leadership, committee, and board meetings.
- Identifies opportunities to improve grants management processes, data quality, and operational efficiency and support the implementation of approved enhancements.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Associate or bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of experience working with grants management systems, CRMs, or comparable enterprise platforms (e.g., Fluxx, Salesforce); or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
- Experience administering and maintaining complex data systems and supporting grants management or related operational processes.
- Experience implementing process improvements, workflow enhancements, or operational efficiencies.
- Knowledge of grants management processes, recordkeeping practices, and data quality standards.
- Experience developing reports and maintaining data integrity within enterprise systems.
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, leveraging strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills to manage multiple priorities, execute complex projects, and consistently deliver high-quality results with minimal supervision.
- Ability to travel domestically up to 15% and work effectively within the Foundation's hybrid work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in philanthropy
The pay range for this position is $80,000 - $95,000. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, peer and market benchmarks, and geographic location.
This position is classified as hybrid Monday - Wednesday and requires attendance in Minneapolis, MN.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
ECMC Foundation also provides a comprehensive benefits package:
- Health & wellness benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plan options, with a generous employer subsidy. Company paid life & disability insurance, pre-tax flexible spending accounts and robust wellness programs.
- Financial benefits: Generous 401(k) plan with a company match up to 6% and additional discretionary contribution potential, paid time off starting at 20 days/year and commuter subsidy.
- Education benefits: Tuition reimbursement up to $10,500/year for approved programs and student loan payment reimbursement up to $4,800/year. Up to $5,250 of qualifying education benefits can be reimbursed pre-tax.