Grants Administrator

Position Overview: The Grants Administrator is responsible for the Foundation’s grant administration, ensuring the efficient operation of the grants management system, SmartSimple, and providing administrative support for office staff. The Grants Administrator reports to the Executive Director. Organization Overview: The S. Mark Taper Foundation is a responsive grantmaker funding Southern California nonprofit organizations addressing arts, education, health, social services, and environmental issues. The Foundation provides grants for general operating support, program support, and capital projects. Key Responsibilities: The Grants Administrator’s responsibilities include data management relating to the full life cycle of current and past grants, communication with potential applicants, past recipients and Foundation leadership, and administrative support for office staff. Grants Management: Manages all Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) and applications submitted through SmartSimple, verifying all information is complete and accurate, and performing initial due diligence screening Develops new templates for LOIs, applications, reports, and system documents and is responsible for testing all aspects of the grant portal to ensure the workflows are functioning properly Oversees all aspects of the grant reporting process Analyzes data to create grant-related searches, reports, and summaries to support programmatic, financial and operational decision making Ensures exemplary standard of data integrity Communication: Serves as the first point of contact for LOI and application inquiries to the Foundation Provides high-quality, prompt, responsive, and courteous technical assistance and support regarding the grant process and grant portal to applicants and grantees by email, virtual meetings, and telephone Provides clear and timely written communications for Foundation staff, board, applicants, and grantees Administrative support: Provides administrative support for office staff: processing mail, answering general phone calls, maintaining supplies, liaising with building management, composing, proofreading and editing documents with a high level of accuracy; and backing up other office duties Liaises with board members and coordinates Foundation-wide meetings Qualifications: The successful candidate for the position will have excellent database management and analytical skills, a strong desire to support the Foundation and its grantees, and a knowledge of the nonprofit sector in Southern California. The Foundation seeks an individual with the following qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience Minimum of 1-2 years of relevant work experience that demonstrates a commitment to philanthropy, grants management, or nonprofit organizations Experience managing databases or grants management software, preferably SmartSimple Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new software programs and databases Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, PC, and Mac Exceptional attention to detail Commitment and ability to maintain high level of data quality and accuracy Strong written and verbal communication skills Precise proofreading and editing skills Ability to take initiative, problem solve, and exercise good judgment Curiosity and willingness to seek new information and look for innovative approaches to existing processes Ability to prioritize work, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a multitasking environment Highly organized Ability to work independently, when appropriate Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to develop and maintain productive work relationships Ability to interact with all persons, inside and outside the Foundation, in a professional and courteous manner Ability to discern and handle sensitive matters with discretion, confidentiality, and tact Understanding of the mission and values established by the Board of Directors Professional demeanor, dependability, and integrity Flexibility and adaptability Ability to accept feedback as a means to professional growth Physical Requirements Work at a desk and computer for a full work day, and up to 2 to 3 hours at a time Lift and move documents and supplies up to 25 pounds Bend to file or retrieve documents Communicate effectively in speech and in writing Read and understand complex written documents and written and verbal communications Occasionally work extended hours (early and late), and weekends Work in-person at and commute to an office in the West Los Angeles area Equal Employment Opportunity The Foundation is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. In accordance with applicable laws, discrimination and harassment are prohibited on the basis of sex, gender, pregnancy (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision-making, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race (inclusive of traits associated with race including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, or any combination of such protected characteristics, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Reasonable accommodations are provided in accordance with applicable law. Applicants with Disabilities Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified applicants with disabilities may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of any requested accommodations necessary to participate in the application process at the time you apply. The Foundation will engage in an interactive process in good faith.