Director, Grants and Foundations

Description

Title: Director, Grants and Foundations   

Location: Remote, United States 

Operation Smile is a global nonprofit specializing in expert cleft surgery and care. We provide medical expertise, research and care through our dedicated staff and medical and student volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits and health systems and supported by our generous donors. Since 1982, Operation Smile has been committed to providing patients with health that lasts through life-saving cleft surgeries and comprehensive care, helping them to better breathe, eat, speak, and live lives of greater quality and confidence. Our training and education programs elevate safe surgical standards and strengthen a global network to reach more people earlier in their lives.  

General Description: 

The Director of Grants and Foundations will lead the organization’s grants strategy, focusing on securing significant funding from foundations, government agencies, and other institutional partners. This role involves identifying and cultivating relationships with potential funders, developing compelling proposals, and overseeing the entire grant lifecycle, from initial application to reporting.  

Essential Functions: 

Grant Development and Management: 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive grants strategy to support the organization’s strategic priorities. 
• Identify and prioritize new grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. 
• Establish and maintain relationships with key foundation and grant partners, aligning proposals with their giving priorities.

Proposal Writing and Submission 

• Oversee the development of high-quality, competitive grant proposals, including writing, budget creation, and submission processes. 
• Collaborate with program teams to gather data, success stories, and relevant information to create compelling proposals.
• Ensure all submissions are timely and align with funders' requirements and priorities.

Grant Management and Compliance 

• Manage all aspects of awarded grants, including tracking deliverables, coordinating with program teams, and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
• Oversee the preparation of detailed and accurate grant reports for funders, including financial reporting and programmatic outcomes.
• Work closely with finance and program departments to track expenditures, ensure funder requirements are met, and maintain accurate financial records for audits and funder review.

Partnerships and Relationship Building 

• Cultivate relationships with grantors, foundations, and institutional partners to increase long-term support. 
• Serve as the primary contact with foundation partners, providing updates, organizing site visits, and participating in relevant events. 

Requirements

Experience Required (education/work): 

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. 
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in grant writing, management, and foundation relations, with a proven record of securing six- and seven-figure grants. 
• Experience working in a nonprofit environment, ideally within global health. 
• Strong project management skills, with a detail-oriented approach to tracking multiple grants and deadlines. 
• Proficiency with grants management software and/or donor databases (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge). 

Competencies: 

• Strategic Mindset - The ability to anticipate and prepare for various outcomes that may or may not occur and eventualities that might unfold as you execute a strategic initiative.
• Negotiation - The ability to effectively communicate, persuade, and influence others to reach mutually beneficial agreements or resolve conflicts. Understanding the needs, interests, and goals of all parties involved, finding common ground, and strategically employing tactics to achieve a favorable outcome.
• Persuasive Writing - The ability to effectively communicate a position or argument in writing, aiming to influence the reader's beliefs, attitudes, or actions. Involves crafting clear, logically supported arguments, employing emotional appeal, and addressing counterarguments to build a compelling and credible case.
• Relationship Building - Developing and nurturing positive, long-term relationships with key stakeholders by understanding their needs, providing excellent service, building trust, and c