Description

Director of Philanthropic Grants

  

Mission:

The Director of Philanthropic Grants will oversee all writing, analysis, and post-award aspects of the grant process at IDEA Public Schools, ensuring an efficient, effective, and strategic approach to securing and managing funding opportunities. Reporting to the Managing Director of Advancement and Grant Services, this role will be responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive library of narrative examples, data insights, and grant agreements—including MOUs, Executive Summaries, Budgets, and Timelines—to streamline and improve the grant application and reporting processes.

This leader will play a critical role in designing and implementing a state-of-the-art grant proposal and reporting process, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and alignment with IDEA’s strategic priorities. The Director of Philanthropic Grants will provide leadership, guidance, and oversight to a team of three direct reports, driving excellence in grant writing, analysis, and post-award management.
 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Director of Philanthropic Grants will directly manage:

Grants Manager – WriterGrants Manager – Analysis and Annual GrantsGrants Manager – Post Award

This individual will provide leadership and mentorship to ensure each team member effectively fulfills their responsibilities and contributes to the broader goals of the Advancement division.
 

Location:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:    

Minimal travel may be required for in-person meetings or collaboration with internal stakeholders, estimated at less than 10% annually. 

 

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

 

Essential Duties:

Grant Strategy and Leadership:

Oversee the full lifecycle of grant development, including pre-award planning, proposal development, award negotiation, and post-award compliance.Design and implement a cutting-edge grant proposal and reporting process to enhance efficiency and accuracy.Provide strategic leadership on funding opportunities, guiding the Advancement division in prioritizing and securing mission-aligned grants.Develop and manage a centralized repository of grant-related resources, including narrative examples, data insights, MOUs, budgets, and other supporting documents.Ensure IDEA Public Schools maintains the highest standards in grant writing, analysis, reporting and compliance.
 

Team Development and Supervision:

Provide direct supervision, professional development, and mentorship to the three Grants Managers, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.Lead cross-functional coordination efforts to ensure grant requirements and timelines are met.Implement best practices in grant management, fostering continuous learning and process improvement across the team.

Collaboration and Compliance:

Create seamless integration and partnership with major gift officers to understand funder relationships, develop collaborative proposal generation processes, and assist with funder requests.
 Partner closely with Finance, Compliance, and the Research & Analysis (R&A) teams to ensure grant applications align with organizational needs and adhere to funding regulations.Work with internal stakeholders to ensure seamless grant management, including timely reporting and fund utilization.Develop and maintain internal policies and procedures related to grant applications and compliance.Lead efforts to align grant initiatives with organizational goals and funding priorities.
 

Process Optimization and Knowledge Management:

Build and maintain a robust data repository to support grant applications and reporting.Streamline workflows and enhance efficiency in grant preparation, submission, and tracking.Leverage data insights to continuously refine grant strategies and improve funder engagement.Monitor industry trends and best practices to enhance IDEA’s grant development and reporting capabilities.
 

 

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

Make Strategic Decisions: This leader is responsible for guiding the decision-making process within the team. They foster a collaborative environment where team members contribute to decision-making, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered and team consensus is built when appropriate. Manage Work and Teams: This leader is responsible for the overall performance and cohesion of their team. They build operating mechanisms, establish strategic plans, and implement project management systems that ensure that their team operates smoothly and achieves its targets. Grow Self and Others: This leader is responsible for fostering a culture of growth within the team. They create opportunities for team learning, facilitate team development sessions, and ensure that team members have the resources and support they need to grow professionally. Build a Culture of Trust:  This leader is responsible for ensuring team members feel safe to express their ideas and concerns. They proactively address conflicts and facilitate open communication, setting the standard for trust and safety within the team. Communicate Deliberately: This leader prioritizes open channels of communication on their team. They facilitate team meetings, ensure clear dissemination of information, and encourage feedback loops within their teams to promote understanding and cohesion. 

 

Additional Skills:

Extensive experience in grant writing, proposal development, and grant administration.Strong leadership and team management skills, with a track record of coaching and developing high-performing teams.Expertise in developing and managing grant processes, from initial proposal to post-award reporting.Deep understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements related to public and private grants.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to leverage data for strategic decision-making.Exceptional organizational and project management skills, ensuring timely and high-quality grant submissions.Excellent writing and editing abilities, with a focus on clarity, persuasion, and compliance.Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate grant success.
 

Required experience:

Bachelor’s degree required; an advanced degree in education, nonprofit management, business, or related field is a plus.Minimum of 7 years of experience in grant writing, management, or administration.Proven experience designing and implementing streamlined grant proposal and reporting processes.Strong understanding of compliance requirements for public and private grants.Demonstrated experience leading and mentoring a team.Experience in the education or nonprofit sector is highly desirable.

 

Physical Requirements:

This is a mostly sedentary position.The ability to move in construction sites for events and tours.The ability to help set up for events (e.g., fundraising, organization-wide, team events, etc.). 

 

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $98,200 and $115,900, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

 

 

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

 

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

 

 

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

 

 

Learn more about IDEA 

At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values

 

 

 

 

IDEA Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the organization's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact IDEA Human Resources at (956) 377-8000.