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Open Position

Associate of Grantmaking Operations

Title: Associate / Grantmaking Operations
Location: New York, NY
Reports to: Senior Grantmaking Operations Officer
Status: Full time, exempt (minimum three days a week in person)
How to apply: Click here to apply. Please send a résumé and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The mission of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF) is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature and health & well-being. DDF operates five national programs as well as Duke Farms and Shangri La, two centers that serve the public directly. DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total above $2 billion. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.dorisduke.org.

POSITION

The Associate / Grantmaking Operations plays a key role in supporting the foundation’s grantmaking processes and delivering a positive experience for applicants, grantees and internal stakeholders. The Associate is responsible for managing a portfolio of grants through the full life cycle, providing administrative and project support to the Grantmaking Operations team and serving as the primary point of contact for program teams and grantees. This role also supports due diligence activities, data integrity, system/process improvements and training. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to deepen knowledge of foundation operations while collaborating with internal and external partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Grants Management: Ensure efficient, transparent and compliant grantmaking, and uphold stakeholder trust.
    • Manage a grant portfolio through the full life cycle, ensuring complete and accurate records.
    • Provide backup support to Grantmaking Operations colleagues, including assisting with data entry, due diligence, grant agreements, payments, reporting, amendments and closeout.
    • Act as the primary support contact for applicants and grantees, including managing the grant inbox, responding to inquiries and triaging issues to relevant teams.
    • Identify process and system improvements to further enhance the grantmaking experience.
    • Assist with documenting grantmaking practices and support training efforts.
    • Participate in program and Grantmaking Operations team meetings.
  • Systems and Data: Promote data integrity and system functionality to support operational excellence and strategic decision-making.
    • Review and maintain accurate grants and related records, and conduct regular data audits, including deduping records.
    • Assist with generating reports to support the Senior Grantmaking Operations Officer.
    • Assist with system testing, training, documentation and user support.
  • Administrative and Project Support: Provide organizational and logistical support to the Grantmaking Operations team.
    • Assist with scheduling meetings, coordinating logistics and supporting team projects as needed.
  • Foundation and Sector Engagement: Advance internal practices and remain informed of broader trends in the philanthropic sector.
    • Support the continuous improvement of grantmaking practices in alignment with sector practices to enhance stakeholder experiences.
    • Participate in cross-department meetings, committees and trainings.
    • Monitor and share sector trends and peer funder practices in philanthropy and grants management.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Demonstrated experience in and familiarity with foundation compliance or grantmaking practices.
  • Strong communicator with a customer service mindset and collaborative, team-oriented approach.
  • Skilled in managing multiple priorities, with strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
  • Detail-oriented with a strong focus on data accuracy and integrity.
  • Interest in philanthropy, grants management and nonprofit organizations.
  • Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.
  • Familiarity with grants management systems, especially GivingData, or databases is preferred.
  • Experience using project management software, including Asana, and business analytics tools, including Tableau, is preferred.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
  • Salary range is $62,000–$77,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package.
  • Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to 401(k), health insurance, four weeks paid vacation with additional time off and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.
OUR VALUES

The following values underpin everything we do in pursuit of our mission across the Doris Duke Foundation:

  • Integrity: We must be honest and ethical in all that we undertake.
  • Excellence: We insist on the highest standards of performance in fulfilling our mission.
  • Openness and Imagination: We value creativity and responsiveness to diverse perspectives.
  • Collaboration: We promote trust, honesty and respect within our organization.
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We commit to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. If a reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.