Grants Operations Manager

About the Foundation

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), located in Princeton, N.J., is a leading national philanthropy dedicated to taking bold leaps to transform health in our lifetime. To get there, we must work to dismantle structural racism and other barriers to health. Since 1972, we have focused on developing and promoting innovations in health and healthcare to improve the lives of millions. Through funding, convening, advocacy, and evidence-building, we work side-by-side with communities, practitioners, and institutions to achieve health equity faster and pave the way, together, to a future where health is no longer a privilege, but a right.  

At RWJF, we work toward three Generational Goals to transform health in our lifetime: Economic Inclusion for Family Wellbeing, Equitable and Accountable Public Health and Healthcare Systems, and Healthy and Equitable Community Conditions.

We take seriously our responsibilities, and we pledge to work in ways that reflect our Guiding Principles. These are rooted in equity and influence everything we do at RWJF. Equity, diversity, inclusion, and collaboration enable our staff’s wide range of experiences, passions, and perspectives to strengthen our ability to address our nation’s most pressing health issues and support a culture of belonging. Part of this work includes actively shaping an inclusive organization where all staff members thrive as we build and use our capabilities, voice, and power to advance health equity. RWJF offers a collaborative, collegial, and creative work environment. With a career at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, you will make a difference.  

About This Opportunity

Reporting to the senior director, Grants Management, the grants operations manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless execution of grantmaking operations, serving as both a strategic leader and operational expert. This position oversees the full lifecycle of grants management—from intake to compliance—while leading a dedicated team and fostering cross-functional collaboration. With a strong focus on process improvement, regulatory adherence, and engagement, the Grants Manager ensures that the organization’s philanthropic efforts are executed with a deep commitment to equity, precision, transparency, and impact.

As with staff at all levels of RWJF, the grants operations manager is expected to demonstrate a passionate commitment to equity and the Foundation’s mission and Guiding Principles.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Grants Management Operations Oversight (40%)

Lead and manage the Grants Management Operations team, including:

• Manage daily operations, guidance, and support to staff on grant-making processes and compliance.
• Mentor and promote a collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Provide training, guidance, and support to staff on grant processes and compliance.
• Ensure database accuracy and regularly review processes for improvement.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to support organizational initiatives. Provide expertise in support of other projects as needed.
• Stay abreast of grants management best practices and regulations in order to lead change management efforts that are aimed at improving grantmaking practice.

Operations and Compliance (40%)

• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure internal policies remain compliant with federal, state, and foundation guidelines.
• Periodically review and revise grants management operations processes for continuous improvement, efficiency, effectiveness, and equitable practice.
• Contribute to the development, improvement, and implementation of initiatives to streamline workflows and enhance technology tools used in grantmaking, as appropriate.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Matching Gifts and Memorial Gifts Process (20%)

Serve as primary liaison with Cyber Grants for matching gifts and memorial gifts, including:

• Tax status verification
• Setting up and taking down memorial gifts opportunity pages
• Processing paper forms
• Responding to participant inquiries
• Entering and approving organizations for proposal types.
• Delivering training and communications to stakeholders
• Troubleshooting system issues
• Maintaining records of matching gifts and memorial contributions
• Liaising with HR for announcements and providing HR and finance with gift totals.

Minimum Requirements

• Deep social justice values and commitment to the practice of racial justice, health equity, and the Foundation’s vision, values, and Guiding Principles.
• Knowledge of budgeting, analysis, reporting and grants management.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and supporting multiple teams and a portfolio of grants.
• A successful track record in setting priorities, analyzing data, problem solving skills, which supports and enables sound decision-making.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and organizational capabilities.
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well with colleagues, consultants, funders, and grantees across many diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Ability to work independently and analytically, exercising discretion and good judgment.
• Willingness to handle complex, heavy and detailed-oriented workload and assigned special projects.
• Demonstrated experience working with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft applications.
• Knowledge of the legal and compliance issues related to grantmaking.
• Familiarity with grants management software and related systems.
• Ways of working and engaging that align with the Foundation's mission, core values, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with a minimum of five (5) years of progressive grants management experience in a philanthropic organization.
• Candidates whose experience exceeds the minimum requirements will be given particular consideration for a higher placement within the salary range:
  • Eight (8) years of progressive grants management experience in a philanthropic environment as well as experience managing a team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Ten (10) years of progressive grants management experience in a philanthropic environment as well as experience managing a team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The operations manager will perform job duties in a typical business office environment. Specific physical abilities required by this job include operating basic office equipment. The incumbent will be required to attend meetings, both in person and off-site via phone or videoconference. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. RWJF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position’s Assigned Office Location

This position is assigned to our Princeton, N.J. office.

Hybrid: Flexible Purpose (HFP) Explained

As of January 1, 2023, the Foundation has implemented a model we call Hybrid: Flexible Purpose (HFP). RWJF’s new operating model is the infrastructure (e.g., policies, practices, protocols, procedures, systems) that forms the basis for how the day-to-day operations are managed, culture is built and nurtured, and mission is delivered. This model is designed to meet the needs of the organization while giving employees as much flexibility as possible. On-site participation is determined by job responsibilities, organizational and team-level requirements, and mandatory gatherings throughout the year. While there are no fixed days per week, all employees are expected to plan their time on-site and cover commuting expenses as needed to meet those expectations. Learn more about our operating model and in-office requirements.

Salary

The non-negotiable starting salary for this position is $111,500. Candidates who the Foundation determines have directly related experience exceeding the minimum requirements outlined above may be provided a higher starting salary of up to $122,650. All salary offers are non-negotiable.

Benefits

RWJF offers comprehensive health and retirement benefits to employees, generous paid time off, and more. Why work at RWJF? Learn more about the benefits of working at RWJF.

Transition Stipend

A transition stipend is provided to all new hires to aid in costs related to transitioning to a new job.  

How to Apply

• Applicants should submit a resume and required letter of interest by the stated deadline.
• Internal RWJF applicants should submit a resume and letter of interest through the Internal Jobs Hub app in Workday. 

Application Deadline

Tuesday, May 26, 2026, by 10 a.m. ET