Required Qualifications
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BA/BS degree plus at least four years of relevant professional experience, or a combination of related education and work experience totaling eight years
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Experience managing multi-phase programs, funding cycles, or similarly complex processes involving hard deadlines and multiple stakeholders
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Experience administering grants, awards, contracts, or other funded agreements from either the grantmaking or grant-seeking perspective
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain organized records, workflows, documentation, and operational systems
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Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience producing clear guidance or reports for varied audiences
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Proficiency with common productivity and data tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Excel/Sheets) and the ability to learn new platforms quickly
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience in a university, research, philanthropic, or nonprofit funding environment
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Experience designing or improving requests for proposals (RFPs), review processes, or reporting requirements
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Experience with survey and data-collection tools (e.g., Qualtrics) and analyzing qualitative and quantitative program data
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Experience developing metrics, basic data analysis, dashboards, or evaluation frameworks to assess program or portfolio performance and impact
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Familiarity with sponsored-projects administration, research compliance requirements, or University of Minnesota financial systems
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Experience leading process improvement initiatives or developing scalable operational systems
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Interest in environmental and sustainability work and the mission of the Institute on the Environment
Grantmaking Program Manager
Title: Grantmaking Program Manager
Job code: 8223GG
Employee Group: Civil Service (exempt) Full/Part Time (FTE): Full Time (100% FTE)
Regular/Temporary: Regular
About the Job
The University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment (IonE) is seeking a Grantmaking Program Manager to lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Institute’s grantmaking portfolio. This position manages the full lifecycle of IonE’s competitive funding programs – including Impact Goals Grants, Mini Grants, and other strategic funding opportunities – from program design and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) through application review, award administration, stewardship, reporting, evaluation, and closeout.
Working collaboratively across IonE’s leadership, research, communications, finance, and administrative teams, the Grantmaking Program Manager serves as the central operational lead for IonE’s grantmaking portfolio – coordinating complex funding cycles, supporting applicants, reviewers, coaches, and funded project teams, and maintaining the authoritative record of the funded portfolio. This position also advances IonE’s strategic commitment to outcomes and impact by developing the metrics, analysis, and reporting that demonstrate portfolio results and inform future funding decisions. Professionals with experience as Program Officers, Program Representatives, Grants Managers, or similar grantmaking roles in foundation, nonprofit, or government funding organizations will find many familiar elements in this position.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an organized project manager, analytical thinker, and relationship builder who enjoys running complex processes exceptionally well while continually looking for ways to improve them. They are naturally curious about the people, ideas, and projects that make up the portfolio and are energized by identifying opportunities to strengthen programs, enhance participant experiences, and increase organizational impact.
They balance strategic thinking with operational excellence - keeping one eye on the long-term evolution of IonE’s grantmaking portfolio while ensuring the day-to-day work is executed with consistency, accuracy, and efficiency. Comfortable navigating both ambiguity and detail, they embrace continuous learning, seek out opportunities for innovation, and build scalable systems that support the portfolio as it evolves. As IonE’s grantmaking portfolio expands in scope and complexity through future funding opportunities and institutional priorities, this position offers meaningful opportunities for the successful candidate to assume broader strategic leadership and organizational impact.
Informational Job Webinar
Register to attend an informational webinar hosted by the supervisor for this position, Director of Administration & Operations April Deinken. We'll share more about the role, what it's like to work at IonE, and answer questions submitted by prospective applicants through the Zoom registration form.
Attendance is completely optional and does not factor into consideration of your application. The webinar is simply an opportunity to learn more about the position and IonE, and to help you determine whether the role feels like a good mutual fit.
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When: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 4:00 - 4:45 p.m. CST
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Where: Zoom, webinar format
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Link to Register
Salary
The salary range for this position is $74k - $86k/yr ($35.65/hr - $41.53/hr). IonE uses a structured compensation approach that considers a position’s salary range as well as a candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and demonstrated proficiency when determining starting salary.
This hiring range reflects an entry-to-intermediate proficiency level for the position. Candidates entering the role may still be developing some position-specific knowledge and skills, while candidates placed toward the higher end of the hiring range would be expected to demonstrate greater proficiency and independence in the core competencies of the position. Employees may progress through the position’s broader salary range over time as they develop greater proficiency and independence, with salary increases considered through the University’s annual merit process and compensation processes.
Work Schedule & Authorization
Work hours are standard office hours, M–F. IonE and the Research and Innovation Office endorse a work with flexibility approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best.
This position has been designated as eligible for flexible work profile 2: Profile 2 is expected to work in the office at least 3 days per week (Mon, Wed, Thu), and typically working remotely 1-2 days per week (Tue, Fri). Your office location will be located at 1954 Buford Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55108. IonE management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.
The candidate must reside locally; IonE can potentially provide up to $1,500 of relocation assistance for the ideal candidate. If you currently reside out-of-state and are willing to relocate to the Mpls-St.Paul area, please indicate as much in your cover letter.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States. IonE is unable to provide employment-based visa sponsorship for this position.
Responsibilities
Grantmaking Program Management (50%)
Run the funding cycles: Lead IonE’s competitive funding programs from program design through award notification, maintaining the systems that keep those cycles consistent and repeatable.
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Develop and manage the annual grantmaking calendar, establishing timelines, priorities, and dependencies across IonE’s funding portfolio
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Develop and refine RFPs, application materials, review criteria, award documentation, Terms & Conditions, and reporting requirements
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Coordinate application and review processes, including recruiting and orienting reviewers, matching reviewers to proposals based on expertise and conflicts of interest, developing award recommendations, and award notifications
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Develop resources, guidance, tools, and training materials that enable applicants, reviewers, and coaches to participate successfully throughout the funding lifecycle
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Develop and maintain the workflows, templates, standard operating procedures, and records that promote consistency and continuity across grantmaking programs
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Collaborate with leadership, research, communications, finance, and administrative staff to align funding cycles with IonE priorities and operational capacity
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Continuously assess grantmaking processes and participant experiences, identifying opportunities to improve funding models, eligibility criteria, policies, and practices that strengthen the effectiveness, accessibility, equity, and overall participant experience of IonE’s grantmaking programs
Award Stewardship & Portfolio Records (30%)
Steward funded projects: Serve as the primary relationship holder for funded teams and keep the record of the portfolio accurate and current.
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Serve as the primary point of contact for applicants, reviewers, coaches, and funded project teams throughout the funding lifecycle
Coordinate award setup, reporting schedules, amendments, no-cost extensions, rebudget requests, and project closeout -
Monitor project progress, budgets, expenditures, and compliance with award requirements, proactively engaging with project teams to support timely reporting and milestone completion
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Maintain the authoritative record of funded projects, including updating IonE’s public-facing project directory throughout the lifecycle, in accordance with web content standards
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Partner with IonE’s public interest communications team by providing regular updates on project milestones, findings, and other storytelling opportunities, and by flagging project directory changes that affect editorial content
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Coordinate the collection of project outputs, photos, testimonials, and other assets that support impact reporting and storytelling
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Coordinate grant coaching meetings, workshops, and other stewardship activities that support funded teams
Portfolio Evaluation & Reporting (20%)
Measure and communicate impact: Develop the metrics and analyses that show what the portfolio produces and inform what it funds next.
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Develop and refine portfolio-wide metrics, evaluation frameworks, and reporting processing aligned with IonE’s strategic priorities
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Analyze qualitative and quantitative portfolio data to identify trends, outcomes, and opportunities for continuous improvement
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Produce reports and portfolio analyses that inform leadership decisions and provide evidence of the Institute’s impact to internal and external audiences
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Assess portfolio performance and outcomes to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and inform future funding priorities and program design
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Identify emerging themes and success stories across the grant portfolio to inform strategic planning and communications
General Responsibilities
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Like all IonE staff, the Grantmaking Program Manager participates in IonE-wide initiatives, staff meetings, events, and professional development activities; contributes to a collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented organizational culture; and performs other duties as assigned.
Strong candidates will demonstrate...
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A track record of running deadline-driven processes from start to finish: cycles, cohorts, or campaigns that shipped on time, repeatedly
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A commitment to follow-through on the unglamorous middle: chasing late reports, closing loops, keeping records current without being asked
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The ability to serve as the primary point of contact for a complex portfolio while remaining responsive, organized, and composed across multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
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A strong service orientation toward the people inside of a process; ensuring applicants, reviewers, and grantees experience interactions as helpful, clear, and fair
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A habit of documenting work and improving systems as they go, leaving processes stronger and more sustainable over time
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Fluency moving between operational detail and strategic perspective, recognizing patterns in portfolio data and communicating insights clearly to diverse audiences
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Sound judgment about when to resolve issues independently, when to seek input, and when to escalate concerns
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Curiosity and a continuous improvement mindset, with a proactive approach to building relationships and developing a deep understanding of the people, projects, and outcomes across the portfolio to effectively represent the work and identify opportunities to strengthen programs over time.
The University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment (IonE) is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary institution that works to advance sustainability through collaborative research, leadership and education programming, and public-interest storytelling and communications.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Please submit two application materials: (1) your current resume or CV, and (2) a cover letter describing how your experience, qualifications, and interests make you a strong candidate for this position.
Both documents must be submitted in PDF format and should be carefully reviewed for accuracy and completeness. Applications that do not include both required documents, or that are submitted in a format other than PDF, will not move forward for consideration.
As we (the humans at IonE) review applications, we’ll be looking not only at your skills and experience, but also at your interest in the position and in IonE’s mission. We recognize that AI and other writing tools are readily available and can be useful resources. At the same time, we want to hear your voice in your application. Your cover letter should help us understand what draws you to this particular role, what you would bring to it, and why you’re interested in doing this work at IonE.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.
