Grants Finance Manager

Company: Greater Washington Community Foundation
Location: Washington
Posted on: February 15, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: Job Department: Finance Direct Report: Director, Grants FLSA Status: Exempt GWCF Salary Band: B2, L2 Organization Overview For over 50 years, the Greater Washington Community Foundation has ignited the power of philanthropy to respond to critical community needs and build a thriving region where every person prospers. The Community Foundation is a trusted advisor and navigator helping thousands of individuals, families, businesses, and government partners to identify impactful nonprofits and support the greater good in the communities we call home. As the region’s largest local funder, we have invested $1.7 billion to build equitable, just, and thriving communities across DC, Montgomery County, Northern Virginia, and Prince George’s County. To learn more, visit thecommunityfoundation.org. Position Summary The Grants Manager plays a key role within the Finance Department, managing the Foundation’s day-to-day grantmaking operations and ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in all grants-related financial activity. As a member of the Finance team, this position bridges grants administration with accounting processes, working closely with the Director of Grants, the Controller, and other Finance staff to align grant activity with financial reporting standards and donor intent. This is a hands-on management role ideal for an experienced grants professional with strong knowledge of nonprofit compliance, accounting impacts, and operational oversight. The Grants Manager supervises grants staff, supports system integrity, and ensures the Foundation’s grantmaking aligns with both internal policies and external regulations. In addition to the duties described in this position description, every role at The Community Foundation is expected to contribute to the organization’s overall success and its goals. This may mean that team members will be asked to take on other tasks that may not be listed here. Examples may include working on a project or specific task outside your standard area of responsibility, participating in an organization-wide task force or special initiative, or being asked to support a colleague when needed. Any additional tasks will be determined by the manager of this role in coordination with the leadership team. Primary Responsibilities Grants Operations & Financial Coordination Oversee daily administration of a broad range of grants, including donor-advised, designated, scholarship, international, and complex compliance grants. Ensure accuracy of grant-related accounting activity by managing monthly reconciliation of grants payable and grant expense accounts. Partner with other Finance staff to validate accruals, deferrals, and journal entries related to grant activity, ensuring alignment with GAAP and audit standards. Prepare supporting documentation for audits and participate in financial close procedures related to grants. Manage configuration and data integrity of the Foundation’s grants management system (FIMS or equivalent). Compliance & Process Oversight Monitor and interpret IRS and regulatory requirements related to grants, including expenditure responsibility and nontraditional grantee eligibility. Maintain and implement internal compliance protocols and standard operating procedures for grants administration. Develop and maintain documentation such as compliance checklists, procedure manuals, and training materials. Work closely with in-house legal counsel and other Finance staff on grants with legal or financial complexity (e.g., international or for-profit recipients). Ensure proper internal controls and documentation for audit readiness and risk mitigation. Team Supervision & Departmental Integration · Supervise grants team members, including training, workflow oversight, and performance support. · Foster a collaborative environment within the grants team that is aligned with Finance Department goals. · Support cross-training within the Finance team in areas such as gift processing, accounts payable, and other core financial operations, to ensure coverage and strengthen team wide capacity. · Serve as the primary backup to the Director of Grants and participate in department planning and reporting activities. · Collaborate with Program and Operations staff to support strategic grantmaking efforts. Stakeholder Support & Communication · Act as a resource for fundholders, nonprofit partners, and donors regarding grant processes and compliance requirements. · Provide support on customized or complex grant strategies, working with legal or other resources when needed. · Support clear and timely communication around grant status, procedures, and documentation needs. · Represent the Foundation in professional training and philanthropic networks as appropriate. Requirements: Desired Skills and Experience · Bachelor’s degree required; degree in nonprofit management, accounting, finance, or a related field preferred. · 5 years of experience in grants management or nonprofit finance, with 2 years in a supervisory or team lead role. · Strong understanding of financial processes and GAAP, especially as they relate to grantmaking. · Familiarity with IRS regulations for charitable grants, including international giving and donor-advised funds. · Experience with financial reconciliations, audits, and internal control documentation. · Proficiency in grants management systems and advanced Excel skills. · Experience in a Community Foundation or complex philanthropic organization preferred · Exposure to donor-advised funds, scholarship or designated funds, and customized grant structures preferred · Familiarity with financial audits, 990 reporting, and nonprofit regulatory issues preferred · Excellent organizational and time management skills · High attention to accuracy and detail in financial and operational processes · Ability to lead a team, give constructive feedback and manage deadlines · Strong analytical and compliance-focused mindset · Clear and professional communicator, both written and verbal · Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments. Salary and Benefits The Community Foundation values transparency and equity. The salary range for this position is $83,700.00 - $88,350.00, commensurate with qualifications and experience. We offer benefits and programs that inspire a culture of engagement and productivity, such as a hybrid work schedule and Summer Friday schedule; employee events, professional development stipend, up to fourteen paid holidays, Wellness holidays, and Paid Time Off (PTO). The benefits package includes company-paid medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees; flexible spending accounts; retirement plan with employer contribution; and more. Application Submit a resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in this position and of Greater Washington Community Foundation. The Washington Metro region is an incredibly diverse area, and The Greater Washington Community Foundation is devoted to diversity and equity. The Community Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer that provides employment opportunities for all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, age, mental or sensory differing abilities, protected veteran status, sex, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Keywords: Greater Washington Community Foundation, Annandale , Grants Finance Manager, Accounting, Auditing , Washington, Virginia