Grants Manager

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation is seeking a Grants Manager to join their team. The Grants Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the Foundation’s grantmaking operations are effective, equitable, and efficient. Working closely with program staff and external stakeholders, this position manages the operational aspects of the grant lifecycle, serves as the subject matter expert for the grant management system, and drives continuous improvement through process optimization, data analysis, and technology-enabled solutions. The Grants Manager helps deliver a seamless experience for applicants and grantees while supporting the Foundation’s mission to create meaningful community impact across North Carolina.

Location: Durham, NC (Hybrid)

• The Foundation’s preference is for candidates who can work in a hybrid capacity, onsite 1-2 days per week and reside within 60 miles of Durham.
• Exceptional candidates outside the region may be considered for remote work.

Responsibilities

Manage the operational components of grantmaking while working as part of a larger team.  

• Provide strategic and technical leadership in designing and implementing grants management operations that reflect Foundation values, align with our risk profile, and ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
• Serve as the key point of contact and provide expert consultation on all technical, operational, and administrative grants-related issues and process.
• Manage the implementation of funding opportunities, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and other grantmaking initiatives.
• Maintain visibility across grantmaking opportunities and related programmatic work to support inclusive practices and optimize the flow of work, resources, and deliverables across program areas.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for the Grant Management System (GMS), including workflows, reporting, training, and data integrity.
• Provide coaching and training across the organization to strengthen adoption and effective use of digital and technology.

Lead internally and externally to promote equitable and exceptional experience for applicants and grantees.

• Use learning and data-driven practices to ensure grantmaking is equitable and delivers a smooth, consistent experience for applicants, reviewers, and grantees across all stages of their journey.
• Work directly with applicants and grantees to respond to inquiries, provide technical support and efficient problem-solving, and facilitate the grant process in partnership with team members.
• Manage, refine, and execute processes related to grantmaking (e.g., responding to unsolicited requests, financial review and other due diligence, language access) as assigned.
• Develop and implement feedback and learning practices that inform new grantmaking opportunities and continuously improve the applicant and grantee experience.
• Develop and coordinate grantee learning opportunities (e.g., grantee-focused workshops, convenings, newsletters, and events) as assigned.

Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement within the organization and in the field to enhance grantee experience and increase impact.

• Monitor and assess grants management trends, data, research best practices, and work to ensure the grantmaking processes are streamlined, effective, and strategic.
• Develop and implement approaches for analyzing grant and applicant data to generate insights and inform future programmatic and operational strategies.
• Collaborate with the team to establish and maintain systems for learning from our work, elevating lessons learned, and connecting insights across evaluation efforts.
• Build support for and help implement changes that strengthen grantmaking practices, improve organizational effectiveness, and respond to evolving community and organizational needs.
• Make contributions to the field and represent the Foundation in the sector by sharing our practices, as appropriate.

Qualifications

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Grants management experience within a foundation, corporate foundation, or other grantmaking organization.
• Hands-on administration of a grant management system; Blackbaud Grantmaking preferred.
• Success managing complex projects, processes, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Strong use of technology and data to support operational effectiveness and decision-making.
• Ability to provide responsive support to applicants, grantees, and other external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success leading process improvements and driving operational efficiencies.
• Bilingual Spanish and English is preferred, but not required

WHO THRIVES IN THIS ROLE

• You enjoy building, improving, and optimizing processes.
• You are equally comfortable working with data, technology, and people.
• You can switch seamlessly between strategic planning and day-to-day execution.
• You take pride in creating a smooth, efficient, and equitable grantmaking experience.
• You enjoy collaborating across teams and serving as a trusted resource for both internal and external stakeholders.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a resume via the LinkedIn posting.

Date Posted

08/06/2026

Closing Date

09/06/2026

About the Organization

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation is a private, charitable foundation established as an independent entity by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina in 2000. Over the past two decades, the organization has worked with – and supported – nonprofit organizations, government entities, and community partnerships across the state, investing $290 million into North Carolina through more than 1,700 grants, collaborations, and special initiatives. Within its focus areas, the Foundation strives to take a flexible approach designed to meet identified needs in partnership with the community.