Vice President of Grantmaking and Partnerships

Summary

Join the Alliance for Youth Action as their Vice President of Grantmaking & Partnerships! This strategic leadership role focuses on advancing grantmaking initiatives, fostering key partnerships, and expanding the Alliance's impact. You will guide state-based infrastructure gatherings, cultivate relationships with national partners and funders, and shape organizational strategy. The position involves managing the Grantmaking and Strategic Partnerships Senior Manager and requires extensive knowledge of the grant lifecycle and strong donor relationship skills. The Alliance offers a competitive benefits package including comprehensive health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. The position is full-time, based in the US (with relocation assistance), and involves up to 40% domestic travel.

Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of the grant lifecycle, from application and disbursement to evaluation and reporting
• Strong track record in cultivating and maintaining relationships with high-level donors, foundations, and philanthropic networks
• Proficiency in grant management systems and data-driven decision-making
• Ability to analyze complex data and provide actionable insights to drive strategy
• Expertise in financial and legal compliance for grantmaking, including familiarity with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) frameworks
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders
• Deep commitment to social justice and racial equity, with a history of advancing these principles in professional settings
• A personal understanding and demonstrated commitment to social justice and equity, and a desire to uplift the leadership of BIPOC young people

Responsibilities

• Lead and refine grantmaking processes, including guidance on applications, review, and impact measurement
• Provide strategic guidance to ensure grantmaking aligns with organizational goals and network priorities
• Collaborate with the Executive & Capacity Building Department to successfully onboard new organizations into the network
• Lead on the expansion of the Alliance’s network of state-based youth organizations based on priorities from the Executive Director
• Develop and sustain relationships with donors, stakeholders, and funding partners
• Communicate the Alliance’s vision and goals to current and prospective funders and grantees
• Actively identify new funding partners and expand community engagement efforts
• Represent the organization in donor briefings, intermediary meetings, and other funding spaces
• Map the national youth landscape to identify alignment with network priorities and foster collaboration
• Lead state donor table efforts, partner briefings, and funding intermediary meetings, providing updates to the Executive Director
• Identify and address critical gaps in youth organizing ecosystems, rebuilding lost infrastructure
• Actively uplift network organizations to national partners, encouraging collaboration and resourcing
• Provide expert-level strategic guidance to departments and teams
• Develop and oversee departmental vision, strategy, budgets, and metrics, ensuring alignment with the broader mission
• Play a key role in organizational strategy development and execution
• Assess and inform leadership on critical organizational issues
• Lead and supervise direct reports, fostering an environment of creativity and innovation
• Provide staff development, regular feedback, and performance evaluations to maximize team potential
• Ensure team alignment with organizational standards, goals, and values
• Participate in the organization-wide budgeting process
• Make financial decisions with long-term implications for the organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience in high-level grantmaking, including managing significant portfolios and developing impactful strategies
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, with strong skills in mentorship and development
• Skills in project management, especially related to grants and funding initiatives
• Ability to think creatively and bring innovative solutions to enhance grant management processes

Benefits

• 100% of employee medical, dental, & vision insurance premiums
• 75% of premiums for employee dependents
• Employer retirement contributions (SEP IRA)
• Life insurance
• Short and long-term disability income protection insurance
• Cell phone stipend
• Wi-Fi stipend
• WMATA transportation smart benefits
• Professional development opportunities
• A generous paid time off policy
• Up to 16 weeks of paid family and medical leave
• Employer retirement contributions (SEP IRA) of 5% of salary
• Employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability income protection insurance
• Cell phone and internet stipends of $100 per month
• WMATA transportation Smartbenefits for staff located in the DMV area
• Professional development opportunities and funds
• Generous paid time off policy through which staff accrue 10 hours of PTO per month
• Unlimited sick leave
• Paid family and medical leave up to 16 weeks
• Paid Sabbatical (after 4 years of service)
• 15 paid holidays
• Potential for end of year or other bonuses