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Tammy Dowley-Blackman Group, LLC · 1 day ago

Director of Grantmaking and Organizational Learning

Baltimore, MD

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$175K/yr - $225K/yr

10+ years exp

Nellie Mae Education Foundation is New England’s largest philanthropic organization focused solely on education, seeking an experienced, equity-driven philanthropy leader for the role of Director of Grantmaking and Organizational Learning. This senior leadership position is responsible for the design, execution, and oversight of the Foundation’s grantmaking strategy and operations, ensuring effective deployment of grant funds in alignment with NMEF’s mission and long-term priorities.

Professional Training and Coaching

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee all grantmaking strategy, execution, and operations across the Foundation

Serve as a strategic thought partner to Initiative Leads and Program staff on grant design, implementation, and assessment

Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and financial requirements related to grantmaking

Maintain a holistic view of the Foundation’s grant portfolio to ensure alignment, integration, and strategic coherence

Use organizational learning practices to strengthen grantmaking effectiveness, adaptive strategy, and board-level insight

Represent grantmaking priorities and progress with senior leadership and the Board

Direct the entire grantmaking lifecycle, including fund design, solicitation, review, award, monitoring, reporting, and closure

Ensure all grantmaking activities align with NMEF’s mission, equity commitments, and strategic priorities

Maintain deep expertise in IRS regulations governing 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities, ensuring full legal and regulatory compliance

Partner closely with Finance and Legal teams to ensure accurate budgeting, reconciliation, reporting, and audit readiness

Monitor grant performance, timelines, and outcomes, working with teams to address risks and adjust strategies as needed

Serve as staff lead for Board committees related to grants and programs, preparing materials and facilitating informed decision-making

Maintain a comprehensive, Foundation-wide view of all grant funds and programmatic investments

Work collaboratively across departments to ensure alignment between grantmaking, communications, evaluation, and operations

Advise senior leadership including the Chief of Staff & Impact and President/CEO—on opportunities to amplify impact through grantmaking strategy

Support the transition or closure of legacy grant portfolios when necessary, ensuring continuity and institutional knowledge retention

Use organizational learning as a tool to strengthen grantmaking practice, not as a standalone function

Partner with Program staff to capture lessons learned from grantees, initiatives, and partners that inform future investments

Support the development of focused learning agendas that enhance grantmaking decisions and board-level understanding

Ensure insights from evaluation, community feedback, and grantee experience are synthesized and shared in actionable ways

Oversee grantmaking systems and platforms to ensure data accuracy, usability, and alignment with operational needs

Ensure systems support effective grant tracking, reporting, compliance, and learning integration

Collaborate with internal teams to continuously improve tools and workflows that support grantmaking efficiency and effectiveness

Supervise and support grantmaking staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and high-quality execution

Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities aligned with grantmaking excellence

Cultivate an inclusive, high-performing team culture grounded in trust, clarity, and shared purpose

Manage grantmaking budgets in partnership with Finance leadership, ensuring fiscal discipline and strategic alignment

Ensure timely, accurate reporting to the Board, grantees, and external stakeholders

Contribute to organizational budgeting and planning processes as a member of the Senior Leadership Team

Qualification

Grantmaking strategyCompliance expertiseOrganizational learningPhilanthropy experienceTeam leadershipOperational disciplineCommunication skillsStrategic thinking