The Frechette Family Foundation seeks a Manager, Operations and Grants Administration to be an integral member of a small, collaborative team, comprised of an Executive Director and Director, Grantee and Community Partnerships (to be hired), that partners with communities, nonprofit partners, peer funders, and its Board of Directors to advance the opportunity for all, particularly children and families, to thrive and realize their own idea of well being. 

Position: Manager, Operations and Grants Administration

Location: Hybrid (Downtown Chicago and remote)

Status: Full-time, exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

Salary Range: $75,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience

About Frechette Family Foundation

Founded in 1997, the Frechette Family Foundation is an intergenerational private family foundation that partners with innovative organizations and leaders whose work advances the opportunity for all, particularly children and families, to grow, thrive, and realize their own idea of well-being.  

The Foundation honors the values and legacy of founders Pete and Pat Frechette and is committed to sustaining the founders’ overarching values of humility, gratitude, respect, and trust.  We connect with others through kindness, empathy, and open mindedness; conduct our work with a joyful spirit; and seek to develop trusting, transparent and authentic relationships with community partners. The Foundation prioritizes continued learning and reflection to ensure that it remains a true learning organization committed to improvement in its work.

The Foundation’s focused grantmaking centers children, families and communities experiencing the greatest barriers to well-being in two primary geographic priority areas: Eagle River Valley, Colorado and Chicago, Illinois. Visit www.frechetteff.org to learn more.

The Opportunity and Role

Do you believe effective philanthropy starts with a respectful and mutual exchange of needs and goals?

Are you dedicated to empowering communities to grow, thrive, and realize their own well being?

 Are you inspired by a sense of humanity and desire to empathize with and support others?

 Are you a builder who finds joy in connecting people, resources, and innovative ideas for the greater good?

Can you design operational systems to maximize efficiencies?

Are you energized by the power of collective learning?

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager, Operations and Grants Administration will have responsibility for:

Grants Management:

• Manage online grants administration system, including the development and implementation of processes and procedures to improve functionality and responsiveness to partner needs.
• Serve as key point of contact for grantee inquiries about grantee partner process – including application, approval, grant agreement execution, payment, and reporting, etc.
• Enable annual grant cycles (i.e., producing and assembling materials, attending Board meetings, and ensuring grant-related follow up).
• Generate reports and queries, as requested. Maintain data integrity of grants management and system records.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in grantmaking and philanthropy.

Operations and Administration:

• Maintain annual calendar of all regulatory activities, as well as other dates and deadlines for essential operating activities, and ensure team has sufficient time to meet requirements.
• In collaboration with colleagues, prepare and distribute documents, reports, and presentations for internal and external audiences; document and distribute minutes and notes for Committee, Board and other meetings.
• Working with contract accountant, manage general ledger and chart of accounts; process and maintain documentation of expenses; and reconcile monthly financial statements.
• Support contract accountants in preparation of annual required tax and other regulatory filings; maintain corporate records and documentation in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Serve as administrator for Microsoft 365 and manage use of additional software solutions, ensuring regular backups of corporate data; oversee software agreements; and support team’s efficient use of and process improvements to technology solutions.
• Support maintenance of and content updates (i.e., text, photos, etc.) to website, using WordPress.  Connect with web developers, as needed, to navigate more technical updates to the site.
• Maintain accurate records and files; ensure data integrity and security; and inform and implement process improvements to systems and recordkeeping, as needed.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and accommodations for Board members and foundation team members; manage internal and external meeting logistics, including room reservations, catering, and room set-up, etc.; manage office environment and upkeep, and procure supplies, and equipment, as needed.
• Manage incoming mail, calls and other correspondence.

Values, Experience and Skills

The Manager, Operations and Grants Administration should be, have, or reflect the following:

• Caring individual with humility and integrity, and a passion for helping others with dedication, enthusiasm, and authenticity.
• Mission-driven individual who views philanthropy as a catalyst and partner for community engagement and change, and seeks to create a relational, transparent and responsive experience for grantee and community partners.
• Detail-oriented collaborator who demonstrates a high level of professionalism, with attention to maintaining sensitive and confidential information, strong written and oral communication skills, and a commitment to doing their best.
• Commitment to the vision and values of the Frechette Family Foundation.
• Commitment to learning, exploring, and sharing for a common purpose. An openness to reflection to support growth and improvement of self and others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Experience with grants management systems (e.g., Foundant), QuickBooks, WordPress, and Bill.com a plus.
• Experience in issues the Foundation is seeking to make an impact on, philanthropy and/or nonprofit work required.
• Ability to travel occasionally, and work on some weekends and/or evenings.  

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is competitive (in the range of $75,000-$90,000, based on experience / qualifications). Competitive benefits include health and wellness package, retirement contribution, generous paid time off, discretionary grant benefit, and professional development resources.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit via email a cover letter and resume to info@frechetteff.org with Subject Line: Applicant Name_Manager, Operations and Grants Administration. The cover letter should be addressed to the attention of Barbara Hoffman, Executive Director, and describe why you are interested in the position and the work of the Frechette Family Foundation, and how your interests and experience align with the opportunity.  We will review applications regularly and expect to begin interviews in November, with hopes for a January 2025 start date.

The Frechette Family Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible work environment, and further recognize that diversity in our workforce fosters excellence and is reflected in the Foundation’s values.