POSITION OVERVIEW
The Organization: The Thunderbirds
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Title: Grant Operations Manager
Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Charitable Giving
About the Organization
The Thunderbirds were founded in 1937 with the mission of promoting the Valley of the Sun through sports and are the host organization for the WM Phoenix Open, one of the largest professional golf tournaments in the world. Through The Thunderbirds, Thunderbird Foundation, and Thunderbirds Charities (collectively, “the Organization”), funds raised from the tournament support hundreds of local charities each year. Websites include
www.thunderbirdscharities.org and
www.wmphoenixopen.com.
Position Summary
The Grant Operations Manager supports the Grants Management Leadership Team and plays a pivotal role in awarding more than 400 grants annually. The role manages all administrative aspects of the grant lifecycle, coordinates systems and data, and partners with leadership and staff to ensure an efficient, compliant, and impact‑focused grantmaking process.
Duties & Responsibilities
Grants Operations and Process Management
· Manage and structure the Organization’s grant lifecycle based on funding priorities and due diligence procedures.
· Manage centralized processing of the grants portfolio, including systems, processes, policies, training, and reporting related to grantmaking activities.
· Manage the internal Blackbaud grants management system (GMS), ensuring data integrity, accuracy, and effective use of reports, dashboards, and visualizations for data‑informed decisions.
· Coordinate grant dockets, including logistics, preparation of docket materials, and distribution of materials for meetings.
· Coordinate the processing and administration of multiple giving programs and the full notification, award, payment, reporting, and close‑out processes.
Systems, Data, and Technology
· Develop, maintain, and improve online grant applications, workflows, and related documentation.
· Maintain robust and accurate records of legacy and incoming data in Blackbaud GMS and grantee portal, providing technical assistance to partners as needed.
· Manage administrator functions for the Blackbaud GMS, including codes and templates, user permissions, and new account setup.
· Design and build grantmaking, contract, and reporting infrastructure aligned with best practices and federal regulatory standards for nonprofits.
· Maintain and enhance the grants index on the Organization’s website and support creative data visualization for members, board, and community.
Compliance, Policy, and Risk Management
· Ensure compliance with all grantmaking policies, procedures, and applicable IRS and nonprofit regulations; recommend and implement updates as needed.
· Lead grantee due diligence, including proposal review, budget analysis, and comparison of financial reports against awarded budgets.
· Establish and oversee policies and procedures governing the security, maintenance, and use of grants systems and data.
Organizational & Stakeholder Communication and Engagement
· Serve as the primary point of contact for applicants and grantees across the full grant lifecycle, including application intake, review, award notification, reporting, and closeout.
· Lead high‑quality grantee and partner support by managing the resolution of complex technical and operational issues. Act as the primary escalation point, coordinating with GMS technical teams and internal stakeholders to ensure timely, accurate, and equitable solutions. Apply strong service orientation and technical fluency to guide staff in addressing challenges related to data integrity, system access, and security management.
· Clearly communicate grantmaking processes, priorities, and organizational strategies to internal stakeholders to support alignment and informed decision‑making.
· Collaborate with Committee Chairs, internal governance bodies, and cross-functional teams as required.
Finance and Organizational Support
· Support the Director of Charitable Giving with financial and operational functions, including grant forecasting, budget reconciliation, audit preparation, and related finance activities.
· Drive continuous improvement through workflow automation, strategic process enhancements, and special projects as assigned.
Other Duties
· Assist with projects as directed by the Organization’s Executive Director.
· Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
· Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
· At least five years of professional experience, preferably in grantmaking, nonprofit, or grants/contract management settings.
· Demonstrated experience with grants management systems, online portals, databases, and Microsoft Office/Office 365 (including Excel, Outlook, and video conferencing tools).
· Experience in developing, implementing and training staff on grantmaking policies and procedures.
· Strong financial literacy, including budgeting and financial reporting experience.
Skills and Attributes
· Strong critical thinking and ability to analyze and clearly communicate complex information.
· Strong relationship‑building skills, high ethical standards, humility, and empathy.
· Commitment to continuous learning and leveraging technology for process improvement and development.
· Strong organizational, administrative, and analytic skills, with excellent attention to detail.
· Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
· Ability to work independently and as part of an integrated, diverse team across varied and sometimes evolving operational settings.
· High integrity, discretion, confidentiality and strong customer service orientation.
· Cultural responsiveness and alignment with the Organization’s values and commitment to equity and inclusion.
Compensation and benefits
· Fulltime (40 hours per week), in‑office role in the Greater Metro Phoenix Area.
· Competitive salary commensurate with experience; estimated annual salary range: $80,000–$100,000.
· Paid time off for holidays, earned vacation, and sick leave.
· Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
· Retirement program.
· 90‑day customary probation period.
Pre‑employment requirements
· Background check and drug screening.
· Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Organization is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other protected characteristic. The Organization will make reasonable accommodation for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship on business operations.
How to apply
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume by April 30, 2026 to:
[email protected].
Grant Operations Manager | Thunderbirds Charities 
