Grant Program Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Grant Program Manager is a full-time position supporting the mission of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and the Louisville Institute. This role manages grants and fellowships funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. and administered by the Louisville Institute. Responsibilities include guiding applicants through the full grantmaking lifecycle—from inquiry and application to post-award activities and final reporting. The Grant Program Manager also provides administrative support to Selection Committees during the proposal adjudication process. Some travel is required, including support for the Executive Director at seminars and gatherings related to grants and fellowships.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

Reports directly to the Executive Director of the Louisville Institute.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Grant Management
    • Oversee the full lifecycle of one or more of Louisville Institute’s grant and fellowship portfolios, including application intake, due diligence, adjudication support, award processing, budget monitoring, and final reporting to ensure compliance and program effectiveness.
    • Manage grant program applications using an online application database portal.
    • Collaborate with the Executive Director, Finance Team, and external partners to ensure grantmaking practices comply with regulatory requirements and align with the mission of the Louisville Institute and Lilly Endowment Inc., emphasizing equity and innovation in religious communities.
    • Oversee all phases of the grant and fellowship lifecycle, including application, due diligence, adjudication support, approval, documentation, budget monitoring, and reporting.
  • Knowledge and Evaluation:
    • Partner with the Louisville Institute team to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate insights and lessons learned from grantmaking activities.
    • Develop and implement evaluation processes to assess and improve program effectiveness.
  • Compliance and Contract Management:
    • Serve as liaison between the Louisville Institute team and back-office compliance functions.
    • Monitor and track grants and contracts to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, and institutional policies.
    • Integrate expectations into grant applications, program delivery, outcomes, and reporting.
    • Recommend adjustments to contract requirements and process improvements for effective management.
    • Support documentation for RFPs, contract submissions, and reporting; assist with Seminary-related procurement and reporting requirements.
  • Advisory and Administrative Support:
    • Provide guidance on incoming requests and foster peer-to-peer learning to mitigate risks.
    • Assist in budget preparation and oversee expenditures in collaboration with the Executive Director and Finance Team.
    • Take minutes at Advisory Board, Lilly Endowment Inc., and other Louisville Institute meetings as requested.
    • Consult with the Louisville Institute Advisory Board on programmatic and constituent-related matters.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS:

  1. Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in a nonprofit or ministry-related setting.
  2. Bachelor's degree in law, business administration, or a related field preferred.
  3. Experience in grant management and compliance.
  4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and grants management systems.
  5. High ethical standards, integrity, and confidentiality.
  6. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
  7. Excellent attention to detail and deadline management.
  8. Ability to travel via air and other public transportation.
  9. Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  10. Demonstrated empathy, compassion, humility, and curiosity.
  11. Capacity for self-reflection and collaborative work.
  12. Experience working with diverse communities, including Black, Indigenous, Latinx, LGBTQIA2S+, rural, and disadvantaged populations.
  13. Understanding of systemic inequities including racism, ableism, sexism, and other forms of bias.

COMPENSATION:

Full-time, exempt position with a comprehensive benefits package, including 403(b) retirement and health insurance.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should apply online by submitting a resume and cover letter Dr. Vanessa Lovelace, vlovelace@louisville-institute.org.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

Background screening is required.

ABOUT LOUISVILLE SEMINARY

Founded in 1853, Louisville Seminary offers an inclusive and diverse learning community rooted in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Led by the Holy Spirit, the Seminary educates individuals to proclaim the Gospel, care for all, and work for justice. It is known for its nationally recognized marriage and family therapy and field education programs, scholarly faculty, and commitment to the continuing ministry of Jesus Christ. Visit lpts.edu or call (800) 264-1839 for more information.

Louisville Seminary is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, creed, sexual orientation, or any other protected class.