Grants Manager

Classification: Exempt

About Smile Train

Smile Train is changing the world one smile at a time. Our goal is to transform every person's life impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our beneficiaries with free, life-changing comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach 1.5 million children in 90+ countries, and we’re just starting. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time.

Smile Train is looking for exceptional people to join a worldwide team of dedicated, passionate professionals. Our team is creative and highly motivated individuals working to make a positive impact. Join us!

Role Summary:

The Grants Manager plays a key role in advancing corporate and foundation funding to support Smile Train’s global programs. This individual is responsible for identifying, writing, and submitting compelling grant proposals, as well as overseeing the full lifecycle of grants - from prospect research and proposal development to reporting and funder stewardship. Working cross-functionally in a global setting with programs, finance, and leadership teams, this role ensures the timely and strategic development of grant materials and impact reports. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator and storyteller, detail-oriented project manager, capable of identifying prospects and producing high-quality written content to secure and maintain funder relationships in a global context.

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in New York City (in-office 2x per week).

Reports To: Senior Director, Institutional Giving

Key Responsibilities:

• Proactively research and evaluate grant opportunities from foundations and corporations that align with organizational priorities.
• Lead the development, writing, and submission of high-quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting documents.
• Collaborate cross-departmentally with programs, communications, finance, and leadership to gather data, develop budgets, and articulate program goals and outcomes.
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar to track deadlines, submissions, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare and manage timely and accurate grant reports, ensuring compliance with funder guidelines and demonstrating program impact.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with funders, including regular communication, updates, and engagement opportunities.
• Monitor trends in philanthropy and funding landscapes to inform strategy and identify new opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records in the donor database and grants tracking systems.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 3–5 years of successful grant writing and management experience, in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success in managing significant grant funding from foundations and corporations.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in grant research tools and CRM or grants management systems.
• Knowledge of program evaluation, budgeting, and nonprofit funding models.
• A proactive, collaborative, and vision-aligned mindset.

Preferred Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Strong storyteller in the Global Health space.

Accountability Expectations:

• Ownership of Outcomes: Take full responsibility for one’s own performance, ensuring alignment with Smile Train’s mission and objectives.
• Transparent Communication: Communicate openly and effectively with team members, fostering trust and a shared understanding of expectations and priorities.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrate empathy, understanding, and cultural sensitivity to contribute to an inclusive and supportive team environment.
  
• Empowerment: Effectively communicate with supervisors to ensure you are equipped with the resources, guidance, and autonomy you need to excel in your role
• Team Cohesion: Contribute to a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared accountability, helping the team to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Compensation Range: $72,000 - $82,000

Travel: 5-10%

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, obligations, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Application Information:

Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply. To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV, and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.