About the Organization
The Martha Holden Jennings Foundation is a private philanthropic organization committed to advancing public education in Ohio. Founded in 1959, the Foundation annually distributes over $3 million in grants and provides direct programming that supports educators and elevates the teaching profession. In a rapidly shifting educational and political landscape, the Foundation remains unwavering in its support of public education. With a newly adopted strategic plan, the Foundation has revised its strategic vision to be a “Tripodal Approach” with the three pillars of the tripod being 1) The Advancement of Teachers and the Teaching Profession; 2) The Advancement of Public Education; 3) The Advancement of Student Learning. Our office is made up of a mission-driven team of four, focused on impact, innovation, and collaborative synergy.
The Director of Grants Management and Programming will serve as a senior member of the Foundation’s leadership team and play a pivotal role in implementing, streamlining, and evaluating our grantmaking processes. This role will also lead educator-facing programs aligned with our mission, manage the day-to-day lifecycle of all grants, and provide insights through rigorous data analysis. As the Foundation transitions from six to four grant cycles per year starting January 2026, this role is key to enhancing internal systems and aligning our funding with strategic priorities.
This position requires a strategic thinker, a systems-oriented manager, and a values-aligned collaborator with some knowledge of Ohio’s PK-12 educational landscape and the evolving field of philanthropy. The role is full-time, in-office most days of the week, and may occasionally include evenings, weekends, or overnight travel for programs.
Core Responsibilities
Grants Management
- Oversee and execute all stages of the grantmaking lifecycle using the Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) platform.
- Implement and refine quarterly grant cycles and a new Letter of Inquiry (LOI) process for first-time applicants.
- Ensure grantee compliance and timely disbursement of funds in collaboration with finance and operations staff.
- Manage internal and external communications regarding Open Grants and Grants-to-Educators, deadlines, reporting, and expectations.
- Track and record all internal Jennings Programs Grants in the GLM platform.
Systems Leader
- Strong ability to hold a holistic vision of the work, seeing the interconnectedness of all parts within the organization, and how they may influence one another.
- Experience setting and refining systems and structures across the organization to deliver outcomes.
- Excellent communication skills to convey program vision, operational demands, and success criteria to various stakeholders.
- Ability to approach problems with a systems thinking mindset, considering the internal and external factors contributing to an issue and addressing those factors to create lasting change.
Program Development & Leadership
- Lead the design and implementation of proactive and responsive programming for Ohio educators aligned with MHJF’s strategic priorities in collaboration with the Executive Director.
- Co-manage professional development and teacher recognition programs in collaboration with the Executive Director.
- Serve as a thought partner in the creation of statewide convenings and educator engagement events.
Data, Impact, & Evaluation
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to assess impact, identify trends, and inform future grantmaking.
- Work with MHJF Ambassadors to gather regional field insights and share outcomes with staff and board.
- Maintain internal dashboards to visualize grant reach and effectiveness.
- Design and prepare grantmaking reports for quarterly Board of Directors meetings and as needed for additional publications/communications.
Team & Strategy Integration
- Collaborate with MHJF’s Grants Advisory Committee and Ambassadors to ensure that grant recommendations reflect current trends and needs in Ohio public education.
- Represent MHJF at conferences, partner meetings, and in statewide networks when appropriate.
- Help foster a culture of trust, innovation, and excellence within a small, high-performing team.
Key Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s in Education, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field preferred).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in grants management, nonprofit program operations, or education philanthropy.
- Proficiency in grants management systems (e.g., Foundant), data analysis platforms (Excel, Google Sheets).
- Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
- Experience with or willingness to learn AI-assisted or innovative tech tools.
- Ability to work collaboratively and adapt in a small team environment.
Work Expectations
- 40 hours per week, primarily in-person at the downtown Cleveland office.
- Occasional evening, weekend, or overnight travel to support statewide programming.
- No relocation assistance is available; candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to the greater Cleveland area at their own expense.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary: $80,000–$95,000 based on experience.
- Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, vision, paid vacation, and employer contributions to a 403(b) retirement plan.
- Professional development and leadership coaching opportunities.
Submit a cover letter and résumé to mhjf@mhjf.org by the close of business on May 9, 2025. Your materials should demonstrate alignment with MHJF’s mission and strategic priorities, particularly your experience in grantmaking, education systems, and cross-sector collaboration.
Want to learn more about joining Philanthropy Ohio or getting the most out of your membership? Contact Jessica Howard.