153 Best discovery world Jobs in Seattle, Washington (October 2025)

Fund for Science and Technology

Director of Grants & Contracts Management

17 days ago

Seattle

Job DescriptionSalary: The Fund for Science and Technology (FFST) is a new private foundation that is part of the Paul G. Allen philanthropic ecosystem. Founded in 2022 and launched in 2025, we enable accelerated discovery and catalyze progress for people and the planet through transformational science and technology. The foundation works to advance bioscience, accelerate solutions for the environment, and leverage the power of AI for the benefit of Earth and humanity, supporting work in the lab and across the ecosystem of scientific research, collaboration, and innovation. Together, we strive to advance the frontiers of science and maximize the benefits it offers the world. POSITION SUMMARY The Director of Grants and Contracts Management will be responsible for ensuring the Fund for Science and Technologys (FFST) philanthropic grants and contracts are executed with rigor, efficiency, and innovation. FFST is a philanthropic funder, and we seek candidates with significant experience in grants and contracts management within philanthropic foundations. This role leads all operational aspects of FFSTs grant and contract lifecycleincluding preparation, due diligence, compliance, negotiation, and processing. Responsibilities include determining the structure and content of grant and contract documentation and ensuring regulatory compliance in collaboration with FFSTs legal and tax advisors. The Director serves as a key liaison to FFST executives, program staff, and external stakeholders to ensure quality, timeliness, consistency, and compliance across all agreements. As FFST is in the early stages of its philanthropic operations, this position will play a foundational role in building the grants and contracts function from the ground up. The Director will establish systems, processes, and best practices to support FFSTs long-term success and impact. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Grants Management and Direction • Establish and maintain processes, tools, standards, and requirements to ensure FFSTs grants and contracts comply with applicable laws and policies., • Design, implement, and maintain systems, practices, and resources for effective grant and contract administration. Partner with internal teams and external stakeholders to improve and innovate processes and policies., • Draft, review, and negotiate grants and contracts with a focus on clarity, consistency, and compliance., • Oversee day-to-day grants management operations, including workflow design, intake, review, approval, and documentation., • Collaborate with program, finance, legal, and tax advisors to determine terms and conditions for grant awards and contracts., • Ensure staff training and proficiency in grants management procedures and documentation requirements., • Lead data analysis and tracking efforts to support complex grant portfolio and process management, • Participate in grant and contract budget development, ensuring alignment with grant terms and organizational goals., • Maintain clear and consistent communication with applicants and grantee partners to support strong relationships and understanding of FFSTs systems., • Ensure integrity of electronic grant files to meet legal, audit, and internal standards., • Oversee and refine policies for complex grants, including ER, for-profit, international, and IP/data-governance agreements. Stay current on IRS regulations and philanthropic best practices through participation in committees, trainings, and peer networks. Grants System Administration • Design, implement, and enhance IT systems and workflows supporting FFSTs grants and contracts, in collaboration with IT, program, and strategy teams., • Serve as owner and administrator of the grants and contracts application, management, and reporting system, including template creation, application intake, and workflow administration., • Lead the development of FFSTs grants and contracts infrastructure with an AI-first mindset. Champion the integration of AI-enabled tools to optimize systems, generate insights, and foster continuous learning and thoughtful partnerships., • Produce data-driven analyses, dashboards, and reports to inform decision-making at the grant, portfolio, program, and leadership levels. People Leadership • Over time, build and lead a team responsible for managing FFSTs grants and contracts operational infrastructure and develop into a high-performing team through shared vision, clear roles, and strategic direction., • Contribute operational insights from grants data to organizational decision-making., • Define responsibilities and departmental practices to support FFSTs overall goals., • Promote a culture of excellence, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement., • Educate FFST staff on grants reporting, compliance, and regulatory issues. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Knowledge, Experience, Skill, and/or Ability Required: • Extensive experience in philanthropic grantmaking and operations, with a deep understanding of end-to-end grantmaking processes, compliance, and strategic alignment with organizational goals; demonstrated expertise in overseeing systems and processes for managing large, complex portfolios of grants and contracts., • Skilled in philanthropic grantmaking compliance in a funder role (IRS/private foundation rules, expenditure responsibility, for-profit and international funding)., • Demonstrated success in scoping, designing, and implementing new enterprise systems and workflows for grants and contract intake, processing, due diligence, compliance, and execution, with the ability to adapt to and apply emerging technologies., • Proficiency in data management and grant administration software (e.g., Fluxx, GivingData, SmartSimple, Salesforce)., • Strong leadership skills with the ability to execute hands on work, and over time, build and manage a team, • Knowledge of best practices in grants and contracts administration, including collaboration with legal and tax advisors to ensure compliance and effectiveness., • Experience developing and negotiating contract terms and conditions for philanthropic impact. Management Responsibilities: Directly manages one or more employees. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; and conducting regular one-on-one meetings with each direct report. Required Computer Skills: • MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), • MS Project Education/Experience: • Bachelors degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited institution and 10+ years of relevant experience, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Travel Expectations • Up to 10% international and domestic travel Special remarks regarding the work environment • FFST as an organization is Monday Thursday in the office, and Friday are remote days each week. The hybrid work environment is an organizational decision that benefits employees, may differ from job to job, and is subject to change as needed. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS The salary range for this position is expected to be $194,968 - $292,452 per year. The upper portion of the salary range is typically reserved for existing employees who demonstrate strong performance over time or candidates who exceed our experience and skill set expectations. Offers for each future employee are carefully considered taking into account various factors when reviewing each candidate. These factors include experience, professional achievements, education, individual backgrounds, and internal equity, any of which could affect the compensation offer.The total compensation package will also include reasonable and customary benefits. Eligible employees may participate in a retirement savings plan and deferred compensation plan, as well as in company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance plans for the employee and the employees eligible dependents. The Fund for Science and Technology offers paid time off, including vacation and personal days, holidays, and time off for health, including sick time, disability leave, and leave for new parents. Offerings continue to be refined, and as those choices are finalized, this section will be updated. Were committed to inclusion and equal opportunity. FFST is an equal-opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, disability, political ideology, veteran status, or other protected class. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The job description listed above is representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you need accommodation during the application or hiring process, don't hesitate to contact .

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