Grants Analyst Open Society Institute–New York

Office of Grants Management
Open Society Institute–New York

Application Deadline: January 23, 2012

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

The Office of Grants Management (OGM) oversees legal and administrative compliance and effects responsible stewardship for the grantmaking activity of the Open Society Foundations. The office improves and streamlines grantmaking operations through the adoption of innovative technologies and industry best practices. OGM educates and guides Open Society Foundations staff and grantees on grantmaking operations, encouraging timely processing of grants. It responds to the foundation's needs for compliance and information by managing the daily flow of grant-related data and documentation for OSF's grants.

The Grants Analyst position has been created at an important turning point in Open Society Foundations’ grantmaking operations and systems environment, with NPower’s Foundation Connect grantmaking software (built on the SalesForce platform) scheduled to launch during 2012. The grants analyst will have a key role in compiling grant classifications and other data requirements, coordinating the clean-up and migration of existing grant data, managing user setup and configuration at the time of implementation, and providing analytical support to a nascent data governance structure for Open Society Foundations’ overall systems environment.

Purpose of Position

Track and report on information relating to OSF’s grantmaking activity and supports the Grants Management Department’s responsibility to ensure accuracy and integrity of data captured in the grantmaking system. Work is carried out independently/under general supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate Grants Management Departments work to ensure consistent application of classification codes and field definitions;
• Develop reports, dashboards and processes to continuously monitor data quality and integrity;
• Maintain system metrics to track trends in usage and data integrity;
• Regularly perform database de-duping and cleanup procedures;
• Support the work of OSF’s data governance initiative as it relates to the grantmaking system;
• Control system access and maintain multiple user roles, security, profiles, workflow rules, etc.;
• Design dashboards, reports and other tools to make grant data accessible and useful to users;
• Provide ongoing outreach to users to ensure proficiency and effective leverage of system capabilities;
• Prepare and validate grant reports for statutory filings, management review and board packets;
• Provide the communications department with grant data analysis for publications, press inquiries, web content;
• Participate in relevant SalesForce and NPower trainings and user groups to keep current on core capabilities of the platform and product;
• Act as primary liaison with NPower and OSF internal technical support staff;
• Pursue special projects as assigned or initiated;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Open Society Foundations may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and three to five years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in an information technology or business analyst capacity;
• Nonprofit or foundation experience preferred.

Skills Required

• Effectively manage to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, with strict deadlines and without loss of attention to detail, budget and reporting;
• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with internet research and database management;
• Exercise good listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences;
• Effectively work as a team member and independently, with a high-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals;
• Show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues;
• Knowledge of key organizations and networks active in the field;
• Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues and the general public.

Program Specific Requirements

• Understanding of database concepts, data management and data governance initiatives;
• Experience with use of analytics-, dashboard-, and data reporting software required;
• Must be meticulous in matters of data accuracy and presentation to a variety of audiences;
• Good judgment, resourcefulness and problem-solving skills;
• SalesForce system administrator experience preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Start Date

As soon as possible

Compensation

Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.

To Apply

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements before January 23, 2012, to: humanresources@sorosny.org. Include job code in subject line: GAna-GM

OR

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code GAna-GM
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

FAX: 646.557.2672

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations are an Equal Opportunity Employer.