Director, Grant Manager at The Sobrato Organization / Sobrato Philanthropies
The Sobrato Organization / Sobrato Philanthropies · Mountain View, United States Of America · Hybrid
- Senior
- Office in Mountain View
POSITION DESCRIPTION
DIRECTOR – GRANTS MANAGEMENT
THE SOBRATO ORGANIZATION/SOBRATO PHILANTHROPIES
Mountain View, CA | October 13, 2025
OVERVIEW
The Sobrato Organization (TSO) and Sobrato Philanthropies (SP) are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Director of Grants Management to shape and guide the next chapter of grantmaking operations for the organization. For a leader who thrives at the intersection of operations and mission, this position represents an exceptional opportunity to elevate grants management as a central driver of effectiveness and impact within one of the Bay Area’s most prominent philanthropic enterprises.
As a dynamic, privately-held enterprise that has driven nearly $1.5B of philanthropic contributions to date, TSO leverages the collective power of our three enterprises - Sobrato Philanthropies, Sobrato Real Estate, and Sobrato Capital- to live out our mission of “building a more equitable and sustainable world through business and philanthropic leadership.” TSO is at a critical inflection point as it works to “integrate for impact,” aligning its business and philanthropic goals and taking a disciplined approach to operationalizing how the enterprise and family leverage their assets for positive impact, ensuring the totality of its work has a meaningful impact.
Reporting to the VP of Finance and Operations, the Director of Grants Management (Director) will lead the Grants Management team and be responsible for developing and managing grants management strategy, systems, tools, practices, and policies that support a consistent yet adaptable approach for the unique context of SP’s evolving portfolio of philanthropic activities. The position offers the opportunity to lead a function that is both operationally critical and strategically influential, ensuring SP’s grantmaking reflects the organization’s values while remaining adaptable to the needs of grantees and the communities they serve. The Director will lead efforts to modernize SP’s grants management infrastructure by guiding improvements in workflow and compliance across diverse giving vehicles, advancing adoption of technology platforms, and ensuring high-quality data is available to drive decision-making.
Key priorities include: ensuring the SP’s grantmaking practices and approaches are aligned with the organization’s values and goals; continuous improvement in the grantmaking systems and processes to meet the needs of collective, individual, and collaborative giving vehicles; making the best use of available technology; improving the quality and integrity of the grants information provided to internal and external stakeholders; and mentoring and supporting an experienced and high-performing team.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader in philanthropic grants management, preferably with prior experience in a private foundation or a complex philanthropic environment. They should bring a blend of strategic vision and practical expertise and be equally adept at setting direction and managing details. They must have a deep understanding of the grants lifecycle, policies, workflow, and technology options. Success in this role will require fluency in grantmaking technology and data systems, the ability to navigate legal and compliance frameworks, and the skill to mentor and inspire a high-performing team.
This full-time exempt hybrid position is based in Mountain View, CA, with Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays as in-office days each week.
THE ORGANIZATION
TSO comprises three enterprise groups that are integrated for impact, all of which are served by a shared enterprise operations platform.
- Sobrato Philanthropies. The mission of Sobrato Philanthropies (“SP”) is to partner with communities to meet immediate needs, address systemic barriers, and pursue social justice to build a more equitable and sustainable world. Three generations engage in grantmaking, advocacy, and impact investing globally and, through a collective strategy, work to improve the Silicon Valley region by supporting thriving communities. Key fact: Since its founding, and due to the success of the Real Estate and Capital enterprises, Sobrato Philanthropies has donated cash, real estate, and free office space totaling nearly $1.5 billion. The organization currently grants $100 million annually, with additional financial commitments made through impact investing and social purpose real estate. TSO has been the largest donor to the Silicon Valley region for many years and has a diverse portfolio of work led by individual family members.
- Sobrato Real Estate & Development. TSO’s Real Estate & Development group develops and operates world-class office buildings, apartment homes, and mixed-use projects in high-growth markets in the western United States. Its mission is to develop, acquire, own, and operate profitable real estate projects that prioritize sustainable design and the wellness of employees and benefit the communities in which they are located. Key fact: TSO has developed over 21 million square feet of R&D and office buildings and 10,000 apartment units. The firm’s current real estate portfolio comprises 14 million square feet of office and multifamily properties, all 100% owned by the Sobrato Family without institutional partners.
- Sobrato Capital. Sobrato Capital leverages TSO’s investment expertise, network, capital resources, and long-term investment horizon to generate superior investment returns that complement the success of the firm’s Real Estate & Development operations and build the resources of Sobrato Philanthropies. Its mission is to sustainably grow the organization's assets to support TSO’s broader business and philanthropic goals while serving as a partner of choice for investments. Key fact: Sobrato Capital, a diversified portfolio of public and private investments, was started in 2009 to diversify the family’s holdings and manage the growing endowment of Sobrato Philanthropies. Sobrato Capital also has cumulative impact investment commitments totaling $450 million across TSO and affiliated external entities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy and Leadership
15% of Time
- Develop and lead the execution of short- and long-term vision and strategy for a strategic grants management function that aligns with SP’s strategies and goals.
- Serve on the leadership team (L12) and partner with leadership to co-identify organization-wide priorities.
- Provide grants management expertise as needed when collaborating with leadership in making critical institutional assessments and decisions for SP.
- Contribute to and support institutional strategic planning by proactively identifying and implementing grants management tools, practices, and infrastructure that align with the SP’s evolving needs and aspirations.
- Represent SP at grants management (PEAK Grantmaking, TAG) and other philanthropy communities to share best practices and to translate learnings back to SP to support continuous improvement.
Grantmaking Systems and Data
30% of Time
- Provide functional leadership in evaluating and designing systems for collecting, classifying, storing, and reporting on grants data to support grantmaking through automation, collaboration, and transparent workflow.
- Champion and encourage user adoption of the grantmaking system across SP and grantees, and identify and address training and barriers to adoption.
- Oversee data management and data quality, including regularly reviewing the applicability and usage of grant codes. Partner with Programs and Measurement, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) to develop standards for consistent coding and reporting.
- Advance a robust reporting approach that provides timely and relevant data to stakeholders across the organization to promote learning, reduce grant processing time, and support internal communications.
- Continually stays abreast of new developments in grantmaking systems and technologies and their applicability to the needs of the Foundation. Identify opportunities to evolve or build appropriate and durable tools to support grantmaking.
- Oversee automatic and manual data import from internal and external sources; resolve issues; and identify root causes to prevent potential future issues.
- Manage vendor relationship(s), licensing fees, and appropriate budget for enhancements.
Grants Management
40% of Time
- Design and manage efficient and transparent workflow to support the full grant lifecycle, including organization verification, pipeline management, grant recommendation, grant approval, grant agreement execution, payments, amendments, and reporting.
- Assess existing grants management processes, resources, and capabilities to advance opportunities for greater efficiency and efficacy. Iterate and refine critical operating structures and processes that support grantmaking across SP.
- Advise and guide program teams on legal compliance, complex grantmaking, and appropriate charitable giving mechanisms to achieve grant objectives and impact. Develop or update grant policies, provide resources, and answer questions.
- Manage monthly program and quarterly board dockets, including legal review, data quality, grant approval, budget, and coordination with the Communications department.
- Review the payables dashboard weekly to ensure payments are expeditiously processed.
- Manage vendor and other partner relationships, such as the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, with a focus on quality and timeliness in accordance with the agreed-upon service level agreements.
- Promote a culture of learning and knowledge sharing on grants and grantmaking practices; develop curriculum for staff at all levels and provide ongoing training on key topics such as private foundation rules, grantmaking best practices, and grantmaking systems.
- Serve as the primary liaison for the Board and Officer Discretionary Grant program.
- Lead or serve on Grantmaking Work Groups in partnership with Programs or MEL.
Staff Development and Operational Management
10% of Time
- Direct the design and implementation of efficient and high-quality grants management operations. Establish feedback mechanisms to quickly spot issues for end-users and strategically adjust services to meet evolving SP needs.
- Determine an optimal grants management team structure for the grants management function and oversee hiring, training, and managing staff performance.
- Set clear team goals, conduct performance reviews, provide constructive feedback, and ensure alignment of the team and SP’s strategic objectives.
- Guide staff in their professional growth based on each member’s unique strengths and perspectives and support continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
Other Responsibilities as Assigned
5% of Time
QUALIFICATIONS
- 10+ years of grants management experience with a deep understanding of the grants lifecycle, policies, and workflow, ideally in a private foundation or complex philanthropic environment, or relevant experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of staff management experience, including a proven track record in staff development.
- Strategic and results-oriented leader who can seamlessly operate at both high-level strategic planning and the hands-on level of tactical execution.
- Advanced knowledge of legal requirements and compliance rules for private foundation and grantmaking (i.e., 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), commercial, and foreign public charity-equivalent and non-equivalent) is required.
- Ability to unite and build trust and shared understanding across a variety of stakeholders while nurturing a culture of accountability and impact.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and make sound, timely decisions by considering immediate and long-term implications. The ideal candidate will be a leader who can guide the team through changing circumstances and competing priorities gracefully and effectively.
- Effective systems orientation, with a track record of enhancing existing technologies, implementing new solutions, and staying well-informed of emerging options. System administrator experience with complex grantmaking system(s) required. Experience with Fluxx is a plus.
- Skilled in designing and building systems and processes that help scale and strengthen grantmaking; provide positive grantee experience; ensure effective data management and reporting; and support efficient and transparent workflows.
- A mindful and effective leader who attracts and retains great talent by building a positive, trusting, and inclusive team culture that inspires the team to achieve excellence.
- Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with diverse stakeholders to drive clarity and action. Ability to consider multiple points of view and cultivate a culture where candid and respectful feedback is encouraged.
- Commitment to Sobrato Philanthropies’ mission, vision, and values.
EDUCATION
- Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a field related to the nonprofit sector.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The target starting salary for this position is $182,000–$227,000 per year, depending on experience. The Sobrato Organization promotes equitable and rewarding compensation for its team. Salary is commensurate with experience, plus a competitive benefits package with perks including medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; 401(k) plan with generous employer match; paid time off and holidays; access to professional development resources; matching gift contributions; an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); cell phone reimbursement; public transportation passes; dedicated parking; stocked kitchen snacks and beverages; and many employee events and lunches.
Beyond competitive salaries, benefits, and perks, joining The Sobrato Organization is an opportunity to build upon the Sobrato family legacy of strong values, deep commitment, and large-scale community impact. It is dynamic and growing, encourages collaboration and continuous learning, and is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion. Our team has the opportunity to contribute immediately, taking on meaningful work alongside caring, talented colleagues.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
In alignment with our values, Sobrato Philanthropies is an equal opportunity employer committed to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are dedicated to building a team that represents a diversity of backgrounds, cultures, experiences, perspectives, and skills and to creating an environment of inclusion and belonging, welcoming to all regardless of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. People of diverse backgrounds with lived experience in our communities and focus areas are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Sobrato Organization participates in the E-Verify program as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program(Opens in a new window).
TO APPLY
Martha Montag Brown & Associates, LLC has been retained to conduct this search. Interested and qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume and targeted cover letter via The Sobrato Organization’s candidate application portal here. All correspondence will remain confidential. Questions about the search and application process should be directed to [email protected].
