Grantmaking and Stewardship Director

Oct 2

Community Foundation of East Central Illinois
Champaign, IL

Anticipated Start Date: November 2026

Description

The Grantmaking and Stewardship Director joins an intimate, collaborative team that takes pride in careful, transparent stewardship and in building relationships rooted in trust. We value the perspectives each colleague brings, support one another's growth, and share a long-term commitment to a stronger, more connected East Central Illinois. This position leads CFECI's annual competitive grantmaking and scholarship cycles, managing each one from application through award and final reporting. The director ensures every award honors donor intent, CFECI policy, and philanthropic best practices. The role will also build on our current stewardship and impact reporting system, leading grant, scholarship, and stewardship practices across the organization. This position is expected to travel within the CFECI service area with availability for occasional evening and weekend hours to attend events and trainings. The successful candidate will contribute to cross-functional initiatives and pursue ongoing professional development and report to the CEO.

Responsibilities

Grant/Scholarship Program Administration

Manage competitive grant/scholarship cycles from application through final reporting.
Maintain grant/scholarship applications and reporting platforms.
Review applications for eligibility, completeness, and compliance, and conduct due diligence.
Prepare materials for review committees, donor meetings, and Board review.
Coordinate review meetings, award notifications, and grant agreements.
Monitor grant/scholarship reports, payment schedules, deadlines, and outcomes.
Serve as the main contact for applicants, families, schools, counselors, and committee members.
Build relationships with nonprofits, educators, donors, volunteers, and community partners.

Data Management and Stewardship Impact Reporting

Maintain accurate records for nonprofits, grantees, scholarship recipients, and applicants.
Generate reports, correspondence, and program materials.
Design and implement a stewardship and impact reporting framework for the enterprise.
Partner with staff to steward donors and share the impact of their giving.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree or minimum three years of relevant professional experience
Strong project management and organizational skills, with proven problem-solving ability
Excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills
High attention to detail, professionalism, and discretion with confidential information
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, databases, online application platforms, and virtual meeting tools
Commitment to learning, listening to, and serving the community
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions of the position.
Residence within CFECI’s nine-county service area
Availability for occasional evening and weekend events, and willingness to travel to schools, award ceremonies, conferences, and workshops
Valid driver’s license

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience building a comprehensive stewardship or impact reporting program
Experience with grants management or scholarship administration, including related software (e.g., Razor’s Edge, Foundant/CommunitySuite, Blackbaud, etc)
Experience working in a nonprofit or community foundation
Advanced degree, or a bachelor’s degree in a related field
Event planning and meeting coordination experience

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

CFECI offers a competitive salary starting at $60,000, an annual employer contribution to a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan, and paid vacation and holidays

How to Apply for this Job

Email a cover letter and résumé to info@cfeci.org by Friday, October 23.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. CFECI is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds and experiences of work to apply.

About the Organization

Founded in 2008, the Center for Nonprofit Excellence is committed to helping East Central Illinois nonprofits and their boards to be as effective as possible. We facilitate collaboration and sharing of best practices that result in a strong, vibrant nonprofit sector.

WOC is not responsible for the content of job postings.