Vice President for Grantmaking

Job Description

Job Description

Position: Vice President for Grantmaking

Functional Area: Grantmaking 

Supervisor: President & CEO

Status: Full-Time

Classification: Exempt

Established: February 27, 2015 (established)

October 8, 2026 (last revised)

DESCRIPTION

The Vice President for Grantmaking (“VP-G” or “Vice President”) provides operational leadership for the competitive grantmaking and scholarship programs of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation (“HRCF” or “Foundation”). The VP-G acts as the HRCF liaison to the regional non-profit community; helps shape HRCF’s role as a recognized thought leader and convener on regional issues; and, in general, serves as the Foundation’s in-house expert on grantmaking. The Vice President supervises the Associate Vice President for Grantmaking, the Grants Manager, and the Grants Associate. A member of HRCF’s senior leadership team, the VP-G reports directly to the President & CEO (“CEO”).

The Vice President for Grantmaking believes in the vision, mission, and values of the Foundation and, in principle and practice, is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The VP-G supports HRCF’s strategic roadmap as the guidepost for realizing them.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Grantmaking and Scholarships

Planning and Management

1. Working with the CEO, develops the funding priorities and guidelines for HRCF’s competitive Community Grants Program for final action by the Board of Directors, ensuring they align with the Foundation’s strategic direction.
2. Develops and subsequently administers the associated processes for implementing HRCF’s Community Grants Program as approved by the Board of Directors. Such administration includes policy development and compliance, funding availability, grant application logistics, quarterly proposal review process for board action on grants, and grant award notifications and monitoring.
3. Implements a mechanism for providing on-going technical assistance to the Foundation’s non-profit partners on such matters that can strengthen their grant proposals.
4. Cultivates a collegial relationship with the Foundation’s non-profit partners through formal and informal, personal, and interpersonal means.
5. Develops and implements procedures for managing HRCF’s specialty grant programs, to include their RFP and application, proposal review process, and presentation process for final board action.
6. Oversees HRCF’s competitive scholarship program, to include its processes, payments, and relationships with external organizations.
7. Ensures that the technology platforms for the grant and scholarship programs are current and user friendly.
8. Collaborates with the Vice President for Communications & Marketing to inform the community of HRCF’s grant/scholarship opportunities and resources.
9. Serves as grants expert for HRCF’s website pages for nonprofits and scholarships.
10. Helps the CEO and Board of Directors identify those critical community issues that warrant a targeted focus by the Foundation.

Program Effectiveness in Grantmaking

1. Provides appropriate guidance to HRCF grant awardees on their expected program outcomes, ensuring that those outcomes are measurable, attainable, and aligned with the Foundation’s strategic goals for value-added community impact.
2. Conducts periodic impact analyses of the grantmaking program.
3. Ensures that the Foundation’s grantmaking program and processes comply with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations and reflect best practices among foundations nationally.
4. Monitors the alignment of the Foundation’s priority areas for grantmaking with community need through established data analytics, recommending adjustments to the CEO and Board of Directors as required.
5. Stays abreast of national issues, trends, and best practices in the non-profit sector, particularly as they impact upon community foundations and grantmaking.
6. Researches successful programs, initiatives, and best practices—at local, regional, state, and national levels—that HRCF can apply to service gaps in its priority areas.

Community Engagement

1. Develops and maintains relationships with a broad cross-section of the region’s multiple stakeholders, especially in the non-profit sector.
2. Oversees a program for non-profit organizations that (1) promotes meaningful conversation between and among non-profits on their community roles and challenges; (2) encourages non-profits, particularly those with similar or complementary missions, to partner in their delivery approach to addressing community needs; and (3) maintains a directory of regional nonprofits and their assets.
3. Represents HRCF on stakeholder collaborations that leverage the individual strengths of their partners to address the region’s challenges and opportunities.

Other Duties

1. Serves as staff liaison to the Grantmaking Committee of the Board of Directors.
2. Participates as an engaged member of the CEO’s senior leadership team in Cabinet meetings and serves on internal ad hoc committees and task forces as assigned.
3. Represents HRCF and/or its CEO at assigned external meetings and events which may occur during or outside of normal work hours.
4. Contributes to the Foundation’s publications and other printed/electronic materials by providing data, reports, content, and proofreading as needed.
5. Participates in HRCF-sponsored community events.
6. Performs additional duties as assigned by the CEO.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. At least seven years of successfully progressive management experience in the non-profit and/or public sectors.
3. Knowledge of non-profit business practices, with demonstrated ability to analyze non-profit budgets and financial statements.
4. Demonstrated understanding of outcomes development, assessment, and evaluation research protocols.
5. Superior analytical skills, with strong written and oral communication skills.
6. Proficient computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft 365 and relational database management/CRMS.
7. Cultural competence, with demonstrated ability to understand, collaborate, and navigate cross-cultural differences.
8. Ethical standards above reproach.
9. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues in a small, fast-paced office environment that depends on effective teamsmanship.
10. Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality, be the consummate professional, and consistently use good judgment.
    

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Familiarity with Southeastern Virginia, especially non-profit organizations serving Hampton Roads.
2. Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

To Apply for This Position

Visit  to submit a cover letter and résumé in our application portal. If you see this position on a job site DO NOT use the quick apply feature. You must apply through the Foundation's site and provide all required information. 

Please do not mail, fax or email your résumé. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.

Review of résumés will begin on  November 2, 2026 , and will continue until the position is filled. 

The Foundation is currently using a flexible hybrid work schedule (up to two days a week), but eventually, the position may be fully in-office.