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Foundation Operations & Program Manager

60-75% FTE initially, with potential to expand to full-time | Seattle (Pioneer Square); Hybrid

We are looking for a highly self-directed professional to manage the Foundation’s operations, finance, and grants while contributing to our nonpartisan work to strengthen democracy.

ABOUT REAL PROGRESS FOUNDATION

Real Progress Foundation is a private foundation that was created by the merger of two former foundations: the Glaser Progress Foundation and the RealNetworks Foundation. The Foundation builds on nearly three decades of philanthropy, and is particularly focused on nonpartisan democracy work at this time. We are intentionally lean and entrepreneurial, and we pursue bold ideas where philanthropy can make a difference.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a hybrid operations-and-program role for someone to own the administrative, financial, and operational systems that keep our Foundation running well, while also contributing to research and grantee relationships. The scope of the role has the opportunity to expand significantly for a candidate with the background to contribute substantively to our democracy work. Independence is essential: while we have an office, this person must be able to set priorities, move things forward without close supervision, and know when to ask for input.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Foundation Operations & Finance

  • Manage accounts payable, payroll, and payroll taxes (including W-2s and 1099s). Maintain financial records for budgets and tax filing, including 990-PF forms.
  • Work with the Foundation’s external bookkeeper and other professional advisors.
  • Manage banking, credit cards, vendors, contracts, insurance, and other business operations.

Grants Management & Grantee Relationships

  • Manage the administrative side of the Foundation’s grantmaking, maintaining grant agreements and historical giving records, process payments, and track grant progress.
  • Serve as a point of contact for prospective and selected grantees.
  • Support private-foundation compliance, including grantee due diligence and, on occasion, compliance requirements related to international grantmaking, in coordination with counsel.

Research & Program Support

  • Conduct due diligence on potential grants and initiatives.
  • Synthesize complex information into recommendations for the Executive Director and Board.
  • Stay informed about developments in the Foundation’s areas of interest.

Systems, Technology & Special Projects

  • Modernize internal systems, technology, and office processes. Manage technology providers.
  • Use AI and other technologies to improve research, systems, and impact measurement.

Democracy

  • For a candidate with relevant experience and interest, a significant portion of the position could also involve supporting the Foundation’s expanding nonpartisan charitable work to preserve and strengthen democracy. This might include researching organizations, developing relationships with leaders in the field, evaluating potential grants and partnerships, and helping develop new initiatives.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

  • Hands-on experience with accounts payable, payroll, and QuickBooks or similar systems.
  • Comfort with technology, including AI.
  • Exceptional self-management. You can structure your own work and prioritize demands.
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong research and analytical skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication, and ability to build effective, respectful relationships with external partners.
  • Discretion when handling confidential information.
  • Helpful: private foundation, grants management, public interest or nonprofit experience.

POSITION DETAILS

Reporting: The role reports to the Executive Director.

Time and Schedule: 60-75% FTE. The schedule should generally include availability each weekday, with flexibility in how hours are structured. Possibility to structure the role as full-time if the candidate has relevant knowledge to help lead our democracy programming.

Location: Office is based in Pioneer Square; hybrid work is possible.

Compensation and Benefits: The full-time-equivalent salary range is $75,000–$125,000. Actual salary will be prorated based on agreed FTE. This position has an intentionally wide salary range. The higher end of this salary is reserved for someone with both deep operational expertise and also relevant experience in democracy programming. The foundation has a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, a retirement savings contribution, PTO,  holidays, and sick leave.

TO APPLY

Please send a resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position and what you would bring to the role to grants@realprogressfoundation.org.

Real Progress Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants with a wide range of backgrounds and professional experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable law, including political ideology.