Sarofim Foundation | Grants Officer

SAROFIM FOUNDATION

Grants Officer

Position Description

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

As an expression of gratitude for the many opportunities he experienced during his lifetime, Fayez Sarofim created the Sarofim Foundation that will exist for perpetuity. The Foundation is rooted in Mr. Sarofim's legacy of generosity. When fully funded, the Foundation will be among the largest in Houston. 

For more than five decades, Mr. Sarofim steadfastly supported education, healthcare, and arts organizations in Houston, across Texas, and beyond. The Board and Foundation team are continuing Mr. Sarofim’s legacy through a strategic approach that honors his philanthropic priorities and addresses the ongoing needs and opportunities in the community. We are building a Houston-based institution intentionally focused on impact and looking to add to our dynamic team.  

ABOUT THE POSITION 

The Sarofim Foundation (SF) seeks the newest member of the team, a Grants Officer. The Grants Officer will have direct involvement in deploying over $100 million annually for community impact in Houston. In partnership with the Managing Director of Programs (MDP), the Grants Officer will help ensure that the Foundation grantmaking accomplishes the strategic vision of the Board, Executive Director and the Foundation team. 

The ideal candidate will bring intellectual curiosity, analytical rigor, and genuine passion for philanthropic work, combined with the collaborative spirit needed to thrive in a team-oriented environment.  The Grants Officer will have a start-up mentality, an eagerness for research and analysis, and a proven ability to support multiple projects within the Foundation’s grantmaking function. A successful candidate will embody relentless optimism and humility. The position reports directly to the Managing Director of Programs and is located in Houston, Texas. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

The responsibilities of the Grants Officer will include the following:

Grant Portfolio Management & Due Diligence

• Lead prospect identification and screening: Conduct initial calls with organizations to assess alignment with the grantmaking approach, strategy, and priorities
• Manage comprehensive due diligence: Review proposals, analyze organizational capacity, and assess potential impact using an evaluation framework
• Support Grantee Relationships: In partnership with the MDP, maintain strong, positive working relationships with current and potential grantees through site visits, interviews, and ongoing communication
• Facilitate Grantmaking:  Serve as the point person for grantees through each stage of the grant request and submission process

Strategic Research & Analysis

• Conduct market intelligence: Research emerging trends and opportunities to inform strategy
• Support strategic initiatives: Lead special projects and research efforts that advance the Foundation's grantmaking effectiveness
• Align knowledge systems: Ensure robust documentation in Salesforce and related internal systems to enable team-wide learning and knowledge sharing

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Track grant performance: Monitor progress and results across the Foundation’s grantmaking portfolio
• Maintain evaluation criteria: Track metrics for measuring grant quality and potential impact
• Generate insights: Analyze reporting data to assess grantmaking impact and inform future approach 

Internal Collaboration & Communication

• Cross-functional partnership: Work closely with colleagues across programs, finance, and operations
• Knowledge sharing: Contribute to internal learning and cross-program coordination
• Leadership reporting: Provide clear, actionable updates on program progress and challenges
• Presentation Development: Develop presentation materials for internal meetings and decision making

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE DESIRED 

The ideal candidate for the position will have at least 5 years of professional experience with demonstrated analytical and project management capabilities.

Specifically, the successful candidate will exhibit the following:

• Nonprofit/philanthropic sector experience, particularly in Houston (strongly preferred)
• Mission alignment: Genuine commitment to the Sarofim Foundation's operating principles 
• Self-direction and initiative: Comfortable setting priorities and working independently 
• Strong research and analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex information
• Excellent written and verbal communication across various audiences and formats
• Detail-oriented approach with exceptional organizational and time management abilities
• Intellectual curiosity: Natural eagerness for research, analysis, and strategic thinking
• Emotional intelligence: High-level interpersonal skills with humility, optimism, and a sense of humor. A willingness to operate with an understanding that no task is too big or too small in service of the Foundation’s mission. 
• Professional integrity: Impeccable ethics, judgment, and discretion with confidential information
• Growth mindset: Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Customer orientation and empathy: Team player who strives to understand and deliver excellent customer service to internal and external customers
• Adaptability: Willingness to take on varied tasks in service of the Foundation's mission
• Professional Work Environment: Comfort working in a formal office environment 
• Database proficiency, with Salesforce experience preferred
• Bachelor's degree required

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Sarofim Foundation offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience. Benefits include a comprehensive insurance plan (health, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, long term disability, and voluntary coverage options), professional development opportunities, annual retirement benefit and paid time off. This opportunity is a full-time, in-person position located in Houston, Texas. Please visit our website at www.sarofimfoundation.org to learn more about the Foundation.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should apply here. Letters of interest including cover letter and resume will be received until October 24, 2025. We will contact those candidates who most closely match the requirements. We thank you in advance for your interest.