Description

Ballinger | Leafblad is honored to partner with the Bush Foundation on the search for its next Grantmaking Officer. Founded in 1953, the Bush Foundation invests in great ideas and the people who power them, advancing creative problem solving across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Native nations that share this geography. With a flexible, issue-inclusive approach to philanthropy, Bush is known for grounding its work in community voice, learning, and long-term impact.

This search comes at an important moment as the Foundation continues to deepen its regional engagement and steward a robust portfolio of grants and programs. Working collaboratively within a team of grantmaking officers and reporting to the Grantmaking Director, the Grantmaking Officer will build trusted relationships across communities, identify and evaluate high-potential ideas, and guide grantees through a thoughtful, values-driven funding process—balancing deep listening and partnership with rigorous analysis, judgment, and accountability.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong alignment with the Bush Foundation’s purpose, operating values, and commitment to equity, learning, and community-centered impact.
• At least five years of experience in public, nonprofit, or related private-sector work, ideally with exposure to housing, immigration, environmental, or public policy issues.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain trust-based relationships with individuals, organizations, and communities across diverse geographies.
• Experience reviewing, assessing, and providing feedback on grant proposals or complex initiatives using clear criteria and sound judgment.
• Ability to balance highly relational, community-facing work with in-depth analysis, due diligence, and synthesis of complex information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including comfort delivering constructive feedback and explaining funding decisions clearly and respectfully.
• Cultural competency and emotional intelligence, with the ability to engage across differences in background, perspective, and lived experience.
• Collaborative mindset, with experience contributing to team-based decision-making and cross-organizational initiatives.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $127,733.

Compensation includes participation in a comprehensive and generous benefits package, which you can read more about here. 

View the full position profile at
https://www.ballingerleafblad.com/current-searches 

TO APPLY

All applicants must apply online here.

To apply, a resume and cover letter are required for consideration. Strong writing skills are a critical part of this role.

We strive for a transparent and supportive process, starting with an initial review of applications, followed by exploratory conversations with qualified candidates, in-depth interviews, and open communication throughout. There will be an immediate and ongoing review of candidates, so we encourage and appreciate early applications.

All inquiries will be handled with strict confidentiality, subject to standard recruiting practices and any applicable legal disclosure obligations.

For more details or questions, inquiries may also be directed to Jen Hanlon Ash at jen@ballingerleafblad.com.

Applications will be accepted through March 6, 2026 or until the position is filled. Review of materials begins immediately. We encourage early application.