Lead Community Grants Manager

PetSmart Charities is a mission-driven nonprofit committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. With over $600 million granted to organizations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, we’ve made a meaningful impact – helping millions of pets find loving homes, expanding access to affordable veterinary care, fighting pet hunger, and providing disaster response in times of crisis.

Collaborative Work Environment:
At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

SUMMARY

The Lead Grant Manager – Incubator leads implementation of the PetSmart Charities Accessible Veterinary Care “Incubator” program focused on supporting grantee partnership with historically marginalized communities. This role leads program strategic direction within Charities, as well as Incubator grantee relationships, mentoring and collaboration. The Lead Grant Manager works closely with grantees and contractors to deliver a Community of Practice and 1:1 coaching to promote community engagement growth and impact, builds tools and structures for grantees to be successful in multi-year programming, and provides real-world insight to inform organizational strategy. The role contributes knowledge of grantee programs and regional animal welfare concerns to support communications, operational design and ongoing strategic refinement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Grant Program Management

• Lead Incubator Grant initiatives in accessible veterinary care, as the primary program contact for grantees, contractors, internal team and external partners
• Ensure grant program objectives, guidelines, timelines, tools, and processes are met and clearly documented
• Consistent partner engagement, learning support and follow-up – this role requires regular meetings with individuals, small and large groups, both online and in-person, often as the leader
• Listen actively to partners and community members, solicit feedback and provide problem-solving support, while supporting grantee program progress toward community-owned activities
• Manage and document outgoing grantee communications, communities of practice curriculum, and development of toolkits and resources to accelerate program impact

Grant Evaluation and Administration

• Manage grantee cultivation and evaluate applications and reports for funding priority within available resources and strategic focus
• Negotiate and draft grant agreements outlining purpose, conditions, funding distribution, impact expectations, and acknowledgment requirements
• Elevate program outcomes and results to position PetSmart Charities as a leader in the field

Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation

• Strengthen organizational understanding of needs, assets, and vulnerabilities impacting pets and people in Incubator focal communities
• Manage the development and continuous improvement of research and evaluation frameworks for grantee and program impact monitoring

External Representation

• Represent PetSmart Charities through collaboration, conferences, site visits, and engagement with philanthropic and nonprofit partners
• Collaborate with community organizations, local leaders, and funders to identify needs and advance grantmaking opportunities aligned to funding priorities

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 years of relevant work experience in nonprofit or philanthropic project design and management; additional relevant experience may be substituted for education
• Specific experience in hands-on program design and implementation of programs designed to improve outcomes in marginalized communities
• Experience in human social services, education, public health or animal welfare/conservation sectors
• Experience in evidence-based program design and implementation
• Experience in program evaluation or qualitative and quantitate research design and adaptation
• Background in facilitation, mentoring, curriculum design or education 

Technical Skills

• Must possess excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Must possess outstanding organizational skills, including attention to detail
• Must demonstrate ability to create partnerships/relationships with internal and external partners, leveraging interpersonal skills to create trust
• Must be proficient in using the Microsoft Office Suite including experience with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams and Trello or similar sharing platforms
• Must demonstrate commitment to PetSmart Charities values in diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and in our grantmaking 

Travel Requirements

• Must be able to travel domestically as needed to support Charities goals and partner relationships (15-20%)
• Must be flexible to changing schedules, travel notice with less than 2 weeks’ notice, and occasional weekend/evening hours

• This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
• Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.
• On-site presence in accordance with our FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.

* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. 

We’re more than a workplace, we’re Team PetSmart. Together, we grow, collaborate, and challenge ourselves to be the best in all we do. Our culture is built on belonging and shared purpose, where every voice and experience matters. Guided by our values, we strive to do what’s right, lead responsibly, and bring our passion for pets to life every day. Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You might be the right fit for this role or another opportunity across Team PetSmart.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet-friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!
• On-Site Events & Adoptions, enjoy community-building opportunities, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more
• “Lil Paws” NAEYC-accredited onsite childcare facility providing high-quality early education
• Paid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heart
• Print Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more!

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.