Corporate Foundation Manager

Introduction

At IBM, we believe technology shapes the world, and we are a catalyst for that innovation and creativity. We are on the forefront of groundbreaking change – improving businesses, society, and the human condition.

Our Marketing, Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility (MCC) team tells this story and is responsible for positioning IBM in the market. We define and optimize IBM’s brand, capture the market’s attention, and articulate our point of view for clients, partners, the media, and even other IBMers. As part of our team, you’ll be surrounded by bright minds and keen collaborators – always willing to help and be helped – as you apply passion to work that will compel our audience to choose IBM’s products and services.

When you join IBM, you join a culture of openness, collaboration, and trust. Join us and experience a place where you can co-create your learning and opportunities. A place where teamwork and unique ideas are treasured. A place where you can bring innovation to life.

Your Role And Responsibilities

As a key member of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) team, the Corporate Foundation Manager will work closely with CSR leadership to maximize the effectiveness of our operations and support for our strategic CSR programs and initiatives. This individual will also ensure the IIF’s work aligns with the CSR team’s long-term goals and commitments.

Key Responsibilities

IIF Strategy:

• Develop and manage the IIF’s strategic initiatives and priorities, ensuring alignment with the company’s CSR and senior leadership objectives.
• Implement processes and strategies that allow the IIF to more seamlessly engage with CSR program teams to support grant-making and strategic CSR initiatives.
• Monitor trends and emerging issues within the CSR space to inform the IIF’s strategy and support for IBM’s CSR priorities.
  
  

Grants Management

• Oversee the IIF’s grants process, including proposal review, grants disbursement, and evaluation processes.
• Maintain accurate records of all grants, donations, and partnerships, ensuring compliance with all regulations and corporate policies.
• Work with the CSR Volunteering & Giving team on matching, volunteer, and humanitarian / disaster response grant needs.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Collaborate with senior leadership to communicate the work being done by the IIF, including budget, grant-making, and other activities.
• Report regularly on the foundation’s impact to senior CSR leadership and key IBM stakeholders, highlighting budget use, grant-making, etc.
• Prepare resolutions for funding requests that are presented to IBM’s senior leadership and IIF board members.
  
  

Budget & Financial Management

• Manage the foundation’s budget, ensuring the responsible allocation of resources across IBM’s CSR initiatives.
• Prepare financial reports and track the impact of foundation investments to ensure optimal use of funds.
  
  

Compliance & Governance

• Possess a deep understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and corporate policies, to ensure the compliance of the IIF’s activities.
• Keep abreast of changes in non-profit regulations, tax law, and grantmaking best practices.
• Manage relationships with external advisory firms to ensure the IIF’s compliance.
  
  

Preferred Education

Bachelor's Degree

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• 10+ years of experience in foundation leadership and corporate philanthropy.
• Proven track record of managing corporate foundation initiatives and grant-making programs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate across multiple teams and IBM’s senior leadership.
• Exceptional project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Experience with budgeting, financial management, and reporting processes.
• Ability to work independently and think strategically while managing day-to-day operations.
• Ability to pivot quickly in response to shifting priorities or external factors.
• Strong ethical grounding and commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business administration, non-profit management, or a related field.