Manager - Philanthropic Programs

About the position At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service. As part of Team Amex, you'll experience this powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express. Position Summary The American Express Corporate Affairs & Communications (CA&C) team is a strategic function that works to enhance and protect the continued strength of the American Express brand through public relations, social media and content, colleague communications and corporate sustainability (CS). Corporate Sustainability is hiring a Manager, Philanthropic Programs, to report to the Director of Philanthropic Programs on the Community Impact team. This program officer role will lead and be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Small Business Training, Growth, and Innovation grantmaking portfolio. The Manager will partner closely with the other members of the Philanthropic Programs team, cross-enterprise stakeholders, and with nonprofits and other external partners. The role includes grantmaking strategy support, new grant development, partner management, risk and compliance oversight, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation. The ideal candidate will bring experience in philanthropic program management, preferably within a corporate environment, and a strong understanding of small business ecosystems. They will be comfortable operating in a fast-paced complex, matrixed environment and will bring a strategic mindset, strong relationship-building capabilities, and a track record of delivering high-quality, compliant, and innovative programs. They will also be creative, solutions-oriented, and highly organized with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management of the Small Business Training, Growth & Innovation portfolio, including end-to-end oversight of existing grants and partners, and identification of new funding opportunities.
• Partner with the Director, Philanthropic Programs, and team to support strategy development, budget planning, and portfolio development for Foundation and Corporate philanthropic programs.
• Manage the full grant lifecycle, including proposal development, due diligence, risk and compliance reviews, approvals, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation.
• Manage relevant risk and compliance requirements related to the portfolio, including risk vetting, legal approvals, communications reviews, and impact measurement.
• Partner with grantees and the Operations team to support impact data collection, reporting accuracy, and integrity of impact data and measurement.
• In partnership with CS Operations and other relevant business units, support the development of Foundation and Corporate philanthropy reports and Board of Trustees materials, ensuring accuracy and adherence to legal, regulatory, and governance requirements.
• Partner with Communications colleagues and others across the enterprise to execute communications strategies for philanthropic programs, ensuring initiatives are shared accurately and effectively internally and externally.
• Serve as lead subject matter expert for the Training, Growth & Innovation, portfolio, ensuring alignment across teams and markets, and proactively engage stakeholders across the enterprise where relevant.
• Field internal and external inquiries related to the Training, Growth, & Innovation portfolio and broader Community Impact priorities.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with nonprofit and other philanthropic partners aligned to the portfolio.
• Stay informed on industry trends, insights, emerging practices, and innovative approaches to grantmaking.
• Introduce new ideas, potential partners, communications approaches, and engagement strategies aligned to business priorities.
• Advise the broader Community Impact and Corporate Sustainability teams, as well as cross-enterprise partners, identifying new areas for collaboration and innovation.

Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in program development, nonprofit partnership management, and grantmaking, preferably within a corporate philanthropy setting.
• Demonstrated excellence in project management with strong attention to detail.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities.
• Experience and/or demonstrated interest in supporting small businesses.
• Familiarity with grants management systems and related technology platforms such as SmartSimple and Benevity a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder engagement, documentation, presentation, and reporting.
• Collaborative team player with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, complex, matrixed environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong, established nonprofit network, including in key American Express markets.
• Experience supporting cross-market or international programs.
• Experience in financial services or other regulated industries.
• Relevant educational or professional certifications.

Benefits

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• 6%25 Company Match on retirement savings plan
• Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
• Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
• 20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
• Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
• Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
• Career development and training opportunities

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