Ashley Firstley
@ashleyfirstley
I build grantmaking systems that move resources to communities at scale.
United StatesWhat I'm looking for
At YMCA of the USA, I manage $50M+ in annual subgranting across 800+ local Y affiliates, processing 100+ opportunities and 2,000+ awards each year. I build the systems that move resources to people who need them.
I lead end-to-end grant portfolio operations, from initiative roadmaps and KPI tracking to stakeholder alignment, compliance, reporting, and workflow improvement in SmartSimple. My systems and process work has improved cross-functional execution efficiency by 25–30% while maintaining 95% data accuracy across grant records.
Previously at Arts New Orleans, I managed $750K–$1M in annual grantmaking for more than 150 artists and organizations, secured a $100K program increase through a data-driven business case, and coordinated rapid-response funding after Hurricane Ida.
I also led communications and creative production for regional arts programs, increasing public engagement by 20% and digital audience reach by more than 1,000%. I bring a strategic and operational lens to making funding processes more thoughtful, efficient, and responsive to the people they serve.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Managing grant portfolio operations for a federated national nonprofit network, executing $50M+ in annual grantmaking across 800+ Y affiliates. Driving 25-30% improvement in cross-functional execution efficiency through process improvement and systems work in SmartSimple.
Managing grant portfolio operations for a federated national nonprofit network — executing $50M+ in annual grantmaking across 800+ Y affiliates supporting initiatives in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
• Process 100+ opportunities and 2,000+ subgrant awards annually, maintaining 95% data accuracy across all grant records while consistently meeting or exceeding subgra
Scope expanded to include end-to-end grant program management alongside marketing and communications, overseeing city, state, and federally funded initiatives supporting 150+ artists and organizations across three parishes.
• Managed execution of grantmaking programs totaling $750K–$1M annually, ensuring alignment to program scope, regulatory requirements, and defined success outcomes
• Secured
Led end-to-end marketing and communications operations for a regional arts nonprofit, overseeing strategy, content production, graphic design, vendor coordination, and public-facing communications across all programs and events.
• Developed and executed integrated communications plans across digital, print, and event channels — increasing public engagement by 20% and growing digital audience reac
Supported fiscal operations for a city construction division, managing vendor invoice processing for a primary contractor holding a multi-million dollar city contract — with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and on-time payment execution.
• Processed 10–15 construction vendor invoices per week with near-perfect accuracy, maintaining ~100% on-time payment rate across all transactions
• Managed inv
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of New Orleans
Master's degree, Nonprofit Administration
University of North Texas
Bachelor's degree, Journalism
Availability
Location
United StatesAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
Interested in hiring Ashley?
You can contact Ashley and 90k+ other talented remote workers on Himalayas.
Message AshleyGet matched with your dream remote job
Sign up now and join over 250,000+ remote workers who receive personalized job alerts, curated job matches, and more for free!
