Grants Administrator

Grants Administrator

• Title: Grants Administrator
• Reports to: Vice President, Program Administration and Finance
• Hours: Full-time, exempt
• Compensation: $55,000 to $59,500 /annually
• Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums; generous employer 401(k) contribution; liberal PTO; flexible work environment; annual professional development stipend
• Location and Travel: Must be located in the United States; willing and able to travel to locations throughout the US up 5%

Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) is a national leader in coastal restoration and protection, practitioner education and advocacy. Our local projects restore coastal wetlands, open fish passages, remove invasive species, engage communities, and build organizational capacity. We advance the science and practice of habitat restoration through high-level meetings, technical exchanges and our biennial RAE Coastal & Estuarine Summit. As a leader in coastal issues, we advocate for coastal communities through engagement with Congress and the federal administration.

SUMMARY

RAE administers multiple competitive grant programs with federal, corporate, and non-profit partners and funders. The Grants Administrator works with other RAE staff to provide fiscal and administrative oversight and management of grants awarded by RAE, and to ensure consistent processes and adherence to all relevant regulations, with particular emphasis on federal. The Grants Administrator will ensure that RAE’s grant-making and related processes, documents, procedures, and implementation are executed professionally, efficiently, on schedule, and in a manner consistent with best practices and all relevant regulations. This position can be located either remotely or in the DC Metro area but must have experience and proficiency working virtually with remote staff in multiple locations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Grants Administrator is responsible for supporting fiscal and administrative oversight and management throughout all stages of grants awarded by RAE including assessment, reporting, database management, payments, fiscal monitoring, and closeout of grants.

Main responsibilities include:

• Track programmatic and financial reporting and ensure deadlines are met and reports are complete
• Liaise between grantees and Program Directors – answer questions, notify of upcoming deadlines
• Train new grantees and monitor compliance with federal regulations and requirements
• Conduct pre-award risk assessment of potential grantees
• Provide analysis of the status of sub-grants, e.g. spending patterns, outstanding reports, project periods
• Work with Program Directors to manage post-award actions (extensions, budget modifications, etc.)
• Help develop policies relating to grantee management
• Serve as advisor for a grants management system with both internal and external audiences, including troubleshooting and assurance of data integrity
• Conduct grantee invoice audits
• Assist in drafting grantee agreements
• Participate in team meetings; engage with monthly grant management calls
• Attend grant management training to stay current on changing federal regulations
• Assist the finance team in all relevant audit materials related to grantee information

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• At least 3 years of grants and contracts or related experience; understanding of non-profit or federal government budgeting and financials
• Strong organizational and project management skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail
• Excel and spreadsheet proficient
• Knowledge of grant management systems, or a desire and willingness to learn; Experience with Blackbaud a plus
• Ability to work effectively, independently, and as a highly resourceful team player under pressure and within deadlines
• The ability to easily interact with a wide range of people and working styles
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with staff, partners, and grantees
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Strong problem-solving skills and desire to help build systems and tools to improve efficiency and the awardee experience
• Ability to anticipate challenges and effectively resolve potential issues through creative problem-solving
• Willingness to travel to RAE-sponsored events and staff retreats
• Must have prior authorization to work in the United States

HELPFUL:

• Knowledge of federal grants and grant processes, especially with EPA or NOAA
• Strong interest and commitment to coastal restoration
• Experience working in non-profit organizations