The Grants Manager will play a crucial role in the success of all funded initiatives/strategies under the direction of the organization. This role will manage the portfolio of Private, Federal, State and County level grants, contracts, and other awards received by SAM. The Grants Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting our Full-Service Community Schools initiative, ensuring its successful implementation and impact. The Grants Manager will be responsible for researching, applying for, and managing grants from various sources to support our mission of enhancing school and community engagement and providing comprehensive support services to students, families, and the surrounding community. The Grants Manager will manage a grant calendar, track, and report on grant deliverables, ensure the documentation of expenses, comply with audit requirements, and follows protocols for communication with the grantor. The role will be responsible for compiling and managing grant information/resources, as well as responding to invested partners (subgrantees) regarding any financial questions related to the specifications of the associated funding. This role will develop and maintain a system for tracking all grants being managed by SAM.
Essential DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following:
Grant and Contract Administration
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Post-award management of all grants and investments made to the Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM).
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Ensure compliance with donor requirements, organizational policies, and relevant regulations.
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Develop and maintain grant and contract files, ensuring all documentation is complete and current.
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Implement systems and processes for receiving, reviewing, and awarding grants, sub-grants, contracts and vendor agreements.
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Monitor grant and contract timelines, reporting deadlines, performance metrics, budget management and deliverables in coordination with specific initiative staff associated with the funding.
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Coordinate with finance and program teams to ensure proper allocation and utilization of grant funds.
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Under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer, allocate annual contracts and payment budgets to funded subgrant partners.
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Ensure complete, accurate, and timely data and information is maintained in the grants management system.
- Prepare and submit regular progress reports to funders, showcasing the achievements and effectiveness of the funded programs.
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Collaborate with the evaluation team to collect and analyze data that demonstrates the impact and outcomes of the Full-Service Community Schools initiative.
Financial Support
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Monitor grant and contract budgets, track expenditures, and ensure financial compliance.
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Work closely with program teams to reconcile reports and resolve discrepancies.
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Provide financial analysis of grantees’ financials and report inconsistencies and irregularities with submission to CFO for decision making.
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Maintain meticulous records of grant-related transactions, invoices, and supporting documentation for auditing and reporting purposes.
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Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and potential funders, acting as the main point of contact for grant-related communications.
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Assist in the planning and execution of internal audits focused on grant-funded projects, ensuring integrity and compliance with grantor requirements.
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Implement and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard grant funds and minimize financial risks.
Operations and Management
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Support programs with tracking and submission of grantees progress/technical and financial reports.
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Identify and mitigate compliance risks and issues proactively.
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Provide guidance and training to staff and partners on grants and contracts management best practices.
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Help to foster a culture of compliance and accountability within the organization.
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Provide oversight and input on process efficiencies, workflow, and timelines with grants and contracts.
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Collaborate with program staff and grantees to develop project budgets that align with grant requirements and organizational goals.
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Provide financial projections and insights to support strategic decision-making related to grant applications, program expansion, and resource allocation.
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Stay updated on grant regulations, guidelines, and reporting standards, translating this knowledge into actionable compliance strategies.
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Stay updated on trends, policies, and development in the education and community engagement sectors, identifying opportunities for program enhancement and expansion.
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Attend relevant meetings, conferences, and networking events to enhance the organization’s visibility within the grant-fundingcommunity.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with studies in Accounting, Nonprofit Management, Education, Public Administration, or related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
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5 years of grant management and contracts management.
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Strong knowledge of grant and contract regulations and compliance requirements.
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Prior experience with a grants management system is preferred, but not required.
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Proven experience in grant writing and fundraising for educational or community-based organizations is preferred, but not required.
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Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
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Detail oriented with strong project management skills and understanding of grant accounting principles, government regulations, and compliance requirements.
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Proficiency in budget management and financial reporting related to grant-funded projects.
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Exceptional editing and communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to craft persuasive and compelling grant proposals.
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Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), research tools and online resources.
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Strong understanding of full-service community schools or similar educational initiatives, along with the challenges and opportunities they address.
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Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders.