Grants & Contracts Manager

About the Role:

The Grants & Contracts Manager plays a critical role in overseeing the full lifecycle of grant and contract management within a public administration setting. This position ensures that all grants and contracts are developed, negotiated, and executed in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies. The manager is responsible for coordinating with internal teams and external partners to develop scopes of work, budgets, and project plans that align with strategic objectives. By conducting thorough risk assessments and maintaining fiscal oversight, the role safeguards the organization's financial integrity and promotes efficient use of resources. Ultimately, the Grants & Contracts Manager ensures that all contractual obligations are met while fostering collaboration and compliance across departments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in grants and contracts compliance and management within the public sector or a related industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in contract negotiation, risk assessment, and fiscal management.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements related to public funding and contracts.
• Knowledgeable of federal, state, and local funding regulations.
• Proficiency in developing and managing budgets and scopes of work.
• Must be a self-starter, accountable to complete tasks and drive performance with minimal oversight, attentive to detail, and creative/imaginative with excellent organizational skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and grant management platforms.
• Excellent analytical, facilitation, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in grants management or contract management (e.g., Certified Grants Management Specialist, Certified Professional Contracts Manager).
• Experience with writing Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and managing complex multi-party contracts.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.
• Proven ability to lead and coordinate cross-functional teams in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the preparation, review, negotiation, and execution of grants and contracts from RFP development through closeout.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies.
• Develop and manage detailed budgets and scopes of work for grant proposals and contract agreements, ensuring alignment with project goals and funding guidelines.
• Lead contract approval and execution processes in coordination with legal and procurement teams.
• Support vendor negotiation and ensure timely execution of all agreements.
• Conduct risk assessments related to contractual obligations and funding sources to mitigate potential financial and operational risks.
• Support audit preparedness and coordinate responses to findings.
• Partner with internal grant writers and fiscal staff to develop reporting systems and support external grants management requirements.
• Coordinate and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including legal, finance, program management, and external stakeholders, to facilitate smooth project development and implementation.
• Monitor contract performance and compliance, prepare reports, and maintain accurate documentation to support audits and regulatory reviews.
• Develop dashboards and tools to track fund utilization, contract milestones, and impact indicators.
• Produce executive-level compliance reports for leadership and external stakeholders.
• Lead or support annual compliance audits and facilitate corrective action planning.
• Contribute to the refinement of scoring criteria and equity considerations for future funding cycles.
• Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, including speaking to the media and public.

Skills:

The required skills, such as risk assessment, contract review, and negotiation, are essential for identifying potential issues and securing favorable terms that protect the organization’s interests. Developing and managing budgets and scopes of work ensures that projects are financially viable and aligned with strategic goals. Writing RFPs and preparing contracts requires strong attention to detail and clear communication to articulate expectations and requirements. Ensuring regulatory compliance and managing fiscal responsibilities demand a thorough understanding of relevant laws and financial controls to avoid penalties and maintain funding eligibility. Team coordination and collaboration skills are vital for working effectively with diverse stakeholders, facilitating smooth project execution, and fostering a culture of compliance and accountability.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The majority of work is performed in an office environment. Some travel to off-site meetings and work at partner locations is required. Occasional evenings or weekends to deliver training and attend events.