Competitive Grants Manager

About the role

Foundation Academies is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial Competitive Grants Manager to lead the organization's public grants strategy. The role involves identifying, securing, and managing competitive federal, state, county, and municipal funding opportunities that advance educational excellence and expand opportunities for students and families.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue competitive federal, state, county, and municipal grant opportunities aligned to Foundation Academies' strategic priorities.
• Lead the development, writing, and submission of compelling, high-quality grant proposals.
• Manage the full lifecycle of awarded grants, including reporting, compliance, and deliverable tracking.
• Partner with school leaders, finance, operations, and program teams to develop fundable initiatives and grant budgets.
• Maintain a robust grants pipeline, funding calendar, and proposal schedule to ensure timely submissions.
• Monitor public funding trends, legislative updates, and emerging opportunities across New Jersey and federal agencies.
• Build relationships with public funding agencies and external partners to strengthen future funding opportunities.
• Develop systems and processes that increase the organization's long-term capacity to secure and manage public grants.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience securing and managing federal and state grants.
• Demonstrated success writing competitive grant proposals, preferably in K-12 education, higher education, or workforce development.
• Knowledge of New Jersey public funding streams and Uniform Guidance requirements.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong project management, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and grant management systems.
• Commitment to educational equity and the mission of Foundation Academies.

Qualifications

• Experience in K-12 education, higher education, or workforce development.
• Understanding of New Jersey public funding streams and Uniform Guidance requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective project management and organizational skills.

Skills

• Grant writing and proposal development.
• Grant management and compliance.
• Public funding trend analysis.
• Relationship building with public funding agencies.
• System development and process improvement.

Benefits

• Merit-based pay increases annually.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefit plans.
• Tax-deferred 403b retirement account with 25% matching up to a certain amount.
• Free financial wellness advising through our Financial Advisor Service.
• Optional short or long-term disability benefits through Aflac.
• Career advancement opportunities.
• Windows-based laptop.
• Regular strategic professional development and coaching.
• Regular team-building activities and outings.
• 10 sick days and 3 personal days that roll over annually.
• 30 paid holiday observances.

Pay

$55,000–$75,000

Schedule

Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm