Grants Administrator I - Closing Date: 8/14/26

Division: Finance    Department: Grants    Reports To: Chief Financial Officer    Location: Open    Exempt

About the Role

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a ‘Service Delivery Area’ comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services.

Responsible for researching grant programs, writing funding applications/proposals, and coordinating/leading the transition activities of awarded grant programs. Work closely with the CEO of Tribal Affairs and Health and all Program Directors within the Tribe on all aspects of the Tribe’s development needs, including: culture, education, social services, economic development, environmental, and overall development. Primarily responsible for development of new programs, including identifying appropriate funding sources, researching organizations, writing, and submitting appropriate grant proposals. Supervises the Grants Department.

Responsibilities

• Research grant programs and funding opportunities, and coordinate plans with grant teams.
• Prepare, write, and submit competitive grant applications in alignment with requirements from federal, state, and private funding agencies, as identified by PTN leadership.
• Ensure that applications include all necessary documentation, such as budgets, narratives, and compliance reports, and that they reflect tribal values and priorities.
• Conduct inter-departmental, inter-tribal, and inter-agency meetings to identify and prioritize project needs and opportunities being pursued.
• Maintain awareness of funding opportunities from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Indian Health Service (IHS), and all other federal, state, local, and private funding organizations.
• Provide timely advice and information on funding opportunities, requirements, and procedures; collaborate in defining and implementing project funding strategies.
• Maintain relationships with contacts within funding organizations for current and future benefit.
• Provide supportive assistance to Directors with goals and objective reviews, budget revisions, evaluations, reporting, and grant closeouts.
• Maintain files of submitted proposals, track award/non-award record (especially feedback for future adjustments and changes for non-funded grant submittals), and maintain files on necessary documentation for Tribal records.
• Assist Grants Compliance Coordinator in resolving issues and conflicts with funding agencies, as needed.
• Work with Grants Compliance Coordinator to maintain open communication and keep each other informed of projects, progress, and deadlines.
• Follow up with grant/funding agencies to enable future funding, if possible.
• Responsible for all aspects of applicable grant management when assigned: completion of goals & objectives, personnel hiring, procurement, budget revisions, evaluation, reporting, closeout, etc.
• Maintain familiarity with economic development strategies, P. L. 19-638 Self-Determination contracting, Indian Health Service funding, and other federal funding sources such as ANA, USDA, ICDBG, DOE (education/energy).
• Develop and submit monthly reports as requested on progress toward and/or needs to complete tasks and address priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Tier I Minimum:
  • Bachelor's degree in grants management, business administration, public administration, accounting, budgeting, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
  • Two years of experience in grant writing, preparation, submission, and program development.
  • One year of supervisory experience.
  • Basic knowledge of Federal Assistance Regulations: OMB Circulars, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
  • Proven successful track record securing grants from various sources.
  • Basic experience with grant database management platforms.
  • Experience providing administrative support to complex systems as well as overall system implementation management.
  • Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access programs.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Valid driver’s license and be insurable.
  • Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background checks.
  • Able and willing to travel.
• Tier II Minimum:
  • Must meet all Tier I minimum qualifications listed above.
  • Bachelor's degree in grants management, business administration, public administration, accounting, budgeting, or a related field.
  • Five or more years’ experience in grant writing, preparation, submission, and program development.
  • Three years of supervisory experience.
  • Strong knowledge of Federal Assistance Regulations: OMB Circulars, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
  • Advanced experience with grant database management platforms.
• Tier III Minimum:
  • Must meet all Tier I and Tier II minimum qualifications listed above.
  • Master's degree in grants management, business administration, public administration, accounting, budgeting, or a related field.
  • Ten years of experience in grant writing, preparation, submission, and program development.
  • Grant Writing Certification or Certificate.
  • Project Management Certificate.
  • Experience managing grants in a healthcare, state/local/federal/tribal government setting.
  • Certification in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).
• Preferred:
  • Master's degree in grants management, business administration, public administration, accounting, budgeting, or a related field.
  • Seven years of experience in grant writing, preparation, submission, and program development.
  • Grant Writing Certification or Certificate.
  • Project Management Certificate.
  • Experience managing grants in a healthcare, state/local/federal/tribal government setting.
  • Certification in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).
  • One year of experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
  • Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638: Indian Self-Determination Act, Tribal organizations, and funding opportunities.
  • Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.

Working Environment and Physical Demands

• Physical requirements include carrying/lifting up to 5 pounds frequently; up to 10 pounds regularly; and up to 25 pounds occasionally.
• Visual acuity, speech, and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to drive an automobile and operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment.
• Subject to carrying, lifting, twisting, and reaching to perform essential job functions.
• Working conditions are primarily in an office environment with occasional travel to other locations.

Pay

• Tier I: Grade 11 ($56,305.00 - $83,429.59)
• Tier II: Grade 12 ($61,942.00 - $90,286.50)
• Tier III: Grade 13 ($68,136.20 - $99,315.15)