Senior Grants Manager

About the role

The Senior Manager – Grant Administration manages government grant contracts for the organization’s government grant portfolio from contract execution to grant closing, stewarding grants to support and grow UCAN programs. The role monitors and manages administrative grant operations for a defined list of existing government contracts and demonstrates experience in grant administration, grant performance monitoring, and successful execution.

Responsibilities

• Government Grant Management
  • Manage end-to-end grant execution for government funds, both continuing and new.
  • Maintain a continuously updated agency-wide grant list with related grant information and documents.
  • Maintain comprehensive records of grant documents and manage preparation, monitoring, and reporting on grant performance.
  • Develop grant management documents and tools to strengthen implementation, grant execution, and compliance.
  • Ensure program Work Plans and Budgets are executed in compliance with external and internal requirements.
  • Monitor grant performance from contract execution to grant closing.
  • Compile and communicate a quarterly program administration report on grant performance.
  • Highlight areas for attention for UCAN grants in partnership with Finance and Program VP teams.
• Funding Process Management
  • Submit grant applications to governmental entities and organizations for financial support of UCAN programs.
  • Develop and oversee proposal-related work plans and task lists; manage the process.
  • Plan and manage research and access to relevant information and data to prepare for funding conversations and opportunities.
  • Coordinate meetings regarding proposals and funding opportunities with government entities.
  • Manage tracking and submission of requested documents, their receipt and acceptance to ensure program compliance and that any adjustments are met.
  • Support budget development for new grant applications; manage internal approval process.
  • Collect and communicate information from committee and coalition participation to enhance UCAN’s services, applications for funding, and program sustainability.
  • Meet grant deadlines, submittal compliance, and other requirements in the grant process.
• Proposals Development, Content and Quality
  • Manage compiling, categorizing, and continuous updates of program narrative components by subject matter for use in proposal writing.
  • Supervise the grant writing process/team.
  • Research available funding sources, their timing, and requirements.
  • Initiate data requests and other information pertinent to securing government grants.
  • Support the development of effective grant objectives, budget justifications, and evaluation techniques.
  • Maintain a record-keeping system to track grant deadlines, dates, and future activities required to secure funding.
• Program Launch
  • Support forward motion of agency new government funding in all program areas by scheduling meetings and managing Work Plans of Program Launch.
  • Support and customize Program Launch Work Plans and monitor tasks of respective departments.
  • Coordinate Program Launch follow-up meetings to Work Plan execution.
  • Provide technical support to lead departments in executing their roles for successful Program Launch.
• Professionalism and Work Conduct
  • Behave with integrity, demonstrate high ethical standards, and display a positive image of UCAN.
  • Act in a professional manner at all times and maintain appropriate boundaries with clients.
  • Demonstrate accountability for results and keep commitments to others.
  • Report to work, meetings, training, and job-related activities prepared and as scheduled.
  • Demonstrate openness and respect for cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and coworkers.
  • Understand and support UCAN’s standard of cultural proficiency and strive to meet it.
  • Respond to UCAN staff, service providers, and other stakeholders in a timely manner and ensure follow-up to adequately address their needs.

Requirements

• Master’s degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in contracts, proposals, and grants management and solicitation.

Special Knowledge and Qualifications

• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Flawless attention to detail.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to describe complex themes in a concise manner.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret budgets and organization financial statements.
• Full-to-expert proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
• High-level motivation and ability to work independently.
• A strong understanding of human services and not-for-profit agencies.
• Ability to network comfortably with government partners at all levels.
• Understanding and appreciation of UCAN’s mission.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks at one time.
• Open and respectful of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients; willing and competent to work with a diverse client population.
• Working knowledge of the child welfare system.
• Car and valid Illinois driver’s license and insurance required.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Group Life and AD&D Insurance
• Group Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)