Grants Specialist

United States
Posted on  

Job Description

WHO WE ARE

Campus Compact envisions a world in which all of higher education commits to advancing an equitable, accessible, and just democracy—where colleges and universities serve as responsive and transformative agents of change, with students, faculty, staff, and administrators joining as true partners with communities in contributing to our collective flourishing. 


We mobilize students, staff, faculty, and administrators to advance their academic and civic missions by partnering with communities to address complex social issues and further equity, justice, and prosperity for all. As a leader and connector in higher education, we offer professional development and convenings, advance research and best practices, nurture connections and networks, build capacity for people, campuses, and communities, and advocate for resources that enable this collective work.


ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a highly motivated and organized Grants Specialist to oversee the day-to-day grant administration and financial management so that we can more effectively deliver on Campus Compact’s mission and support our member campuses.


Under the direct supervision of the Director of Finance & Administration, the Grants Specialist will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective organization of externally funded projects, including tracking financial and project administrative tasks, organizing and submitting project reporting, and ensuring organizational and funder compliance. This position will work closely with the Director and an external accountant who will handle reconciliations and provide additional financial expertise. 


This is a great opportunity for leadership and professional growth and is a critical role for Campus Compact in a time of rapid expansion.


SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU’LL DO:

  • Develop an organization-wide grant management system, including creating related policies, procedures, tools, and resources for important pre- and post-award activities
  • Assist staff and contracted grant writers in preparing necessary application documents
  • Train and advise program staff on funder parameters
  • Oversee internal controls and ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, accounting principles, and funder expectations.
  • Create and monitor grant budgets
  • Prepare and submit financial and administrative reports to funders
  • Act as an administrative/financial point of contact for funders and attend all related meetings and trainings. 


WHO YOU ARE:

You are a purpose-driven leader motivated by Compact’s mission and values. You are

inspired to work towards a vision of higher education as a changemaker and an essential entity in creating just, equitable, and democratic communities. You thrive in a rapidly growing organization that values humility, collaboration, high performance—and, above all—putting people first.


You are an experienced grant management professional. You bring deep knowledge of grant management, including compliance, accounting, budgeting, reporting, and contract management. You have a related degree and/or certification.


You are an analytical thinker with the ability to implement tactically. You hold the "big picture"

and take a hands-on approach to translating strategy into day-to-day activities. You have a track

record of setting priorities and creating structures, processes, and procedures that foster

financial health and organizational accountability.


You are an effective communicator who conveys information clearly and inspires trust. You

are emotionally astute and practice deep listening to understand others’ perspectives and needs.

You translate complex concepts and collaborate with individuals who do not have a finance or administrative background.


You are a tech-savvy and well-organized doer. You bring expert knowledge of commonly used software, including MS Office and Google Suite (bonus if you know Quickbooks or another accounting software). You have strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize, multi-task, work under deadlines, and manage relationships with external vendors and stakeholders. Your work product is meticulous and accurate.


You are an adaptable, agile, and resourceful team player. You possess a “get it done” attitude,

with the ability to stay focused and nimble in a dynamic environment. You are a self-starter and

willing to jump in and solve problems proactively. You effectively build positive relationships with colleagues, are committed to equity and inclusion, and value professional learning and growth. 


The following qualifications are strongly preferred: 

  • Master’s Degree or certification in accounting, finance, administration, or a similar related field (e.g. MBA, MPA), and/or relevant professional license 
  • Experience with federal grants management and reporting; experience with AmeriCorps a plus! 
  • Experience overseeing or working closely with human resources and business operations. 
  • Formal project management experience and/or training


Please note that this position is only available to individuals who are already eligible to work in the United States. Campus Compact does not sponsor work visas. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship, both now and in the future.