Director of Grants Administration

Job Summary

The Director of Grants Administration provides strategic leadership and oversight of the organization's grants management function, ensuring the effective and compliant administration of all grant-funded programs and awards. This position guides the full grants lifecycle from pre-award activities through post-award management, serving as the organization's primary authority on grant regulations, funder requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local guidelines, including the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).

Essential Functions

• Grant Lifecycle Management: Plans, directs, and oversees all phases of the grants lifecycle, including prospect identification, proposal development, award negotiation, post-award administration, and closeout.
• Compliance & Regulatory Oversight: Serves as subject matter expert on grant compliance; develops, implements, and maintains policies, procedures, and internal controls in alignment with federal regulations including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).
• Audit Readiness & Risk Management: Leads preparation for and response to grant audits, site visits, and funder reviews; identifies and resolves financial discrepancies, questioned costs, and compliance issues.
• Financial Management & Reporting: Assists in preparation and review of financial reports for active grants; supports reconciliation of grant expenditures, tracking drawdowns, and maintaining accurate grant accounting records.
• Budget & Resource Oversight: Assists in development and monitoring of grant budgets; supports review and approval of budget modifications, no-cost extensions, and award amendments.
• Policy Development: Participates in development, establishment, and implementation of grants administration policies and procedures.
• Document Management & Systems: Establishes and enforces standardized file naming conventions, folder structures, and document management practices.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Partners with program directors, managers, and finance staff to ensure programmatic and fiscal alignment.
• Grant Writing & Funding Development: Identifies funding opportunities, supports development and submission of grant applications, and manages award implementation.
• Reporting & Quality Assurance: Monitors, reviews, and approves grant reports submitted to funding agencies; oversees quality assurance activities.
• Strategic Planning: Develops and implements a comprehensive grants administration strategy supporting organizational growth, funding diversification, and long-term sustainability.
• Workforce Development: Recruits, trains, mentors, and retains skilled grants administration staff.
• Stakeholder & Funder Relations: Serves as primary liaison between the organization and funders; maintains professional relationships with program officers and grant administrators.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Master's degree preferred in Public Health, Social Work, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in community or tribal behavioral health.
• Certified Grants Management Specialist or willing to obtain certification.
• Direct experience working with tribal nations, Indian Health Service (IHS) and other federal funding agencies.
• Knowledge of tribal sovereignty, federal Indian law, and cultural healing practices.
• Established relationships with state, tribal, and federal behavioral health agencies and officials.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of federal grants management principles, regulations, and requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), OMB Cost Principles.
• Knowledge of the full grants lifecycle, including pre-award, post-award, compliance monitoring, reporting, and closeout processes.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and their application to grant financial management.
• Knowledge of audit processes and requirements, including Single Audit standards, audit preparation, and resolution of audit findings.
• Knowledge of grants management information systems, document management practices, and electronic file organization standards.
• Knowledge of organizational policy development and implementation of internal controls related to grants administration.
• Knowledge of funding landscapes across federal, state, local, and private sectors.
• Skill in planning, organizing, and managing a complex portfolio of grants across multiple funding sources.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, and submitting accurate and timely grant applications, financial reports, and compliance documentation.
• Skill in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and standardized systems for grants administration.
• Skill in written and verbal communication, including presenting complex regulatory and financial information clearly.
• Skill in using grants management software, financial systems, and Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex federal regulations, funder requirements, and organizational policies.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and work effectively with program, finance, and senior leadership staff.
• Ability to adapt to changing regulations, funder requirements, and organizational priorities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial and organizational information with discretion.
• Ability to represent the organization professionally in meetings, audits, site visits, and funder communications.