The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a 501(c)3 grantmaking foundation that receives an annual Congressional appropriation in excess of $310 million and is governed by a private, bipartisan Board of Directors. This unusual arrangement positions NED to play a unique role as America’s leading foundation for freedom, empowering the institution to be nimble, innovative, and risk-taking in support of democratic activists, civil society organizations, independent media, and the NED family core institutes (the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the Solidarity Center).

We seek a motivated, energetic, organized, and resourceful Senior Grants Officer, Cores who is a mission-oriented team player, and who would be excited to join a fast-paced Grants Administration team. This position is based in Washington, D.C.

Position Summary:

The Senior Grants Officer works under the supervision of the Senior Manager, Core Grants. This position provides hands-on (cradle-to-grave) management of an assigned grant portfolio, working closely with colleagues to provide effective and collaborative due diligence and oversight of grant programs.

The mission of the Core Grants team is to provide effective and efficient grants management, guiding grantees through the grant lifecycle to support their successful implementation of projects, in support of NED’s mission. The team strives to promote consistent implementation of policy and procedure, flexibility, responsiveness, innovation, and collaboration in the administration of NED’s grantmaking program.

Responsibilities:

Responsible for half of the core grant portfolio.
Foster and maintain effective working relationships with core grantee liaisons.
Coordinate and work collaboratively with colleagues who work with core grantees on planning, program monitoring and evaluation, and process.
Participate in proposal review to identify technical issues in new awards and analyze proposal budgets for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness.
Draft new grant agreements and amendments.
Monitor grantee compliance with terms of grant agreement.
Ensure the smooth management of grants portfolio, including timely payments, quick response to grantee inquiries, and efficient problem-solving; track project costs and spending rates; and do so without direct supervision of tasks.
Maintain up-to-date grant portfolio, sending all reminders, follow-ups, and closeouts without prompting from supervisor.
Conduct prompt resolution of grantee audits as needed.
Ensure that core grant administration files are maintained, including records in the grants database electronic files.
Ensure that grants awarded are in compliance with US Government or other donor regulations and/or other special requirements.
Participate in staff working groups as opportunities arise, to review and improve procedures.
Participate in the orientation of new staff, helping to mentor staff at lower levels.
Participate in development and delivery of training for grantmaking staff.
Performs other duties as assigned.
The level of responsibility and independence in assigned tasks will increase with experience.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (such as international studies, public or nonprofit administration etc.).
Minimum of 4 years of grants or contract administration experience in a nonprofit organization or foundation.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel; and knowledge of a grants management database or system.
Strong understanding of relevant OMB Circulars, NED governance documents, and the special conditions surrounding NED’s grantmaking with federal funds as a private entity.
Familiarity with international programs, including knowledge of the headquarter/field office working environment.
Ability to analyze abstract ideas and to propose possible solutions and approaches.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills and able to communicate effectively regarding budget and grant management terminology.
Attention to detail and ability to multi-task, set priorities, and organize time efficiently.
Strong ability to be a team player and self-starter, comfortable in a supporting role, working independently, and in a multicultural environment.
Ability to work with discretion.
Authorized to work in the United States.

This position is part of the NED Bargaining Unit.

To Apply:

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, desired salary, and contact information for three professional references, of which one should be a supervisor. Please, no phone call inquiries.

Located in Washington, D.C., the salary range for this role is $ 64,500 – 102,750 USD, plus benefits. The final offer for a successful candidate will be determined by a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.

At NED, we recognize that our most important asset is our people. We value the diversity of skills and perspectives our team brings to our work. We believe an inclusive and supportive work environment fosters a culture of respect and appreciation for all individuals. NED is committed to creating a workplace that allows everyone to be their authentic selves and make meaningful contributions to our organization, our grantees, and our world.

NED strives to create a work experience that supports the well-being and healthy work-life balance of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package offers health insurance (includes no copay for mental health services), a generous retirement savings plan, paid parental, vacation, and sick leave, a hybrid workplace model, flexible work schedules, and wellness initiatives to ensure a positive work-life balance.

NED is dedicated to creating an environment of respect and collaboration where everyone is encouraged to participate and take ownership of their work. We offer flexible work schedules and, for most positions, the opportunity for weekly telework days. This hybrid approach allows our employees to balance their work and personal lives while still participating in the collaborative process at the heart of our mission.

The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics covered by applicable law. The NED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business need. The NED believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success as an organization operating globally and seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org or careers@ned.org.