A grants manager identifies potential grants, communicates with grantmaking organizations, writes grant proposals, ensures compliance with grant specifications, and prepares grant reports for both external and internal accountability.
A grants manager works for a variety of organizations to include non-profit organizations, social service agencies and educational institutions. Typical job responsibilities include planning and implementing grant programs, conducting grant research, writing grant proposals, preparing grant applications, auditing grant compliance, and preparing and issuing grant reports. In most cases, the grant manager will report to some type of director, such as a center director at a social service agency. Most of the work, however, includes identifying potential grants that are most helpful to the overall mission and goals of the organization. Communicating with grantmaking organizations is also an important task that falls under the remit of a grant manager.
First, a grants manager will need to research available grants and precisely identify those that the organization can take advantage of. Researching available grants and their applicability to the organization’s mission requires an efficient methodology and analytical process. The effective balance of both requirements often determines success in the position. Once a grant is identified, the grant manager will need to come up with an application that effectively demonstrates that the organization is in a position to use the grant wisely and effect the changes the grants are intended to impact. Also, in other cases where grants are not readily available, it is necessary to develop proposals that not only identify a need, but also articulate a plan that the grant will help bring about.
Once a grant is awarded, the grant manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with the grant specifications and requirements. Grant awarding is generally based on specific uses of funds provided, as well as expected milestones in the funded program. It is up to the grant manager, this responsibility involves communicating these specifications, requirements and milestones, as well as following up at regular intervals to ensure compliance. Communicating progress through face-to-face meetings and grant reporting is part of this process. This is often accomplished through on-site visits to the contracting organization, as well as prepared reports that can focus on budgetary concerns and document progress.
In addition, a separate set of grant reports is required for internal accountability. These reports are usually prepared to detail each grant individually and all grants collectively. These reports are later submitted to the grant manager’s supervisor, usually accompanied by a presentation detailing each report submitted. Issuing such reports requires the grant manager to effectively demonstrate that he or she is handling the required tasks responsibly.
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