Grant Application Reviewers

Manhattan Strategy Group; Bethesda (MD); Remote; USD 6,000 - 9,000; Full time

Job summary

Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG) is seeking independent consultants to serve as Grant Application Reviewers in support of federal discretionary grant programs. Remote work offered with panel discussions conducted virtually.

Reviewers assess applications using federal criteria and provide evidence-based comments. Ideal candidates have policy or grant management experience, strong analytical writing, and the ability to work within structured timelines.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Demonstrated expertise in relevant education or grant program content areas.
• Experience with federal or state grant programs preferred.
• Strong analytical writing skills.
• Ability to evaluate proposals objectively against structured criteria.
• Proficiency in virtual meeting platforms and online review systems.
• Ability to dedicate focused time during scheduled review windows.
• Must have dedicated access to a computer with MS 2020 and a dedicated high-speed internet connection.

Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate assigned grant applications using established federal scoring criteria.
• Provide written, evidence-based comments that justify numerical scores.
• Participate in virtual or in-person panel discussions to reach consensus scores.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest.
• Complete required reviewer training prior to panel participation.
• Meet established review deadlines and adhere to Department protocols.
• Utilize designated review platforms (e.g., secure federal grant systems).

Skills

US Citizenship

Public Trust

Analytical writing

Grant review

Policy expertise

Virtual meetings

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Description

Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG), a leading management consulting firm, is seeking highly qualified independent consultants to serve as Grant Application Reviewers in support of competitive discretionary grant programs for the U.S. Department of Education. Reviewers will be compensated to independently evaluate grant applications in accordance with published program criteria to ensure a fair, objective, and merit-based review process.

This role is ideal for professionals with expertise in policy, fiscal management, program evaluation, or federal grants management.

Location: Remote

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and evaluate assigned grant applications using established federal scoring criteria.
• Provide written, evidence-based comments that justify numerical scores.
• Participate in virtual or in-person panel discussions to reach consensus scores.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and avoid conflicts of interest.
• Complete required reviewer training prior to panel participation.
• Meet established review deadlines and adhere to Department protocols.
• Utilize designated review platforms (e.g., secure federal grant systems).

Required Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Demonstrated expertise in relevant education or grant program content areas.
• Experience with federal or state grant programs preferred.
• Strong analytical writing skills.
• Ability to evaluate proposals objectively against structured criteria.
• Proficiency in virtual meeting platforms and online review systems.
• Ability to dedicate focused time during scheduled review windows.
• Must have dedicated access to a computer with a minimum of MS 2020 and a dedicated high-speed internet connection.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience serving as a federal peer reviewer.
• Experience managing or implementing federally funded programs.
• Knowledge of federal grant regulations.
• Experience with program evaluation, performance measurement, or research design.
• Experience reviewing budgets and fiscal narratives.

Core Competencies

• Objectivity & Integrity
• Analytical Thinking
• Written Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Collaboration in Structured Deliberations

Time Commitment

Review assignments typically require:

• Completion of virtual training (2-4 hours)
• Independent application review (varies by program; 10-25 hours total)
• Participation in panel discussions (1-3 days)

Panels are scheduled in advance and conducted virtually or at designated federal locations.

Compensation

Reviewers are compensated via honorarium, typically structured as:

• Per application review rate or
• Daily panel participation rate

Payment is issued following successful completion of review responsibilities and required documentation.

Conflict of Interest & Confidentiality

Selected reviewers must:

• Disclose any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Sign the independent consulting agreement, confidentiality and non‑disclosure agreements.
• Comply with all federal ethics and integrity requirements.

Why Serve as a Federal Grant Reviewer?

• Influence national education initiatives
• Gain insight into successful grant strategies
• Contribute to equitable distribution of federal funds
• Expand professional network with national experts
• Strengthen understanding of federal grant processes

Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and competitive selection process.

EEO Statement: Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and competitive selection process.