Grants Manager

AARP; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

AARP Foundation seeks a Grants Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of grantmaking, from RFA development to closeout, ensuring compliance and strong performance across programs.

The role leads system configuration in the Grants Management System (GMS), trains staff and grantees, and partners with internal teams to optimize processes and reporting. The hybrid environment supports US-based remote work two days a week.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; minimum five years of relevant grantmaking experience.
• Experience managing grantmaking activities through the full grant lifecycle, including application review, award administration, performance monitoring, reporting, and closeout.
• Proficiency in administering grants management systems, preferably Fluxx, including system configuration, user support, and process optimization.
• Strong attention to detail with exceptional analytical, organizational, project management, and documentation skills.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to develop practical solutions collaboratively.
• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts and grant requirements to non-experts.
• Strong relationship management and customer service orientation, with the ability to build productive partnerships with internal stakeholders, applicants, and grantees.
• Demonstrated adaptability, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to managing competing priorities and evolving business needs.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the application process for multiple grant programs; developing the RFA, creating the technical application, organizing the review and clarification processes, and supporting the selection of applicants.
• Creates and facilitates the execution of grant agreements and amendments, inclusive of workplans, programmatic metrics and deliverables, and budgets.
• Completes grant monitoring activities, assessing grantee performance and compliance with grant terms and conditions.
• Leads the collection, analysis and reporting of grant performance data.
• Completes necessary monthly and quarterly reporting within the Foundation.
• Develops monthly and quarterly grant operations reports and materials for Leadership and the Board.
• Manages the grants management system (GMS); serves as the technical lead on maintaining and developing processes within the GMS.
• Provides training and technical assistance to AARP Foundation staff, applicants and grantees on the use of the GMS.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Project management

Communication skills

Relationship management

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Fluxx

Job description

Overview

AARP Foundation is the nation's leading organization serving the 39 million older adults living in poverty or one life event away from slipping into it. Our mission is to strengthen financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems. We do this by creating pathways to quality employment, removing barriers to benefits, and promoting equitable access to essential goods and services. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.

Overview

AARP Foundation is the nation's leading organization serving the 39 million older adults living in poverty or one life event away from slipping into it. Our mission is to strengthen financial resilience for and with older adults by empowering individuals and improving systems. We do this by creating pathways to quality employment, removing barriers to benefits, and promoting equitable access to essential goods and services. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media. The Grants Manager is responsible for managing pre-award and post-award activities across AARP Foundation’s grantmaking portfolio. This role oversees an assigned portfolio of grants, collaborating closely with internal stakeholders to support the effective administration, monitoring, and reporting of grant-funded initiatives. The Grants Manager serves as the subject matter expert for the grants management system (GMS), leading system configuration and technical enhancements while providing training and technical assistance to staff, applicants, and grantees. In partnership with management, the Grants Manager identifies opportunities to improve grantmaking processes and develops procedures that enhance operational efficiency and support business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the application process for multiple grant programs; developing the Request for Applications (RFA), creating the technical application, organizing the review and clarification processes, and supporting the selection of applicants.
• Creates and facilitates the execution of grant agreements and amendments, inclusive of workplans, programmatic metrics and deliverables, and budgets.
• Completes grant monitoring activities, assessing grantee performance and compliance with grant terms and conditions.
• Leads the collection, analysis and reporting of grant performance data.
• Completes necessary monthly and quarterly reporting within the Foundation.
• Develops monthly and quarterly grant operations reports and materials for Leadership and the Board.
• Manages the grants management system (GMS); serves as the technical lead on maintaining and developing processes within the GMS.
• Provides training and technical assistance to AARP Foundation staff, applicants and grantees on the use of the GMS.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required, with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience.
• Experience managing grantmaking activities throughout the full grant lifecycle, including application review, award administration, performance monitoring, reporting, and closeout.
• Proficiency in administering grants management systems, preferably Fluxx, including system configuration, user support, and process optimization.
• Strong attention to detail with exceptional analytical, organizational, project management, and documentation skills
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to develop practical solutions collaboratively
• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts and grant requirements to non-experts.
• Strong relationship management and customer service orientation, with the ability to build productive partnerships with internal stakeholders, applicants, and grantees.
• Demonstrated adaptability, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to managing competing priorities and evolving business needs.

AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.

Additional Requirements

• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Hybrid Work Environment

AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as remote workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work can only be done within the United States and its territories.

Compensation And Benefits

AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including

• a 401(k)
• 100% company-funded pension plan
• health, dental, and vision plans
• life insurance
• paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave
• performance-based and peer-based recognition
• tuition reimbursement

Equal Employment Opportunity

AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.