Grants Officer — Core Strategy & Engagement (Hybrid)

NED; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Job summary

The National Endowment for Democracy is hiring a Grants Officer, Core Strategy and Engagement (CSE) in Washington, DC. The role combines grants administration, relationship management, and financial oversight to support effective program implementation and compliance with policy and regulatory requirements.

You will manage a portfolio of Core institute grants, guide grantees through due diligence, reporting, and closeout, and collaborate across departments to enhance grantmaking processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (international studies, nonprofit administration, etc.).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in grants and/or contract administration in a nonprofit organization or foundation.
• Familiarity with federal grant regulations and international activities/issues relevant to NED's operational environment, including experience with or an interest in the work of NED's Core institutes.
• Demonstrated commitment to grantee-centered grantmaking, with the ability to build strong relationships, engage diverse stakeholders, and apply compliance requirements in a respectful and proportionate manner that supports grantee success.
• Strong attention to detail and conscientiousness about accuracy and timeliness in recordkeeping and follow-through.
• Experience working in an evolving environment, supporting a new team as structures and processes take shape.
• Strong operational judgment and ability to understand how tasks affect broader workflows, deadlines, stakeholders, and institutional processes.
• Sound critical thinking, including the ability to notice errors, inconsistencies, or missing information before moving forward.
• Ability to work with discretion.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with SharePoint, Teams, or similar platforms.
• Ability to travel internationally on an occasional basis.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned portfolio of grants throughout the full grant lifecycle, from due diligence and award processing through reporting and closeout.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for grantees, providing guidance on grant requirements, policies, procedures, and reporting expectations.
• Coordinate grant modifications, amendments, and other administrative actions in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate grant records and documentation to support effective portfolio management, decision-making, and institutional accountability.
• Perform timely closeouts; review grant and financial documentation and ensure all documentation and requirements are complete.
• Review proposal budgets, modification requests, financial reports, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy, allowability, and compliance with grant terms and organizational requirements.
• Monitor grant expenditures and financial performance throughout the grant lifecycle, identifying issues and recommending appropriate solutions or mitigation measures.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and grant requirements while balancing accountability with a commitment to minimizing unnecessary administrative burden.
• Participate in monitoring activities and risk assessments to support responsible stewardship of grant funds and informed decision making.
• Handle sensitive financial, organizational, and grantee information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Coordinate and work collaboratively with colleagues across the CSE team and grantmaking programs.
• Assist with improving grants administration processes by maintaining updated policies and procedures as they evolve.
• Contribute to department- and organization-wide initiatives that promote collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in grant administration.

Skills

Grants management

Relationship building

Regulatory compliance

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

SharePoint/Teams

Job description

The National Endowment for Democracy is hiring a Grants Officer, Core Strategy and Engagement (CSE) in Washington, DC. The role combines grants administration, relationship management, and financial oversight to support effective program implementation and compliance with policy and regulatory requirements.

You will manage a portfolio of Core institute grants, guide grantees through due diligence, reporting, and closeout, and collaborate across departments to enhance grantmaking processes.