Managing Director of Grant Finance (25-26)

IDEA Public Schools; Houston (TX); Remote; USD 119,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization is seeking a Managing Director of Grants to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local grants. This role requires strong leadership and interpersonal skills to support regional teams and manage grant-related processes effectively. The position is remote, with a preference for candidates in Texas, and offers a competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Parental Benefits

Flexible Spending

Vacation

Referral Bonuses

Professional Development

403(b) Plan

Qualifications

• 7+ years in Accounting, Finance, Grants with Federal and State Program focus.
• 5+ years experience with EDGAR regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead training initiatives on grant compliance.
• Oversee program plans and budgets in accordance with grant policies.
• Manage deadlines and benchmarks for financial teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision-Making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Bachelor’s degree in business administration

Bachelor’s degree in economics

Tools

Microsoft Office

Tyler Munis

Skyward

Oracle

Job description

Managing Director of Grants

Mission:

IDEA Public Schools is seeking a Managing Director of Grants to join our growing Business Office team. The Managing Director of Grants will report to the Vice President of Treasury and Grants. This position will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all aspects of federal, state, and local grants. The Managing Director of Grants will also evaluate major programs and staff composition annually to identify potential cost savings and support leaders during the planning process.

Role Overview:

As a member of the national team, you will support all 13 regions across 15 states to achieve annual operating income goals while ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds and donations. The Managing Director of Grants will be the subject matter expert on federal, state, and local financial laws, program guidelines, policies, and procedures. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills are essential to build partnerships, lead teams, and provide clear guidance on grant requirements.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directly manage the Director of Grants, Director of Philanthropic Grants, Director of Compliance, Director of Public Competitive Grants, and two Grants Accountants.

Location & Travel:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, with preference for candidates in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or those willing to relocate.

Travel up to 30% during peak periods.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead training initiatives to ensure understanding of grant compliance across national, regional, and campus leaders; support them in connecting their work with grant rules and regulations.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of program plans and budgets in accordance with grant policies across all IDEA Public Schools teams.
• Develop and deliver quarterly training for Business Office leaders on federal and philanthropic grants, risk areas, and KPIs.
• Manage the team through the drawdown process, providing ongoing training and oversight.
• Review and approve monthly grant reimbursements for accuracy, allowability, and compliance.
• Ensure proper documentation and upload of grants data prior to submitting drawdowns to meet high-risk requirements.
• Prepare internal reports and coordinate with stakeholders, demonstrating strong communication skills.

Additional Duties:

• Present grant program updates to boards and committees monthly.
• Ensure timely grant payroll compliance, including certifications and documentation.
• Develop and implement internal controls and processes.
• Support the VP of Treasury and Grants in revising finance policies.
• Set measurable goals for Directors to promote growth and effectiveness.
• Collaborate with audit and finance teams to support internal audits and corrective actions.
• Coordinate with Schools Team leaders to ensure compliance and quality of district and campus plans.
• Manage deadlines, milestones, and benchmarks for financial teams.
• Report on grants to ensure compliance with ESSA, EDGAR, and DOE standards.
• Review and revise Corrective Action Plans to maintain high-risk compliance.

Skills & Competencies:

• Make Sound Decisions: Foster collaborative decision-making considering diverse perspectives.
• Manage Work and Teams: Build mechanisms and strategies to ensure team performance.
• Grow Self and Others: Promote professional development and resource availability.
• Build Trust and Safety: Cultivate open communication and address conflicts proactively.
• Communicate Deliberately: Express ideas clearly and listen actively to strengthen relationships.

Additional Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and ERP systems like Tyler Munis, Skyward, Oracle, or similar.

Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or economics (Required).
• 7+ years in Accounting, Finance, Grants, with Federal and State Program focus (Required).
• 5+ years experience with EDGAR regulations (Required).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in relevant fields (Preferred).
• 5-7 years supervisory experience (Preferred).

Physical Requirements:

• Sedentary position.

What We Offer:

Salary range typically between $119,000 and $142,800, commensurate with experience. Performance pay may be available.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, parental benefits, flexible spending, vacation, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. More info at IDEA Benefits.

*Relocation stipends may be available.

Application Process:

Apply online via Jobvite. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early applications encouraged.

Learn More About IDEA:

Our Core Values promote a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging. Learn more at Our Core Values.