Senior Grants and Contracts Administrator

Ocean Conservancy; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Conservancy is seeking a Senior Grants and Contracts Administrator to oversee the Marine Debris Removal program. You will manage the full cycle of subawards and contracts under a cooperative agreement, ensuring compliance with federal regulations while collaborating effectively with various teams.

Candidates should have at least 8 years of experience in federal contract administration, a Bachelor's Degree, and strong project management skills. This role offers a starting salary between $95,000 and $115,000 annually, with a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in federal contract administration management.
• Experience with nonprofit organizations and federal grants management.
• Proficient understanding of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full cycle of contracts under the Marine Debris Removal program.
• Establish working relationships with colleagues and partners.
• Monitor performance and compliance on grants and contracts.

Skills

Project management

Negotiation

Federal regulations compliance

Communication

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Federal grants administration education

Job description

Position Title

Senior Grants and Contracts Administrator

Status

Full-time, Exempt

Location

Washington, DC preferred (hybrid); other states considered: AK, CA, FL, MD, OR, TX, VA, WA, WV

About Ocean Conservancy

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(c)(3) headquartered in Washington, D.C., that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.

Position Summary

The Senior Grants and Contracts Administrator (Sr. G&C Administrator) oversees Ocean Conservancy’s Marine Debris Removal (MDR) program, funded by the MDR award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Within this multi-year, multimillion-dollar cooperative agreement, the Sr. G&C Administrator will provide cradle-to-grave compliance support for a portfolio of assistance and acquisition awards (subawards and contracts) that might include other funding sources used as a match. This term-designated position is subject to funding availability, currently expected to last three years.

The Sr. G&C Administrator will work in close collaboration with key program, operations, legal, finance, and development staff, and is responsible for the administration, execution, extension, modification, monitoring and closeout of various subawards and contracts under the cooperative agreement. The position serves as a subject‑matter expert on federal grants management and compliance, interpreting applicable regulations, policies and award requirements; providing guidance to staff and subrecipients; and helping mitigate organizational risk through effective grants and contracts administration.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the full cycle of subawards and contracts under the Large Marine Debris Removal cooperative agreement, including solicitation, risk assessment, award execution, monitoring, reporting, modifications, and closeout. Develop and maintain standardized procedures in collaboration with development, operations, legal, finance, and program staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, subawardees, contractors, and other partners, focusing on collaboration, problem-solving, and successful project delivery.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for subaward and contract administration under the Cooperative Agreement. Monitor performance and compliance by tracking deliverables, collecting and reviewing technical and financial reports, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring adherence to applicable requirements and internal policies and procedures.
• Advise and support Conservation staff on procurement activities to ensure processes are cost-effective, efficient, and compliant with donor requirements, federal regulations, NOAA guidance, cooperative agreement terms and conditions, and Ocean Conservancy policies and procedures. Provide subject‑matter expertise in cost principles, financial management, and audit preparedness.
• Assist staff with soliciting subawards and contracts, including developing Requests for Applications (RFAs), managing funding opportunity announcements, supporting risk assessments, and providing compliance guidance throughout the selection process.
• Lead subaward and contract execution activities, including negotiating terms and conditions and ensuring compliance with federal funding requirements while protecting Ocean Conservancy’s interests.
• Provide guidance and technical assistance to subawardees and contractors on compliance matters, including activity monitoring, financial reporting, procurement requirements, audit findings, and corrective actions, as appropriate.
• Review and approve payment requests for subawards in accordance with award requirements and internal procedures.
• Coordinate site visits, desk reviews, and other monitoring activities in partnership with finance, operations, legal, and program staff.
• Research, interpret, and communicate changes to federal regulations, donor requirements, and grant management best practices, including 2 CFR 200 and NOAA requirements.
• Stay current on industry trends and emerging regulatory developments and communicate relevant changes to staff and partners.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Qualifications/Experience

• At least 8 years of experience in federal contract administration management positions, with specific experience in developing grants, subawards and contracts.
• Proficient with the Code of Federal Regulations, particularly Part 200, with experience with subawards and contractual compliance, including subaward flow‑down requirements for public and private donors.
• Strong project management skills with a proven record of supporting organizations in implementing and delivering complex federally funded programs that involve multiple subawards and contracts.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations.
• Skillful negotiator, able to exercise sound independent judgment.
• Fluent in English; other languages a plus.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a cross‑departmental team.
• Organized, attentive to detail, deadline‑driven, dependable and able to juggle competing priorities.
• Customer‑service focused, with demonstrated collaboration skills and a high degree of emotional intelligence.
• Resourceful and results‑driven, seeking to identify opportunities for improvement into actionable plans toward resolution and impact.
• Possess a learning mindset; willingness to continue to refine skills through continuous training and/or correction to keep abreast of industry developments.

Education/Training

• Bachelor’s Degree and appropriate professional experience. Legal or paralegal experience is strongly desired. Federal grants administration education and/or certification, preferred.

Compensation

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected salary range for this role is $95,000 - $115,000 annually. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.

Hybrid Work Environment

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in‑person while building strong connections across the institution.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.