Senior Grants Manager

UCAN (Chicago); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

UCAN (Chicago) is seeking a Senior Manager – Grant Administration to lead government grant contracts from execution through closing. You will oversee grant performance, compliance, and reporting, coordinating with Finance and Program VP teams to strengthen funding opportunities.

The role requires a Master’s degree, 5+ years in grants management, and strong writing and budget interpretation skills. Expect a dynamic, mission-driven environment focused on community impact and program sustainability.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree is required for this role.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in contracts, proposals and grants management.
• Ability to interpret budgets and financial statements.
• Strong writing and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manages end-to-end government grant execution and monitoring.
• Maintains grant documents, reports and performance metrics.
• Develops grant management tools and ensures compliance.
• Plans, submits and tracks government grant applications and budgets.
• supervises grant writing processes and coordinates program launches.
• Upholds UCAN’s standards of professionalism and ethics.

Skills

Exceptional organizational skills

Exceptional writing skills

Strong verbal communication

Interpreting budgets and financials

Excel and Word proficiency

Education

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Brief Description

Position Title

Senior Manager – Grant Administration

Department

Management & General - Program Administration

Reports to

Senior Programs Administrator

Position Objective And Summary

The Senior Manager – Grant Administration manages government grant contracts for the organization’s government grant portfolio from contract execution to grant closing. Manages stewardship of government grants to support and grow UCAN programs. Monitors and manages administrative grant operations for a defined list of existing government contracts. Demonstrates experience in grant administration, grant performance monitoring and successful execution.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

Government Grant Management

• Manages end-to-end grant execution for government funds, both continuing and new.
• Maintains continuously updated agency-wide grant list with related grant information and grant documents.
• Maintains comprehensive records of grant documents and manages preparation, monitoring and reporting on Grant Performance.
• Develops grant management documents and tools to strengthen implementation, grant execution and compliance.
• Ensures program Work Plans and Budgets are executed in compliance with external and internal requirements.
• Monitors grant performance from contract execution to grant closing.
• Compiles and communicates a quarterly program administration report on grant performance.
• Highlights areas for attention for UCAN grants, in partnership with Finance and Program VP teams.

Funding Process Management

• Responsible for the submission of grant applications to governmental entities and organizations for financial support of UCAN programs.
• Demonstrates expertise in the development and oversight of proposal related work plans and tasks lists; manages process.
• Plans and manages research and access to relevant and requested information and data to prepare for and enhance funding conversations and opportunities.
• Coordinates relevant meetings regarding proposals and funding opportunities for grants with government entities.
• Manages tracking and submission of requested documents, their receipt and acceptance to ensure program compliance and that any adjustments are met.
• Supports budget development for new grant applications; manages internal approval process.
• Collects and communicates information from committee and coalition participation to enhance UCAN’s services, applications for funding, and program sustainability.
• Responsible for meeting grant deadlines, submittals compliance and other requirements in the grant process.

Proposals Development, Content and Quality

• Manages compiling, categorizing and continuous updates of program narrative components by subject matter for use in proposal writing.
• Supervises grant writing process/team.
• Researches available funding sources, their timing and requirements.
• Initiates data requests and other information pertinent to potentially securing government grants.
• Supports the development of effective grant objectives, budget justifications and evaluation techniques.
• Maintains record keeping system to track grant deadlines, dates and future activities required to secure funding.

Program Launch

• Supports forward motion of agency new government funding in all program areas by scheduling meetings and managing Work Plans of Program Launch.
• Supports and customizes Program Launch Work Plans and monitors tasks of respective departments.
• Coordinates Program launch follow-up meetings to Work Plan execution.
• Provides technical support to lead departments in executing their roles for successful Program Launch.

Professionalism and Work Conduct

• Behaves with integrity, demonstrates high ethical standards, and displays a positive image of UCAN.
• Acts in a professional manner at all times and maintains appropriate boundaries with clients.
• Demonstrates accountability for results and keeps commitments to others.
• Reports to work, meetings, training, and job-related activities prepared and as scheduled.
• Demonstrates openness and respect for cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and coworkers.
• Understands and supports UCAN’s standard of cultural proficiency and strives to meet it.
• Responds to UCAN staff service providers and other stakeholders in a timely manner and ensures follow up to adequately address their need.
• Performs other related tasks as required or assigned.

Education/Job Experience/Certification

• Master’s degree required.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in contracts, proposals and grants management and solicitation.

Special Knowledge And Qualifications

• Exceptional organizational skills.
• Flawless attention to detail.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to describe complex themes in a concise manner.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret budgets and organization financial statements.
• Full-to-expert proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word.
• High-level motivation and ability to work independently.
• A strong understanding of human services and not-for-profit agencies.
• Ability to network comfortably with government partners at all levels.
• Understanding and appreciation of UCAN’s mission.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks at one time.
• Is open and respectful of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and is willing and competent to work with a diverse client population.
• Working knowledge of the child welfare system.
• Car and valid Illinois driver's license and insurance required.

Summary

At UCAN, we prioritize the health and well‑being of our team, as it is essential to our mission of serving the community. Our competitive benefits package is designed to help you and your family thrive. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the benefits we offer.

Benefits You Can Choose From

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Voluntary Short-Term DisabilityVoluntary Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary Accident Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Tuition Reimbursement

Benefits Provided At No Cost To You

• Group Life and AD&D Insurance
• Group Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

UCAN is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates with lived experience and diverse backgrounds to apply.