Position Summary:

The Grant Specialist works closely with program managers, leadership and administrative staff in the Audubon Upper Mississippi River Region to provide pre and post award support, financial tracking and other necessary tasks to meet overall grant compliance. The successful candidate will have demonstrated knowledge and experience in all phases of the grant life cycle, be able to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize work among multiple projects.

The Grant Specialist is a member of Audubon's Upper Mississippi River Team and reports to the Vice President and Executive Director. This position will be hybrid out of our Roseville, Minnesota office.

This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon's "Where We Work" Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee's choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Audubon's office in Roseville, MN.

Compensation:

$85,000 - $95,000 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

This position will be responsible for the following within their assigned portfolio:

• Coordinate the preparation, review, and submission of grant reimbursement requests, including receipt management, proof-of-payment documentation, expense classification, and compliance with agency-specific reimbursement requirements.
• Collaborate with program, development, and public funding staff to prepare grant proposals with a focus on budget accuracy.
• Coordinate with appropriate staff to elevate high dollar or high-risk proposals for review and approval by UMR leadership and Audubon's Finance and Grants Management teams.
• Utilize and share pre-award resources to project team to streamline proposal process.
• Work with Vice President to ensure adequate capacity on new grants and that new proposed headcount is reviewed and approved by People and Culture before finalizing proposal budgets.
• Work with region program staff to monitor grant progress and grant budget alignment with financial spend down. Advise on need for modifications or extensions.
• Work with project staff on expected time allocations and project coding.
• Provide monthly grant status reports and analysis to Project Managers and Vice President. Take appropriate action to resolve any issues or questions.
• Lead collaboration among multistate grants with project teams and collaborate with grant specialists on projects that cross flyways.
• Utilize Audubon's internal financial systems to monitor expenditures, revenue, match and other associated costs. Work with accounting staff to manage expense corrections.
• Assist project staff in compiling and submitting funder required financial reports, review narrative or programmatic reports for compliance in meeting reporting schedule.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Finance and Grants Management Team on invoicing and compiling any required supporting documentation.
• Work with the Audubon's finance team on grant set up and close out including financial analysis, documentation inventory and compliance review.
• Review and shepherd new grant agreements and associated documentation through headquarters for processing
• Facilitate processing subcontracts and sub-awards, including required subrecipient monitoring and FFATA, as applicable.
• Ensure all compliance requirements are fulfilled and properly documented, including compliance with OMB 2CFR200, applicable state, local, or agency regulations and requirements, and the terms and conditions of specific grant contracts and agreements.
• Maintain knowledge in State of Minnesota reimbursement policies and procedures and provide guidance to project staff to ensure timely and accurate reimbursement submissions. Be familiar with and stay informed of State of Minnesota reimbursement eligibility requirements and raise awareness to any and all situations in which receipts and/or reimbursement requests may contain expenses that do not fall within these guidelines to ensure satisfactory processing of reimbursements. This includes disseminating this information to UMR employees working on grants to ensure accurate expense coding.
• Manage and maintain grant files in accordance with Audubon's policy.
• Work with Audubon's grants team to build ongoing support for grant management within the organization. Suggest and implement improvements to advance effective and efficient grant management and internal controls.
• Maintain and foster culture of safety.
• Assist with other administrative and finance tasks for the Upper Mississippi River region, including the depositing of donor checks that arrive in the Roseville, Minnesota office.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of experience in grant management and administration including budgeting, financial management, reporting and compliance. Equivalent work experience will be considered.
• Knowledge and proficiency in all phases of the grant cycle from pre-award through close-out.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the application of Uniform Guidance cost principles applicable to non-profit organizations, state and local regulations, and of the meaning of standard contract clauses.
• Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills that consistently demonstrate professionalism, positive/approachable attitude, discretion, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership and maintain flexibility, working both independently and collaboratively, coordinating team efforts as necessary.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, summarize, and communicate data and information.
• Problem solving skills with a focus on customer service.
• Ability to work independently including, but not limited to managing priorities, meeting deadlines, working across time zones and facilitating meetings.
• Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment.

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving.

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation.

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process.

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity.