Groundswell, Inc Hiring for Federal Contract and Grant Compliance Manager at Washington DC-Baltimore Area Full Time

ABOUT THE POSITION

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join Groundswell as the Federal Contract and Grant Compliance Manager. The Manager will be responsible for overseeing Groundswell’s grants and contracts award process, ensuring compliance with all required agencies, and managing Groundswell’s GreenHouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency alongside the Director of Compliance and Project Finance.

Reporting to the Director of Compliance and Project Finance, this role plays a crucial part in maintaining legal compliance and fostering effective grant management within a values-driven social enterprise.

Groundswell is a values-driven social enterprise committed to a culture of belonging, and we invite you to review our strategic plan and values as you apply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Core Activity (50%): Grant Compliance

• Manage compliance requirements for many large federal, state and local government contracts and grants.
• Collaborate in the development and implementation of a cross-departmental grant compliance program for projects and programs at Groundswell.
• Review grant applications and award letters to ensure compliance with 501C3 funding requirements.
• Manage the grant and contract award process, including monitoring award status and ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Oversee development and submission of grant reports and contracts; ensure compliance with reporting deadlines.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure legal compliance; develop and implement corrective action plans as needed.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to resolve complex compliance issues.
• Maintain a deep understanding of grant regulations; communicate changes to staff.
• Identify, review and mitigate financial, legal, and commercial risks in consultation with the relevant subject matter experts.
• Partner with the Finance team to align financial reports with approved budgets.
• Collaborate across departments to provide training on grant compliance.

Core Activity (50%): EPA GGRF Award

• Manage compliance requirements for Groundswell’s federal contract with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders on contractual and compliance issues related to the award.
• Oversee responses to government audit requests. Responsibilities may also include advising on and drafting regulatory business systems’ audit responses.
• Collaborate with the Organizational Excellence team to ensure policies and standards follow all legal, and business related requirements.
• Assist in monitoring subcontracts, subrecipients and independent contractor and grantee’s compliance with Groundswell’s policies and applicable law.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

As a member of the Groundswell team, the Federal Contract and Grant Compliance Manager is expected to participate in the overall execution of Groundswell programs:

• May be asked to represent Groundswell in public forums, engage with operational or institutional partners, and prepare content for publication.
• Seek opportunities to drive continuous improvement in Groundswell programs, processes, and procedures.

OTHER DUTIES

This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

COMPETENCIES OR SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

• Firm understanding of processes and procedures for compliance requirements
• Demonstrates flexibility and ability to perform in a fast paced organization
• 5 years of grant compliance experience, preferably in nonprofit or government agencies.
• Strong knowledge of the federal government and 501c3 grant regulations.
• Experience managing high-volume Federal Procurement is advantageous.
• Detail-oriented with ability to identify and address areas of non-compliance.
• Fast learner, capable of integrating new systems collaboratively.
• Project management, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong oral and written communication; adept at clear presentation.
• Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) or similar certification preferred.
• Familiarity with entry-level accounting, human resources, and risk management compliance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position operates in a hybrid setting, requiring both in-office and remote work as per Groundswell’s re-entry plan.

POSITION TYPE AND EXPECTED HOURS

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week position. The days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and core hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand

TRAVEL

Occasional regional travel will be required for this position. Occasional visits to Groundswell office locations may be required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field
• Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other US government procurement regulations.
• Deep understanding of risk and control concepts related to business.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience with U.S. Government grant and contracting regulations
• 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards) and grant administration experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analysis and administration capability; effective interpersonal skills, sound decision-making, and ability to successfully prioritize conflicting demands.

SUPERVISION

This position reports to the Director of Compliance and Project Finance.

COMPENSATION

Compensation for this position is in Groundswell’s established in the Manager pay band and it includes a full-time employee benefits package.

BENEFITS

Groundswell pays 100% of the monthly premium for health, dental, vision, and long-term disability for full-time employees in accordance with Groundswell’s policy. Groundswell also covers 50% of spouses and dependents covered under the Groundswell healthcare, vision, and dental plan.

• Matching 401(k) plan contribution by Groundswell up to 4% for employees who choose to contribute to Groundswell’s 401(k) plan, with immediate vesting.
• Monthly Development Days to focus on professional development opportunities
• $45 per month to reimburse cellular phone use for business purposes.
• $75 per month to reimburse home internet access for business purposes.
• Fifteen (15) paid vacation days per year; eight (8) sick days; and two (2) personal days. Vacation and sick leave accrue at the start of your employment, restart each year on January 1, and increase with tenure. Personal days begin after six months of employment.
• Groundswell also takes nine (9) paid federal holidays and a holiday break from December 24th to January 1st (inclusive).
• Short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and voluntary life insurance available.
• Pre-tax benefits such as smart benefits, flexible spending accounts, and dependent care are also available.

For more information about the organization’s benefits and other personnel policies, Groundswell will provide a new hire orientation within the first week of employment.