Grants Management Specialist III

The Grants Management Specialist will provide comprehensive support for the administration and oversight of federal grants and assistance awards for the Department of State's Bureau of Global Acquisitions throughout the entire funding lifecycle, including pre-award, award, post-award, and closeout phases. In this role, the Specialist will collaborate closely with Grants Officers and a broad range of stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; maintain accurate tracking and management of grant funds; and support the timely resolution of grant-related issues. The Specialist will also assist in developing, implementing, and maintaining effective program monitoring and oversight processes to ensure accountability, regulatory compliance, and efficient grant administration.

The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign additional duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

This position plays a critical role in supporting the operational and administrative functions associated with federal assistance programs and grant activities. The Grants Management Specialist will assist with coordinating and facilitating grants management processes, supporting financial and programmatic oversight, and ensuring that activities are carried out in accordance with established regulatory and organizational requirements. The role requires ongoing coordination with internal and external stakeholders to support program objectives, address administrative and compliance matters, and contribute to the effective stewardship and management of federal funding programs across all phases of the award lifecycle.

Assist Grants Officers in administering grants by supporting pre-award and award activities, including customer program and project planning efforts.
• Contribute to the development of Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) and assist in the merit review process for applications while safeguarding all sensitive but unclassified (SBU) and proprietary materials.
• Conduct pre-award due diligence for successful applicants, including financial audits and reviews of Standard Operating Policies and Procedures (SOPPs).
• Provide recommendations to mitigate potential risks associated with grant applications and proposed awards.
• Conduct budget reviews to assess the allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of proposed costs.
• Draft Notices of Award (NOAs) with appropriate terms and conditions and provide guidance on grants management procedures and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with Grants Officers to establish, implement, and maintain program oversight and monitoring procedures to track the progress of assistance funding throughout the award lifecycle.
• Support the monitoring of recipient compliance with federal regulations, organizational policies, and funding requirements, and assist in developing corrective action efforts when necessary.
• Track award budgets, expenditures, burn rates, payment requests, and financial reporting requirements while maintaining accurate award records and tracking systems.
• Support internal and external audit reviews and inquiries, including site visits, administrative reviews, and related follow-up activities.
• Review requests for award modifications and draft amendments to Notices of Award, as well as support closeout activities by reviewing disposition requests and related documentation.
• Collaborate with recipient organizations throughout the award lifecycle to resolve grant-related issues and analyze program information to support and prioritize funding objectives.
• Provide ongoing guidance and technical assistance related to grants management procedures, compliance requirements, and award administration.
• Assist warranted Grants Officers in managing award closeout activities and ensuring compliance with applicable federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of federal grant regulations, including 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, as well as a working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government. The position requires strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, particularly Excel and Word. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Experience with federally funded programs or government grants is required, including grant notice development, budget preparation, and conducting administrative reviews of assistance projects through site visits and desk reviews. A grants management certification is considered a plus. Hybrid or remote work eligibility may be available based on organizational needs.

Education and Experience:

• BA/BS degree in a relevant field.
• At least five (5) years of work experience.

Clearance Requirements: This position requires an active SECRET security clearance. Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Physical Requirements: The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers.
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.