Senior Director of Grant Operations

Job Details

Job Location:

Ames, IA 50010. Position Type:
Full Time. Education Level: 4 Year Degree. Salary Range: $25.15 - $41.06 Hourly. Travel Percentage:
Up to 25%. Job Shift: Day. Job Category:
Administrative.

The Senior Director of Grant Operations is a newly established executive leadership role at YSS, reporting to the Chief Growth Officer and serving as the strategic lead for the full lifecycle of grant management.
Grant research and identification, proposal development, award setup, compliance, billing, data integrity, reporting, and post‑award monitoring. This role is key to institutional sustainability and operational excellence.

• Strategic Leadership & Oversight
  • Lead the Grant Operations division, overseeing both Grant Billing & Compliance and Grant Research & Development
  • Set strategy, goals, and performance metrics to drive revenue, compliance, and operational excellence
  • Partner with Finance, Program Leadership, and Executive teams to align grant strategy with organizational priorities
• Grant Lifecycle Management
  • Oversee the full grant lifecycle—from research and proposal development through award setup, billing, reporting, and close‑out
  • Ensure clear processes, timelines, and expectations for all awarded grants
  • Maintain oversight of grant calendars, deadlines, and reporting cycles
• Compliance, Audit & Risk Management
  • Ensure compliance with all funder requirements (federal, state, local, and private)
  • Maintain audit‑ready documentation and lead audit responses
  • Implement strong internal controls and monitor regulatory changes
• Revenue, Billing & Data Integrity
  • Oversee accurate, timely billing and revenue capture
  • Ensure integrity of grant data, documentation, and reporting systems
    
    Partner with Finance on budget tracking and revenue reconciliation
• Grant Development & Funder Engagement
  • Oversee grant research, writing, and submission of high‑quality proposals
  • Ensure alignment of proposals with organizational priorities and accurate budgeting
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with funders and partners
• Systems & Process Improvement
  • Lead improvements in grant systems, workflows, and technology
  • Implement tools and processes that increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing team
  • Foster a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement
  • Provide training and guidance to program staff on grant requirements

• Supportive leadership team and mission‑driven culture.
• Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment.
• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive benefits.
  • Health insurance
  • Voluntary dental insurance
  • Voluntary vision insurance
  • Life insurance and long‑term disability coverage
  • Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
  • Professional liability insurance coverage
  • Flexible spending account/health savings account
  • Supplemental compensation award
• Generous Paid Time off and Leave:
  • Four weeks of paid time off (PTO)
  • Volunteer time off
  • Paid holiday leave
  • Birthday holiday
• Wellness Program Opportunities:
  • Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
  • Employee Assistance Program for all employees
  • Flu shots
  • Mental health support
• YSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
• 403(b) retirement offerings

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field required
• Brings 4+ years of experience in grant operations, including billing, compliance, and full lifecycle management
• Demonstrates at least five years of progressive leadership experience, with a track record of developing high‑performing teams and driving operational and financial results
• Proven ability to manage complex grant portfolios, including government contracts and private foundation awards
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit compliance requirements, grant regulations, and funder expectations
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complexity into clarity
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and moving pieces without losing momentum

• Experience working with grant management systems such as Foundant, Fluxx, eCivis, or Salesforce-based platforms
• Brings experience in behavioral health, youth services, or human services environments
• Familiarity with federal grant funding sources such as SAMHSA, HRSA, DOJ, or HUD
• Experience developing grant budgets and partnering closely with finance teams

• Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
• Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.

YSS is a nicotine‑free workplace.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together.