Grants Manager

Grants Manager Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Executive Director of the Foundation, the Grants Manager is responsible for leading the full lifecycle of grant development and management in support of the College’s mission and strategic priorities. This role identifies, researches, and pursues federal, state, local, and foundation funding opportunities; develops and submits competitive grant proposals; and supports post‑award compliance, reporting, and project coordination.

The Grants Manager collaborates extensively with faculty, administrators, staff, community partners, and funding agencies to secure and steward external resources that advance student success, workforce development, and community impact.

• Identify, research, and track federal, state, local, and foundation funding opportunities aligned with institutional priorities.
• Lead and coordinate the development, submission, and approval of grant proposals, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and compliance with funder and institution requirements.
• Write or assist with writing proposals with the identified institutional partner.
• Facilitate cross‑functional project teams by convening planning meetings, defining roles and timelines, and coordinating proposal components (narratives, budgets, work plans, evaluations, logic models, and letters of support).
• Develop proposed budgets and justifications in collaboration with the Grant Accountant and Business/Accounting offices and other internal stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary Foundation liaison with funding agencies, program officers, community partners, and institutional collaborators.
• Support post‑award activities, including project start‑up, reporting timelines, data collection, and compliance monitoring.
• Maintain accurate and auditable grant records, calendars, and tracking systems for proposals, awards, and reporting deadlines.
• Maintain accurate digital and physical grant records, tracking systems, and filing structures in accordance with Foundation, College, and Tennessee Board of Regents (T ) guidelines.
• Collaborate with Institutional Research and program staff to develop outcomes, metrics, and data‑informed evaluation plans.
• Collaborate with the Foundation’s fundraising and advancement functions to align grants with donor engagement, campaigns, and other philanthropic efforts.
• Prepare internal reports and summaries on grant activity, funding outcomes, and strategic opportunities.
• Prepare periodic reports for leadership documenting grant activity, outcomes, and strategic opportunities.
• Promote a culture of grants engagement by providing guidance, technical assistance, and communication to faculty and staff.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the Foundation’s and Institution’s overall advancement mission.

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Demonstrated two (2) or more years of experience in grant administration, sponsored programs, grant writing, or directly related work.

• Master’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, marketing and communications, educational leadership, public health, or a related field.
• Experience in higher education or a community college environment.
• Knowledge of federal and state grant regulations and compliance, including Uniform Guidance.
• Grant‑related certification (e.g., GPC, CFRE) or progress toward certification.

• Excellent editing, writing, and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to produce competitive and compliant grant proposals.
• Experience with data analysis, outcomes measurement, and evaluation reporting.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Effective partnership‑building and relationship management skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret and apply funder guidelines, regulations, and institutional policies.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and attention‑to‑detail skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with community partners.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Knowledge of basic budgeting principles and grant compliance standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and standard online grant submission systems.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods of standing at times.
• Prolonged screen time.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
• Repetitive movement.

$48,282 – $60,352 (Annual salary depending on eligible experience, which is defined by the current compensation plan.)