Grant Programs Specialist

Description

DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Grants Administrator reports to the Senior Grants and Government Programs Officer and supports the full lifecycle of The Living Desert’s (TLD) grants, including research, application, compliance, reporting, and renewal, in accordance with grant policies and procedures.

The Grants Administrator provides operational support for the grant program, assisting with research, proposal drafting, reporting coordination, compliance tracking, and grant documentation under the direction of the Senior Grants and Government Programs Officer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

GRANT WRITING AND MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Grant Research & Identification:

• Identify potential grant opportunities that align with organizational needs across all departments.
• Maintain a current calendar of prospects, deadlines, and application requirements.

Proposal Development:

• Work with department staff to collect data, budgets, and required documentation for grant applications.
• Draft grant proposal narratives and supporting materials under the direction of the Senior Grants and Government Programs Officer, and revise proposal drafts in response to feedback and ensure all submissions comply with funder guidelines and organizational standards.

Grant Management & Compliance:

• Maintain a centralized tracking system for all active and pending grants, including deadlines, restrictions, deliverables, and reporting schedules under the direction of the Senior Grants and Government Programs Officer.
• Review grant-related expenses for allowability and proper coding (fund, project/grant, department, and restrictions).
• Ensure compliance with all grant terms, internal controls, and audit requirements.
• Maintain complete and organized documentation for each grant throughout its lifecycle.

Financial Monitoring & Reporting:

• Prepare financial sections of interim and final grant reports and reconcile results to the general ledger.
• Monitor spending against approved budgets and alert the Controller and program leads to variances or issues.
• Coordinate with AP, Payroll, and department managers to confirm proper documentation and allocation of expenses.

Program Reporting & Data Collection:

• Collect program metrics, outcomes, and other data needed for required reports. Draft and submit narrative progress reports, ensuring alignment with financial results.

Funder Communication & Relationship Support:

• Serve as the main point of contact for funders regarding reporting, updates, questions, and documentation needs. Support relationship-building efforts by providing timely and accurate information to funders.
• Research foundation priorities, program officers, and funding trends to identify strategic opportunities for The Living Desert.
• Support relationship cultivation by coordinating meetings, preparing briefing materials, maintaining contact records, and assisting with funder communications, reporting updates, and stewardship activities under the direction of the Senior Grants and Government Programs Officer.

Cross Department Coordination:

• Work closely with Conservation, Education, Animal Care, Marketing, Development, and other departments involved in grant activity. Provide guidance and support to staff on grant requirements, allowable costs, and documentation needs.
• Grant Calendar & Tracking Management:
  Maintain and update the organization’s centralized grant calendar and tracking system, ensuring deadlines, reporting schedules, and deliverables are visible and up to date.
• Contributes to desert conservation through reduction of waste, water, and energy use, and inspires guests and team members to take conservation actions.
• Other duties as assigned.

SPECIFIC SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/LICENSES

• Detail-oriented with strong time management skills.
• Ability to work…