Federal Contracts and Grants Compliance Manager

Federal Contracts and Grants Compliance Manager 

Job Announcement

About Movement Strategy Center (MSC)

Founded in 2001, Movement Strategy Center understands that transformative movements change the way we think, the way we organize structures and systems, the way we live, and even who we are. In this moment of extraordinary challenge, our world needs people and moments who are ready to stretch the boundaries of what anyone has imagined we can do. MSC works with individuals, teams, networks, and alliances, in partnership with a broader Transitions Community, to deepen and accelerate the transition from a world of domination and extraction to a world of resilience, regeneration, and interdependence.

Movement Strategy Center operates three distinct programs, which include: 1) comprehensive fiscal sponsorship of non-profit organizations, 2) philanthropic regranting and strategy development partnerships, and 3) research, innovation design and facilitation to support power-building and transformative shifts in front-line marginalized and communities of color.

MSC has a core budget of $8MM and an additional $50MM in its fiscal sponsorship program with 35 active organizations. Total staff (including those in the fiscal sponsorship program) are approximately 200. MSC is located in downtown Oakland, California with the possibility of being a remote position.

Position Overview

As a direct report to the Chief Operating and Financial Officer, the Federal Grants and Contracts Compliance manager is responsible for ensuring that all Federal grants applied for and received by Movement Strategy Center (MSC) and its fiscally sponsored projects are managed in full compliance with Federal Acquisitions Regulations and related Federal Agency Requirements, namely those that govern the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Rural and Agriculture Department.

Specific duties include setting up and implementing the systems that are needed to allow prime and subprime contractors and grantees of MSC to perform their work in compliance with Federal and State and municipal regulations.

From negotiation to termination, the Federal Contracts and Grants Compliance Manager reviews proposals, evaluates compliance with requirements and regulations, and terms of conditions of contracts and grants, maintains communication to ensure timely execution, and analyzes contract and grant documents. They also provide guidance and training as appropriate Fto the Fiscal Sponsorship Team (known as Movement Infrastructure and Innovation Center), Finance, Advancement, Personnel and Operations team members on contracts administration, concepts and regulations, and work in partnership with their members in the compliance team, which consist of a Program Compliance Manager who is responsible for implementing contracts and grants compliance systems in accordance with 501C3 and 501C4 regulations.

Other duties for the Federal Contracts and Grants Manager include: supervise proposal preparation; execute non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), terms and conditions, and modify requests; and settle disputes regarding contract interpretation, conditions or compliance with legal requirements. In addition, oversee the contract change and grant process, develop strategies for negotiation in alignment with MSC and project objectives, and lead negotiations for complex contracts and grants. The Federal Contracts and Federal Grants Compliance Manager is required to stay current on new laws and proposed legislation, and interpret the potential impact on current and future contracts and grants.

The Federal Contract and Grant Manager advises senior management on government contract requirements and procedures, and may serve as external spokespeople for MSC pertaining to policies, plans and objectives. 

Core Responsibilities

• Collaborate in the development and implementation of a cross-departmental government, 501c3 and 501c4 grant compliance program for Fiscally sponsored projects at Movement Strategy Center
• Build alignment with project advisors and FSP project directors and MSC core staff to develop and submit grant applications and contracts
• Review grant applications and grant or contract award letters to ensure compliance with legal requirements relative to 501C3 and 501C4 rules governing funding requirements and their structures (i.e. grant or contract) to meet the needs of the program
• Manage the grant and contract award process, including monitoring and tracking award status, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, and addressing any issues that arise
• Oversee the development and submission of grant reports and contracts, and ensure compliance with reporting deadlines and requirements
• Develop radical relationships with project directors and the core team members to ensure compliance with grant objectives and requirements
• Conduct regular monitoring and audits to ensure legal compliance requirements.
• Identify and address areas of non-compliance and develop and implement corrective action plans as needed
• Partner with project advisors who serve as the primary point of contact for FSP grant-related inquiries from funding agencies, program officers, and other stakeholders in resolving complex issues
• Maintain a deep understanding of grant regulations, policies, and procedures and communicate changes to relevant staff members
•  Partner with the Finance team to ensure that grant and contract-related financial reports are in alignment with approved contract and grant budgets
• Collaborate across departments to develop and deliver people-centered training and educational materials on grant compliance for MSC staff and fiscally sponsored projects
• Maintain the internal databases with accurate contract and grant information
• Evaluate internal contract and grant-related processes and make improvements
• Work collaboratively with other team members to develop, define and implement program strategies to achieve significant and scalable impact toward team goals
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities
• Contribute to MIIC programming, trainings, and events
• Provide data analysis and identify growth opportunities
•  Attend FSP events or activities

Expected Hours of Work

Standard days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m PST. Daily schedule is flexible within the proximity of this time frame, and will be decided in consultation with the supervisor.

Travel

Occasional domestic travel may be required for team retreats, meetings and conferences around. This position can be performed remotely from anywhere in the USA. Access to a major airport is helpful.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• 8 years of experience in grant compliance, preferably in a non-profit organization or gov agency
• Strong knowledge of the federal government, 501c4 and 501c3 grant Regulations, policies, and procedures
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and address areas of non-compliance
• Ability to build strong relationships with funders and other stakeholders
• Fast learner and able to integrate new systems collaboratively
• Ability to work independently and in teams, managing projects with competing timelines
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to present clearly and effectively
• Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) or similar
• Project management skills
• Experienced with entry-level accounting practices
• Experienced with basic human resources and risk management compliance practices
• Experience tracking permissible lobbying activity for advocacy organizations
• 5 years experience working and/or actively volunteering in nonprofit, community-based, advocacy or public sector(s) is preferred
• CA location and understanding of CA contract and grant legal requirements is preferred 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• 100% FTE, salaried exempt position. Annual gross pay is $87k-$145k.
• MSC’s benefits package includes:
• 20 days vacation leave per year
• 12 standard holidays and 2 personal days per year
• 12 sick days per year
• 12 weeks of family paid leave, no tenured required
• Medical, vision, dental for employees and dependents (eligible 1st of the following month)
• 100% employer-sponsored basic life, short-term and long-term disability insurance coverage
• Access to a 403b retirement plan
• Access to FSA and Commuter Benefits

MSC is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, disability, gender, nationality, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or any other status protected by law. People of color and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.