Grant Administrator

Organization Mission and Summary

SOS Meals on Wheels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to fostering the independence and dignity of older adults by reducing food insecurity and isolation, with daily nutritious meals, friendly visits and connection to support services.

We produce and deliver 2,000 meals daily to homebound seniors living in Oakland, Hayward, San Leandro, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Fremont, Newark and Union City. As advocates for senior citizens, our mission is to provide a nutritious meal delivered by a friendly face that also acts as a wellness check, allowing seniors to remain independent in their homes for as long as safely possible.

Position Overview

The Grant Administrator will support the development team in its pursuit and retention of grant funding, serving as the chief process manager and knowledge-keeper of all things grant-related. Though grant writing is not part of this role, coordinating with internal and external grant writers is a core responsibility.

The overarching task of the Grant Administrator is to organize a complex portfolio of prospective and awarded grants—from government contracts to foundation grants, to application-based gifts from community organizations. Day-to-day activities relate to full-life-cycle grant management, including:

• Maintaining documentation that provides a centralized view of the organization’s grant portfolio
• Reviewing award letters and contracts; summarizing our goals and obligations related to the prescribed use of funds
• Meeting with internal stakeholders to understand progress against goals
• Researching or gathering information needed for new grant applications
• Working inside third-party grant administration systems; reporting on existing grants and preparing and staging new grant applications for review

The Grant Administrator will report to the Director of Development on a three-person Development team that receives incremental support from contract grant writers. Close collaboration with the Operations and Finance teams, to track and align around grant compliance, is central to this role.

Required Experience

• Direct experience in grant management, or a combination of program management experience and knowledge of the grant making world
• Direct experience in reading and interpreting contracts
• Demonstrated track record in program management
• Prior accountability to Director, VP, or C-level leaders and ability to work independently

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Strong general administration skills (timeliness, thoroughness, attention to detail)
• Cross-departmental collaboration and matrix management
• Proficiency in MS Excel, including basic functions and pivot tables
• Proficiency in developing short narratives based on data and other inputs
• Relationship management (e.g., key external partners and contractors)
• Understanding of and adherence to AFP standards, especially AFP Codes of Ethics

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or coursework in related fields preferred but not required
• Knowledge of issues facing older adults and interest in serving the aging population
• Knowledge of public funding regulations, including Older Americans Act compliance.
• Direct experience with nonprofit operations and program evaluation methods.