Director of Federal Grants & Contracts - Office of Finance & Accounting

Job summary

CSIS's federal portfolio totals approximately $7M and includes grants, cooperative agreements, and GSA and prime contracts and subcontracts from multiple federal agencies including the Department of Defense, Department of State, USAID, and others.

CSIS negotiates its NICRA annually with its cognizant agency, the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The Director of Federal Grants and Contracts at CSIS is a pivotal role, responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of federal grants and contracts.

This includes administrative oversight throughout the life of an award, with a focus on regulatory compliance, risk assessment and mitigation, and policy enforcement.

The Director also serves as a technical resource, developing strategies to secure and manage funding, and acts as the primary point of contact for contractual discussions and negotiations with federal agencies.

In addition to award administration, the Director also provides regulatory and compliance support and advice on proposal development, sub-award administration, and federal procurement activities.

The Director will work closely with internal departments, federal agencies, and other stakeholders to support the organization's mission through effective grant and contract management.

This position manages one staff person and reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer. The salary band for this role is $140,000-$160,000 commensurate with experience.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following

• Grant and Contract Management Oversee the entire lifecycle of federal grants and contracts, including the application and bid & proposal process, pricing, award negotiation, compliance, reporting, and closeout processes.
• Compliance and Regulations Ensure adherence to federal regulations, guidelines, and organizational policies. Stay updated on changes in federal grant and contract regulations.
• Strategic Planning Develop and implement strategies for securing federal funding, including establishing federal contracting vehicles and optimizing grant and contract management processes.
• Team Leadership Lead and mentor a team of grant and contract specialists, providing guidance and support to ensure high performance and professional development.
• Financial Oversight Review awarded budget against actual expenditures to ensure financial compliance and accuracy in federal grant and contract reporting.
• Collaboration Work closely with internal departments, including finance, legal, and program management, to ensure seamless coordination and compliance.
• Stakeholder Engagement Establish relationships with federal agencies, funding partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Reporting Review and approve regular reports, including financial reports, progress updates, and compliance documentation.
• Training and Development Develop and deliver training programs for staff and stakeholders on federal grant and contract management.
• Other Other duties as assigned, including serving as a backup for submissions in federal systems and portals.

Knowledge, education, and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or a related field (a Master’s degree is preferred).
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in federal grant and contract management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of federal regulations, including Federal Acquisition Regulations, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, and other relevant compliance requirements.
• Strong financial management skills, with experience in budget development, pricing, and financial reporting.
• Proven track record of successful grant and contract administration and management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in Grant and / or Contract Management (e.g., Certified Grant Management Specialist (CGMS), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)).
• Experience with electronic grants management systems and tools.
• Familiarity with federal grant programs relevant to the organization’s mission.

Physical requirements and work conditions

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits

CSIS offers a competitive selection of benefits for employees which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance and AD&D coverage, short and long term disability, flexible spending account, tuition assistance, 403(b) retirement accounts, transportation subsidies, and access to an employee assistance program.

• Healthcare & Insurance Plan
• Health, dental and vision plans
• Employee assistance plan
• Short- and long-term disability Retirement & Pre-Tax Savings Programs
• Employer contributions to a 403(b) plan
• Flexible savings account (FSA)
• Life insurance
• Transit benefits Vacation and Sick Time
• 3+ weeks of vacation
• 12 days of paid sick
• 11 paid holidays
• 1 paid personal day Additional Benefits
• Tuition assistance
• Family leave
30+ days ago