Grants Administrator

The Grants Administrator supports Elevate’s existing programs and expansion of new business development opportunities by managing compliance and accounting of Elevate’s grants, awards, and contracts. The Grants Administrator provides fiscal and accounting support to ensure proper use and reporting, budgeting, and billing of grants (including federal), cooperative agreements, and contracts. The position works closely with Elevate’s program managers, development, legal, and the finance and accounting team.

The Grants Administrator reports directly to the Director, Grants and Contracts. The position is located in Chicago, Illinois and is currently remote, with onsite work as needed.

Responsibilities

• Gain and maintain a full understanding of Elevate’s grants and contracts to ensure appropriate accounting treatment and compliance with funding source requirements.
• Develop and maintain the post-award calendar with financial reporting due dates; communicate upcoming deadlines and follow up with staff to ensure timely completion and submission.
• In collaboration with Director, Grants and Contracts conduct ongoing budget review meetings with program staff to ensure integrity of data, analyze variances, prioritize spending on programs with expiring funds, identify the need for and assist with budget modifications or prior approval requests, and effectively manage the financial activities of assigned portfolios.
• Monitor proper charging of salary, cost sharing, and other costs and allocations; prepare cost transfers journal entries as necessary.
• Ensure expected cost recovery, prepare budgets and budget amendments.
• Prepare vouchers, invoices and cash draws, financial reports with all backup required for funders, reconcile, and analyze variances of financial status reports and government-mandated financial reports.
• Maintain files and rolling budget data for each award with relevant documents applicable to each stage of the contract from pre-award, delivery to post award/closeout.
• Monitor awards and subrecipients for compliance with contract terms, laws and regulations and draft management decision letters.
• Provide recommendations for process improvement and implement as approved.
• Work closely with internal program, legal, ERP, and operations teams to provide assurance that Elevate remains in compliance with funder requirements and applicable laws and regulations.
• Interact with external funders and subrecipients, as appropriate.
• Coordinate and prepare responses for funder audits and desk reviews, and assist Finance team  with Single Audit.
• Assist Finance team in planning, evaluating, reporting, and problem solving regarding financial operations including development of reporting, monthly projections, and grant administration. Complete analyses on various accounts; reconcile variances, assist with general accounting duties as assigned.
• Assist with projects related to cost allocation methods, budget templates, grants compliance training and policies.
• Ensure a high degree of customer focus and satisfaction, and maintain a collaborative, positive team spirit that encourages cooperation and communication between key service units and staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or related field
• Minimum three (3 ) years of progressively responsible, relevant experience in accounting and grants administration 
• Strong Excel knowledge, including Pivot tables, Vlookup and other spreadsheet functionality
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and organized
• Ability to develop and implement strategies to build training for staff and improve operations and processes
• Ability to give and receive directions and respond to questions in a clear and succinct manner
• Ability to utilize independent judgment, make decisions, and set priorities with minimal supervision
• Commitment to accuracy along with high attention to detail
• Specific knowledge in uniform guidance/single audit/federal cost principles a plus

Organization Description

We design and implement programs that reduce costs, protect people and the environment, and ensure the benefits of clean and efficient energy use reach those who need them most.

At Elevate, the greatest asset of our organization is the kind of people we attract. Elevate employees co-create our energetic and collaborative environment, where constant learning and service to others take priority. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of innovation and we seek dynamic, hardworking team members who are inspired to work with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Every day we make a difference by placing our team, clients, and community partners first. From our mission to our focus on staff wellbeing and career development opportunities, there’s no better place to grow your career than Elevate.

Compensation

The total compensation for this position includes health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, etc.), defined contribution benefit (401k with contribution), professional development, generous paid time off policies, and a flexible schedule. This is an exempt individual contributor position with a salary range of $65,000 - $75,000 based on experience.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Elevate is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or marital status. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, termination, promotion, transfer, layoff, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.