Director of Grants, Non-Profit and Public Agencies

McAllister and Quinn•Washington, DC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

McAllister & Quinn is a nationally recognized grants consulting and government relations firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. The firm serves more than 250 clients nationwide, helping organizations identify, secure, and maximize external funding opportunities through grant strategy, proposal development, funding diversification, and government relations. Its clients have secured more than $18 billion in competitive grant funding. The Director will report to senior leadership within the Nonprofit and Public Agencies practice and collaborate with colleagues across the firm. The role advises clients such as nonprofit organizations, K-12 school districts, higher education institutions, workforce development organizations, and local governments. The Director develops and leads funding strategies, evaluates funding opportunities, manages client engagements, and directs proposal and other deliverable development. The position also supports appropriate government funding pursuits and contributes to client retention and business development. The role is hybrid in Washington, D.C., with in-office days Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday for employees living in the D.C. Metro area. Normal work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday. Occasional client-related travel outside Washington, D.C. is required, and the work involves multiple hours each day of phone or video communication with clients and project teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
At least four years of experience in grants, sponsored programs, fundraising, government relations, public administration, consulting, higher education, workforce or economic development, or a related field.
Ability to manage multiple projects or client engagements, balance priorities, and meet deadlines.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
Analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate opportunities, recommend solutions, and guide projects to completion.
Organization and attention to detail in managing budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
Ability to work independently and collaborate with colleagues, clients, consultants, and external stakeholders.
Research skills to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.

Nice To Haves

Experience researching, developing proposals for, or administering federal, state, or private foundation grants, including sponsored programs.
Experience with nonprofits, higher education or community colleges, workforce development, municipalities, healthcare, or economic development organizations.
Consulting, client services, or advisory experience.
Experience in sponsored programs, research administration, corporate and foundation relations, government, philanthropy, or economic and community development.
Knowledge of federal funding agencies, appropriations, government relations, or other public funding mechanisms.
Experience managing client relationships, facilitating strategic planning, and advising organizational leaders.
Strategic, client-focused approach and commitment to quality.
Curiosity, resourcefulness, and adaptability to navigate ambiguity and learn quickly.
Collaborative approach that builds trust with clients and colleagues.
Initiative and ownership in anticipating challenges and finding solutions.
Passion for helping mission-driven organizations secure resources and achieve impact.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor to a portfolio of clients, including nonprofits, K-12 school districts, higher education institutions, workforce development organizations, and local governments.
Develop and lead grant-seeking and external funding strategies aligned with clients’ strategic priorities and long-term goals.
Identify, evaluate, and recommend federal, state, and private foundation funding opportunities.
Manage multiple client engagements while ensuring timely deliverables, exceptional service, and client satisfaction.
Lead client meetings, facilitate strategic discussions, present recommendations, and communicate progress to executive leadership and stakeholders.
Direct the development and execution of grant proposals, funding strategies, and related deliverables from project initiation through submission.
Build and maintain client relationships as a primary point of contact and trusted partner.
Monitor federal funding trends, agency priorities, legislative developments, and emerging opportunities, and provide strategic guidance to clients.
Manage project timelines, budgets, scopes of work, and resource allocation.
Support clients pursuing federal appropriations, congressionally directed spending requests, and other government funding opportunities, as appropriate.
Partner with senior leadership on client retention, business development, proposal development, and new client acquisition.
Identify opportunities to expand client engagements and provide additional value through strategic funding solutions, service enhancements, and long-term partnerships.