Grant and Contract Specialist

LIFEMOVES•Santa Clara, CA

10h•$84,229 - $126,448•Onsite

About The Position

The Grant & Contract Specialist is a critical individual contributor responsible for managing the full lifecycle of public contract and private grant opportunities, from initial solicitation through post-award compliance and deliverable tracking. This role requires a meticulous and proactive professional who can navigate complex funding landscapes, ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, and support the organization's mission by securing and managing essential funding. The Specialist will work independently and collaboratively with various internal departments to ensure timely and accurate submission of proposals and successful execution of awarded agreements.

Requirements

BA and/or MA in Public Policy, Human Services, Social Work, Communications, Political Science, Non-Profit Management, or a related discipline.
Keen understanding of local and national issues surrounding households experiencing homelessness and poverty.
Minimum of 5 years of work experience.
Knowledge of private and public fundraising information sources.
Knowledge of basic fundraising techniques and strategies.
Highly skilled and detail-oriented in preparing proposals/contracts for federal, state, and local government agencies.
Excellent planning and time management skills and must be a team player.
Strong conceptual, organizational, and computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Salesforce, and the internet, and the ability to develop spreadsheets, graphs, and flow charts highlighting critical data.
Comfort in developing working relationships and collaborating with internal and external partners.
Must possess a strong ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse team.
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience writing and editing grant and contract proposals.
Demonstrated experience securing public funding.
Familiarity with local public funding sources and RFP processes.
Exceptional writing, organizational, and analytical skills.
Proven ability to work independently and meet multiple deadlines.
Reliable transportation and access to a personal vehicle.
Commitment to LifeMoves' mission and values, with a strong foundation in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices.
Must live within a 60-mile radius of our Corporate Office based in Santa Clara, California. Must be in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays, at least two days per week.

Nice To Haves

Experience developing programs to serve high-barrier participants is preferred.

Responsibilities

RFP/RFA/NOFO Management (Pre-Award):
Monitor various government and public funding portals for relevant Request for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Qualifications (RFQs), and Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs).
Conduct a thorough review and analysis of solicitations to identify key requirements, eligibility criteria, submission deadlines, and funding priorities.
Develop and manage a detailed timeline for each proposal, ensuring all internal and external deadlines are met.
Coordinate with program staff, finance, and other departments to gather necessary information, data, and narratives for proposal development.
Assist in the preparation and assembly of all required proposal components, including budgets, narratives, supporting documentation, and certifications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with funder guidelines.
Facilitate internal reviews and approvals for all proposals.
Manage the submission process, ensuring proposals are submitted accurately and on time through appropriate online portals or physical delivery methods.
Respond to funder inquiries during the proposal phase as needed.
Contract & Grant Management (Post-Award):
Review awarded contracts and grant agreements thoroughly to understand all terms, conditions, deliverables, reporting requirements, and compliance obligations.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive system for tracking key contract/grant milestones, reporting deadlines, and deliverable schedules.
Disseminate relevant contract/grant information to internal stakeholders (program staff, finance, leadership) to ensure understanding and adherence to requirements.
Monitor programmatic and financial performance against contract/grant requirements, identifying potential issues and proactively working with relevant teams to address them.
Assist in the preparation and submission of accurate and timely progress reports, financial reports, and other required documentation to funders.
Manage contract modifications, amendments, and extensions as needed.
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., 24 CFR 578, HUD requirements, Fair Housing, and specific agency regulations).
Maintain organized and complete electronic and physical files for all grants and contracts.
Compliance & Risk Management:
Stay current on best practices, regulations, and trends in government contracting for non profits, particularly those relevant to the interim shelter/housing and supportive services industry.
Identify potential compliance risks and work with the reporting manager to mitigate them.
Participate in internal and external audits related to grants and contracts.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Serve as a point of contact for funders on contractual and grant-related matters, under the guidance of the reporting manager.
Collaborate effectively with program managers, finance, legal, and other departments to ensure seamless execution of funded projects.
Provide training and guidance to program staff on contract and grant requirements as needed.