Grants Project Manager

Legal Aid Chicago • Chicago, IL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Grants Project Manager ensures grants are properly monitored and managed and that grant deliverables are completed successfully, on time, and within budget. The role also supports prospect research to identify potential funders and helps build funder relationships. The position manages assigned grants, prepares progress reports, ensures compliance with grant regulations, maintains grant databases, engages with funders, and educates and oversees staff on grant compliance issues.

The Grants Project Manager reports to the Director of Foundation and Government Grants and works closely with External Relations program staff, the Chief Advancement Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Practice Group Directors. Legal Aid Chicago offers a hybrid work environment. The office is in downtown Chicago, and the position requires residency in the Chicago metropolitan area of Illinois.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong ability to organize workload amid competing priorities and complete assignments on time.
• Demonstrated success building relationships and collaborating to build or strengthen programming, including bringing diverse parties together toward common goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills and service orientation.
• Ability to multitask effectively in a varied, high-volume environment.
• Good judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Power BI, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
• Commitment to Legal Aid Chicago’s mission.

Nice To Haves

• Three or more years of experience with nonprofit and/or grants management is preferred.
• Knowledge of Crystal Reports or other data visualization tools.
• Working knowledge of relevant grant and nonprofit regulations and requirements, including the Code of Federal Regulations and OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Direct experience with communities Legal Aid Chicago serves or perspectives that help the organization understand and serve its clients better.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Chief Advancement Officer, Director of Foundation and Government Grants, and other leadership to set funding priorities and develop strategies.
• Conduct prospect research to identify corporate, individual, and foundation partners.
• Develop and maintain relationships with funders and program officers; support stewardship of existing funders as assigned.
• Interpret funding guidelines and analyze requests for proposals.
• Draft grant narratives and supporting materials aligned with program goals and funder priorities.
• Prepare and submit proposals to secure new and renewed funding.
• Provide writing and editing support to the External Relations team.
• Prepare and submit funder reports, including data, financial, and narrative components, in collaboration with program, finance, and external relations staff.
• Maintain accurate grant records, including data entry in funder portals and Raiser’s Edge.
• Oversee compliance for grant-funded projects, including deliverables, timelines, and other requirements.
• Coordinate and lead project meetings with internal staff and external partners.
• Manage project adjustments to scope, staffing, and budget in compliance with funder requirements.
• Oversee partner agencies, contractors, and sub-grantees to ensure compliance, as applicable.
• Direct project staff on assigned grants to ensure deliverables and outcomes are achieved.
• Monitor and enforce project staff timekeeping to ensure accurate allocation to grant funding sources.
• Support supervisors in evaluating staff performance on grant-funded projects.
• Monitor grant budgets and ensure appropriate spending in collaboration with the CFO and Grants Financial Manager.
• Assist with financial management and respond to funder inquiries.
• Support staff allocation processes and ensure expenses are allowable and compliant with federal and private funder requirements.
• Collaborate with the External Relations Team by providing insights, research, and support on external events and projects.
• Contribute to cross-departmental coordination on projects, reporting, and external engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance effective the first day of employment.
• 21 vacation days and 18 sick days accrued within the first year of employment.
• 19 paid holidays, including four floating holidays.
• Twelve weeks of paid parental leave at 100% of salary after six months of employment.
• 401(a) retirement plan with an employer contribution after three months of employment.
• $100,000 basic life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance at no cost.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program resources at no cost.
• Monthly internet reimbursement.
• Eligible employer for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level