Senior Manager, East Asia/Multiregional Grants
About The Position
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) supports freedom around the world, delivering on the belief that freedom is a universal aspiration. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NED is a private, nonprofit foundation, mandated by Congress, dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions worldwide. NED reflects an enduring American commitment to stand with those striving for dignity, justice, and opportunity. In 2025, NED made 1,552 grants totaling $271 million to support the work of nongovernmental organizations advancing democratic goals in more than 90 countries, including some of the world’s most challenging and repressive environments. We seek talented, entrepreneurial professionals motivated by purpose and committed to excellence. At NED, you will join a dynamic team of experts who bring their skills, curiosity, and judgment to a consequential mission at a critical moment for democracy around the world. Our work is guided by our shared values: excellence, respect, empathy, accountability, and adaptability. The Senior Manager, East Asia/Multiregional Grants, overseas the grants administration function for NED’s East Asia and Multiregional grant portfolios, supervising and mentoring a team with the responsibility for cradle-to-grave management of an $18M portfolio of grants supporting a diverse range of activists in media, human rights, rule of law, conflict resolution, civic education, and other areas, including those in high risk and/or complex operating environments. As an integral member of the regional grantmaking leadership team, the Senior Manager champions a culture of grantee-centric grants management to provide effective and collaborative due diligence and monitoring of grantees and programs. They embody and impart the ethos of “being better partners to our partners” with their leadership, management, and approach to grants administration, grant monitoring, and compliance. This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree required; Masters degree preferred.
- 8+ years of experience with grant management, with emphasis on international programs.
- 5 years of working with federally funded grant awards.
- Thorough knowledge and experience in the rules, regulations and procedures of US Government grants including 2 CFR 200.
- Demonstrated experience in a leadership role managing a team or project.
- Proven experience with Microsoft Office and grant management software (Salesforce platform experience preferred).
- Chinese or Korean language proficiency desired.
- Experience with digital currency and AI for process streamlining desired.
- Familiarity with international activities/issues relevant to NED’s operating environment.
- Authorized to work in the United States.
- Alignment with NED’s Core Values, cited below.
Nice To Haves
- Masters degree preferred.
- Salesforce platform experience preferred.
- Chinese or Korean language proficiency desired.
- Experience with digital currency and AI for process streamlining desired.
Responsibilities
- Manage workflow across the team, ensuring that all grant agreements, amendments, and other grant actions are done effectively, efficiently, and consistent with department policies and procedures.
- Supervise the daily activities of assigned staff, including on-the-job training, setting priorities, quality control, workload management, and periodic performance reviews.
- Oversee recruitment for new team members, including review of applicants, interviews, and recommendation of candidates.
- Mentor staff in ensuring grantee support and compliance with legal and federal grant requirements, providing appropriate guidance on interpreting US Government rules and regulations and Endowment policies and procedures.
- Resolve findings of grantee audits and other internal control and financial monitoring.
- Coordinate with peer colleagues across regions to share experiences and ensure consistency of approach.
- Collaborate as an integral member of the regional leadership team to steward oversight of the grants management function to ensure effective and efficient workflow processes.
- Troubleshoot and serve as a problem-solving resource for grantmaking staff and partners across functions for country/region.
- Find creative solutions to complex problems related to work processes, grantee operating environments, and/or emerging operating challenges in the region.
- Participate in institutional process improvement and streamlining efforts, supporting implementation and change management across the team.
- Develop and deliver trainings for grantmaking staff.
- Represent NED at conferences and other related events, including efforts to develop and increase collaboration on specific grants management topics or country-specific issues.
- Occasional travel to deepen understanding of grantee experience; monitor grantee compliance; educate grantees on NED procedures and grants administration; and orient junior staff to field work.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Lead and advance special projects and strategic initiatives at the direction of senior leadership.
Benefits
- generous benefits package that demonstrates its commitment to employee health and well-being.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
