Grants & Operations Manager

ABOUT US

The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Since its founding in 1949, the Institute has been driving change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most critical challenges facing communities in the United States and around the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

To achieve our mission of a more free, just, and equitable society, we commit to working proactively to advance the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our myriad endeavors such as the recruitment, compensation, training, and advancement of staff. The best people-serving institutions make this commitment, and we seek to be a leader in the ways that we do so and learn from others. Visit our website to learn more about our commitment and recent actions taken toward building and nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment.

The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE)

The Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) is a global network of organizations that propel entrepreneurship in developing economies. ANDE members provide critical financial, educational, and business support services to small and growing businesses (SGBs) based on the conviction that SGBs will create jobs, stimulate long-term economic growth, and produce environmental and social benefits. Ultimately, we believe that SGBs can help lift countries out of poverty.

Launched with 34 members in 2009, ANDE now comprises over 220 members who collectively operate in more than 100 countries. Members of ANDE include both for and nonprofit investment funds, capacity development providers, research and academic institutions, development finance institutions, foundations and corporations from around the world. With a U.S. team based in Washington, DC and eight chapters across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, ANDE staff work hard to support members globally and locally, while building strong ecosystems for entrepreneurial growth. ANDE develops unique initiatives to address systemic challenges and seize opportunities that can only be approached through collective action.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Grants and Operations Manager is a member of the finance team to support pre award proposal development, post award grant-making activities and ANDE’s global operations. The position will ensure that administrative and financial aspects of grants and contracts management are performed efficiently and to a high standard of quality. This position will oversee all grants and administration functions between compliance, programmatic staff, and 8 international chapter offices.  The position will work closely with the Finance Director on operational needs for the DC office and the 8 chapters globally.  The ideal candidate will have a proven experience managing agreements and other administrative operations within a complex, fast-paced nonprofit setting. Expertise in managing complex tracking systems is required, as are superior organization skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

This role reports directly to the Finance Director. The salary range for this position is $102,000-$107,000. This position is located at the Aspen Institute’s Washington, D.C. office, and is expected to work from the office at least 40% of the time.


WHAT YOU WILL DO

Contracts and Finance Management:

• Ensure invoices for payment are approved, processed, and paid on time.
• Support the program’s grant management, facilitating due diligence reviews, ensuring complete documentation, and liaising with the Aspen Institute’s legal and finance department as needed.
• Monitor the schedule of grant reporting deadlines and support coordination with colleagues to ensure reports are prepared, approved, and submitted on time. 
• Administer grant awards to final close-out, including appeals, amendments, grant agreements and reporting requirements.
• Sets up project account systems and tools to monitor compliance with agreement terms and conditions.
• Maintain grant records, including copies of reports filed, materials used for proposals, and various grant documents.
• Draft all subaward agreements, coordinating with program managers and Aspen Institute’s legal department.
• Review all invoices to funders, ensuring all costs all allowable per grant requirements.
• Review all sub-awardee invoices, ensuring all contractual requirements are met and expenses are allowable. Process payments and manage forecasting.
• Manage grant tracking systems ensuring information is accurately recorded.
• Participate in the development of new grant-making system and supporting templates.
• Maintain grants management policies and procedures.

Program Administration:

• Perform operations audit and recommend improvements for streamlining workflow processes.
• Maintain and organize folder system and database.
• Support recruiting efforts by scheduling and supporting onboarding of new colleagues.
• Develop tools, templates, policies and new processes to improve efficiency of existing processes

Chapter Operational Management:

• Manage and works closely with Aspen Legal and hosts on MOUs for all chapters
• Maintain chapter operational records and documentation
• Works closely with Finance Director on managing all chapter related operational issues.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE:

• 7+ years of experience in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field 
• Familiarity with agreements management and accounting
• Experience with government regulations related to grants and contracts
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience working within multi-currency international programs.
• Flexibility and ability to work independently in a rapidly changing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Databases, and analytical tools preferred.
• Experience with Salesforce and Asana highly preferred.
• Outstanding organizational skills, with emphasis on time-management, attention to detail and the ability to plan, organize and carry out multiple activities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Team player who is also a self-starter
• Knowledge of and adherence to professional ethics
• Good interpersonal skills, as well as sound judgment, maturity and flexibility
   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.

The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.

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