Grants and Contracts Manager

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND/CULTURE 

The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is a private non-profit organization driving economic development in Detroit. The DEGC works closely with the City of Detroit and other partners to support existing businesses and bring new companies and investments to the city. DEGC provides staff services to Detroit’s public development authorities, including The Downtown Development Authority, The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, The Economic Development Corporation, The Eight Mile Woodward Corridor Improvement Authority, the Neighborhood Development Corporation, the Local Development Finance Authority, and the Tax Increment Finance Authority. 

DEGC’s mission is to design and implement innovative solutions that attract investment, create jobs, and advance Detroit’s economy for all residents. We are dedicated to inclusive economic development, and we take this responsibility to heart. With a team that is diverse and representative of the communities we serve, DEGC is working to reduce the inequality that can be a barrier to economic opportunity. DEGC’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and professionalism permeates the organization and undergirds our stature as the City’s economic development catalyst.

SUMMARY OF ROLE

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and skilled individual to fill the Grants & Contracts Manager role.  This position will report to the General Counsel and work in coordination with senior leadership in legal, finance, and administration on various projects that support the full lifecycle of grants and contract administration, ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational goals. This role collaborates with internal teams and external partners to manage funding sources, contract execution, and regulatory compliance. The person in this role must be able to collaborate and build consensus and manage relationships with strategic partners, both internally and externally. Critical thinking, attention to detail, problem-solving, and flexibility are crucial attributes of this position.  

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Assist program directors and department heads with grant proposal development and organization of materials.
• Oversee proposal submissions, sub-award issuance, and post-award administration (financial and non-financial).
• Manage the contract development process, ensuring compliance with funder and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure adherence to funding guidelines, regulatory compliance, and best practices in grants and contracts administration.
• Manage grant reporting, and compliance with timelines throughout their lifecycle.
• Collaborate with finance and program teams to help prepare, review, and coordinate necessary approvals for grant reports to ensure accurate reporting and adherence for the timely submission to grantor. 
• Manage and oversee the contract development process to ensure compliance and proper execution.
• Maintain financial records in alignment with contract requirements and document retention policies and obtain necessary approvals and authorized signatures on required forms.
• Foster high-touch communication with senior leadership, team members, and stakeholders to ensure grant compliance and alignment with ECIC’s mission, strategy, and goals.
• Collaborate with finance and program team to implement financial monitoring processes, including account reconciliation, tracking budgets to actuals, and ensuring expenditure appropriateness for awards and subawards.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Undergraduate degree in Business, Communications, or related fields. A combination of relevant training and experience that demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
• 3-5 years of experience managing grants, contracts, or complex projects.
• A combination of both public and private sector professional experience with demonstrated experience working effectively with a cross-section of local, state, and federal government departments and the private sector is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of federal/state and philanthropic grants management and compliance including budget development and review.
• Excellent time management skills and attention to detail are required.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to receive and understand directions, ask appropriate questions, and manage time to work effectively and independently.
• Ability to communicate complex situations clearly and simply by listening actively and conveying difficult messages in a positive manner.  
•  Ability to navigate challenging organizational, regulatory, and procedural hurdles to produce real results under tight timelines. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and navigate sensitive relationships with discernment.
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing, with a high degree of emotional intelligence and cultural competence.
• Organized and flexible self-starter who can thrive in a fast-paced environment and quickly adapt to changing circumstances.
• Ability to multi-task, effectively prioritize, and manage multiple work streams simultaneously.
• Must be self-motivated and bring excitement, passion, sophistication, dedication, and customer service to the position.
• Strong listener and learner with the ability to adapt and innovate when facing adversity. 
• Strong working knowledge of and ability to navigate a Microsoft Office environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in using databases, reporting systems, and project management systems.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

DEGC is currently operating on a Hybrid schedule. Candidates should be aware that all employees must do in-person work at least twice a week. This in-person work includes but is not limited to reporting to the DEGC office, community engagement, and in-person meetings. DEGC reserves the right to terminate or modify the Hybrid work schedule for any individual employee or all employees at any time, at its sole discretion.

COMPENSATION:

A competitive compensation package will be provided to the successful candidates. The salary range depends on experience and includes a full range of benefits.

The DEGC is committed to equal employment opportunities for all employees and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national, social, or ethnic origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.