Senior Grant Project Manager

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Senior Grant and Project Manager will support grant-funded projects across Nisqually Indian Tribe by managing planning, startup, and closeout processes, coordinating activities to ensure project scope and deliverables are met on time, and adhering to all policy and regulatory requirements. This role involves preparing concise reports for executive leadership, monitoring risks and project interdependencies, and working closely with Department Directors, contractors, and vendors to administer project work. Additionally, the position oversees the organization's grant lifecycle, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal requirements while leading efforts to secure additional funding, optimize resource use, and address community needs through data collection and grant procurement. The role includes participating in strategic planning, conducting program analyses, developing solutions, and creating training materials to support staff development. This position is integral to advancing the Nisqually Indian Tribe's ability to access, manage, and maximize grant opportunities to achieve Tribal goals and meet community priorities.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

•Plan, initiate, manage, and close out grant-funded projects to ensure timely delivery of scope and deliverables.
•Research, identify, develop, write, and submit grant proposals for funding opportunities from federal, state, local, and alternative sources to support Tribal goals and objectives.
•Monitor project risks, dependencies, and resource allocations, ensuring alignment with policy and regulatory requirements.
•Oversee the grant lifecycle, ensuring compliance with regulations, timely reporting, and proper documentation in collaboration with Financial Services and Grants Compliance.
•Collaborate with Department Directors, contractors, and vendors to administer and execute assigned projects.
•Partner with executive leadership to create training materials and support strategic planning, grant applications, and implementation cycles.
•Analyze Tribal program needs, identify solutions, and align projects and funding with organizational priorities.
•Conduct assessments, surveys, and feasibility studies to evaluate community needs, incorporating findings into short- and long-term planning.
•Identify emerging opportunities, programming, and projects through grant and funding sources.
•Develop and foster professional relationships within the Tribe and with external community partners to identify opportunities for economic development and program growth.
•Serve as a liaison for grant management activities with funding agencies, community stakeholders, and Tribal departments.
•Act as a delegate for the Tribal Administrator at Tribal, state, and local meetings as directed.
•Gather and analyze community needs data to inform grant proposals and program development.
•Consult with Tribal program management to identify and define problem areas, conduct assessments, analyze results, and recommend solutions.
•Assess on- and off-reservation resources, inventory existing Tribal resources, and develop strategies to increase access.
•Collaborate with the Tribe's planning department to identify and evaluate options for growth and development.
•Provide technical assistance to Tribal programs for development, implementation, and resource optimization.
•Maintain knowledge of federal grant management guidelines and support the development of Tribal grant management policies and processes. Classification
•Regularly review compliance requirements and support Tribal departments in adhering to funding regulations.
•Monitor financial and programmatic performance of grants, ensuring proper use of funds and achievement of project goals.
•Develop and present regular reports to executive leadership on project status, risks, and outcomes.
•Maintain clear and effective communication with internal stakeholders, grantors, and community members.
•Provide updates and recommendations on grant performance, resource utilization, and program effectiveness.
•Create and deliver grant-related training materials to enhance staff understanding and effectiveness.
•Offer guidance and mentorship to team members involved in grant writing, project management, and compliance.
•Research, evaluate, and analyze program and project effectiveness, providing recommendations for improvement.
•Work with Economic Development on grant-related projects to maximize their impact and alignment with Tribal objectives.
•Perform additional duties as assigned to support the Tribe's goals and initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience

•Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or a related field. Equivalent work experience in grant writing, project management, or program administration may be considered in lieu of a degree.
•Five (5) years' work experience in grant management, program planning, and/or program development OR a comparable amount of experience and/or education.
•Completion of coursework or certification in Project Management and/or Program Management from a recognized institution or a registered education provider, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI).
•Demonstrated experience in grant writing and proficiency in using grant reporting systems to ensure compliance and accurate documentation.
•Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
•Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Experience in grant reporting through electronic handbooks.
•Previous SAM registration (EHBs) experience.
•Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
•Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

SUPERVISION
This position does not supervise.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.
Knowledge

•Extensive knowledge of grant writing, management, and reporting processes, including federal, state, and local funding requirements.
•Knowledge of federal grant management guidelines, including HRSA grants.
•Awareness of grants issued by governmental agencies and best practices for grant-funded projects.
•Understanding of strategic planning, program development, and evaluation methods.
•Knowledge of project and program development principles, including construction industry and building operations.
•Awareness of financial management principles, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and grant compliance.
•Knowledge of Tribal governance, operations, and community needs, particularly related to economic development and resource optimization.
•Knowledge of the Nisqually community and Native American customs, traditions, and culture.
•Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and application for community needs assessments and resource planning.
•Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools.
•Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, common computer software, and routine office equipment.
•Knowledge of Tribal, state, and federal patient privacy legislation and policies.
•Familiarity with regulatory compliance and standard administrative operating procedures.

Skills
•Strong grant writing and proposal development skills with a proven track record of securing funding.
•Ability to develop and submit grant proposals to public and private funding sources successfully.
•Excellent project management skills, including planning, organizing, and coordinating complex initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
•Effective time management and multitasking abilities to handle competing priorities and meet deadlines.
•Advanced written and verbal communication skills for reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
•Ability to write business correspondence, news articles, technical documents, and procedure manuals.
•Strong interpersonal skills to foster relationships with Tribal members, partners, funding agencies, and other stakeholders.
•Analytical skills for assessing needs, identifying solutions, and improving program effectiveness.
•Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
•Proficiency in grant management software and tools.
•Knowledge of financial management principles and tools for grant compliance and reporting.
Abilities
•Ability to interpret and apply grant-related regulations, policies, and guidelines accurately.
•Maintain confidentiality of records per Tribal, state, and federal patient privacy legislation.
•Capacity to work collaboratively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
•Ability to mentor and train staff in grant writing, management, and compliance.
•Strong adaptability to changing priorities, funding landscapes, and project demands.
•Ability to make informed decisions and recommendations on business and community matters.
•Commitment to upholding the values and objectives of the Nisqually Indian Tribe.
•Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from stakeholders, clients, and the public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.