Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG), a rapidly growing management and social sciences consulting firm based in Bethesda MD, is seeking a Head Start Senior Grants Support Specialist to support the Office of Grants Management (OGM). MSG provides consulting services across the federal government in the areas of: 1) Research & Evaluation, 2) Marketing & Communications, 3) Information, 4) Technical Assistance and Training, and 5) Program Management. Our federal clients include the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, and the Treasury, and the National Science Foundation.

Description

Senior Grants Specialists provide fiscal assistance to Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) grantees that fosters effective grants management services that support grantee compliance and continuous quality improvement. This includes overseeing the full award life cycle process and collaborating with other federal staff, such as Program Specialists. These activities may also include review and analysis of grantee financial reports, waiver requests, applications related to facility needs, and providing regulatory and fiscal policy guidance to HS & EHS grantees. Though this position may not directly supervise staff, the Senior Grants Specialists are expected to take leadership roles in managing projects and overseeing the work of others, and leading special initiatives related to facilities.

Responsibilities

• Design activities to ensure complete, timely review of grant applications, adequate tracking of grant activities, perform basic review of audit reports, financial statements and budget worksheets
• Issue funding approval communication in accordance with federal guidelines and guidance
• Perform fiscal analysis of financial reports; assist in tracking the overall fiscal/budget plan, financial reports and timelines; and monitor funding levels
• Receive and review all grantee financial reports for assigned projects; use appropriate resources to verify accuracy and grantee compliance with Federal grant award terms and conditions
• Execute pre-award, award, and close out activities for assigned Head Start and Early Head Start grantees
• Review grantee annual financial audits to determine each organization's financial stability and report on findings, identify grantee risk factors and assess corrective action activities
• Support, as requested, the evaluation, tracking and resolution of grantee applications to purchase, construct and/or complete major facilities renovations
• Routinely monitor grantee data management systems, including financial, property and reporting; analyze data for reconciliation and anomalies, report anomalies and trends monthly to financial staff; track and report carry-over-balances to program and financial staff
• In coordination with the Program Manager, provide coaching and technical support to team members.
• Perform other reasonable tasks as assigned by management in support of MSG's goals and objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college, with a preference for a degree in accounting, business management, public administration, finance, or a related field
• Background and training in accounting and/or financial management v
• At least 6 years' experience related to federal discretionary grants management
• Experience supervising staff or leading a team
• Grants management and/or project management certification, a plus
• Knowledge and experience with the administration of discretionary grants is required; experience with Head Start/Early Head Start program grants desired
• Knowledge of Head Start program operations and fiscal management, a plus
• Proven ability to clearly and effectively communicate when speaking and in writing,
• Experience aggregating, analyzing, synthesizing, reporting on and presenting data gathered from multiple sources as well as ensuring data integrity and accuracy
• Ability to implement data driven decision making
• Strong organizational, administrative and project coordination skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment and effectively manage multiple priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to collaborate and build relationships with multiple stakeholders
• Computer, Internet and proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Access and PowerPoint; advanced knowledge and experience with Microsoft Excel is required
• Experience with Head Start Enterprise System (HSES), Head Start Funds Planning System (HSFPS), Office of Head Start Aligned Monitoring System (IT-AMS), GrantSolutions and Payment Management System (PMS, Smartsheet, is a plus

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster at https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Employment will be contingent on the outcome of a background investigation and reference checks. While all applications are appreciated, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.