Grant Manager

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Inc. (TMA or the Aquarium) seeks a full time Grant Manager, reporting to the Development Director.

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND 

The mission of the Aquarium is to inspire people of all ages to appreciate Long Island Sound, its ecosystem and the global environment through living exhibits, marine science and environmental education. For more than 33 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 500,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals. Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 7,000 animals and 300 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce approximately 80,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 60 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to nearly 300 volunteers, which contribute 28,000 hours annually. While the pandemic challenged the Aquarium in profound ways, the team’s resilience and creativity led to new ways to connect with the community, and renewed optimism for the future.  

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Grant Manager is responsible for oversight of the full grant portfolio, pre through post award, as well as all restricted contributions. This position is responsible for coordinating monthly monitoring for progress across fiscal, compliance, programmatic deliverables, communications, and operational aspects of the full restricted portfolio. This coordination and support will extend to all implementing partners/consultants as related to the award. The Grant Manager will execute complex duties with a high degree of independence and as part of a diverse team.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre Award

• Conduct routine landscape analyses to identify new funders and funding opportunities across all private and public sources; maintain up-to-date pipeline
• Oversee the proposal development process, adhering to all donor timelines and requirements
• Coordinate with TMA staff to obtain data for all new and renewal funding opportunities

Start-Up and Implementation

• Review all awarded grants and support implementation for the full grant lifecycle
• Coordinate project planning and status meetings, fiscal budget set up, agreement development, assembling appropriate staffing, and communications with key internal and external partners
• Coordinate with TMA Directors/Managers to oversee contractual requirements (services and outcomes)
• Assist in the completion and submission of all portions of grant reports, quarterly monitoring and annual performance reports per individual donor requirements
• Support TMA’s financial team, including receiving, processing, and reconciling invoices, and ensuring payment is received from donors according to payment schedules

Post Award

• Oversee award close-out, ensuring all internal and external obligations are met
• Maintain all records

Day-to-Day Management and Coordination

• Maintain database and files for all awards (grants and restricted contributions), agreements, contracts, and subcontracts, including reporting requirements and renewal deadlines
• Support cultivation efforts for all TMA prospects and funders
• Participate in development of policies, procedures, tools, and communications for grant administration
• Train and coach internal and external key personnel on how to effectively manage grants, including their fiscal and programmatic reporting requirements, scope of services, terms, and other related-activities, specific to each grant, as needed

Other projects and duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Work experience

• Minimum of five years of experience in private and/or public grant management

• Experience working under pressure and managing multiple, competing tasks and priorities.
• High-level of proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and Adobe software is required; familiarity with donor and CRM systems, is beneficial.
• Four year college degree required. 

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong relationship builder with experience collaborating successfully with a broad and diverse range of individuals.
• Highly motivated, creative problem solver and systems thinker.
• Working knowledge of nonprofit business operations and federal/ state grant funding mechanisms and compliance desired.
• Project a professional demeanor and exercises mature judgment.
• Broad base of relevant technical knowledge and problem-solving skills related to financial management.
• Strong organization skills, ability to coordinate and complete multiple tasks simultaneously, and work under deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams, and maintain professional working relationships with organizational staff and partners.

• Commitment to equity and social justice, and strong alignment with our organizational values.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity.  All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Please provide a cover letter and resume to rlombardi@maritimeaquarium.org and put GM in your subject line.