Director, Sponsored Programs

At the American Cancer Society, were leading the fight for a world without cancer. Our employees and 1.5 million volunteers are raising the bar every single day. We actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds including communities of color, the LGBTQ community, veterans, and people with disabilities. The greater the diversity of our people, the better we can serve our communities.

The people who work at the American Cancer Society focus their diverse talents on our lifesaving mission. It is a calling. And the people who answer it are fulfilled.

Position Description

This is a remote position, which can be home-based anywhere in the U.S.

JOB SUMMARY

Under minimal supervision, the Director Sponsored Programs Office directs and oversees the planning, compliance, and day to day operations of the enterprise sponsored programs office. The Director is expected to deliver high-quality, customer-focused solutions for programs within the ACS grant portfolio from a range of funding sources including private foundations, corporate foundations, and state, local, and federal government funding agencies, interacting with ACS leadership and staff to facilitate planning, execution, and administration for grant-related initiatives. The Director works closely with scientists, researchers, program directors, and evaluation staff to apply for and manage grants received by ACS. This position may include special projects related to strategic and financial planning, process improvement, technology solutions, and policy creation.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide day to day leadership for the pre-award grants management/compliance teams
• Provide guidance to the enterprise grants management team to ensure both technology resources and processes are streamlined, automated and efficiencies are continuously being assessed and coordinate needs with legal and finance contacts.
• Develop and manage a partnership with the Grants Management team ensuring appropriate post-award compliance and reporting, including standards for project management and communication/reporting with sponsoring agencies.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of the mission and advocacy program operations to better assist other departments as needed regarding application and management of sponsored projects.
• Support the resource allocation planning and forecasting process for grants acquisition in partnership with Philanthropy, corporate, and GHQ mission partners.
• In cooperation with other grants staff, facilitate training regarding pre and post award oversight of sponsored projects for programmatic staff managing grants.
• Support projects in the assigned portfolio through the life cycle of the grants process.
• Serve as a resource to ACS staff during the proposal development process by interpreting sponsor guidelines ranging from simple to highly complex proposals and providing advice and guidance to assure compliance.
• Negotiates terms and conditions of awards in consultation with the Legal Department; Coordinates the internal review, negotiation, and execution of sub-award agreements in consultation with the Legal Department.
• Monitors and coordinates the submission of post award deliverables
• Provides leadership for the grant application process from end to end, including but not limited to development and release of request for applications (RFA), acceptance of applications and application of scoring criteria, coordination of applications for review processes, notifications to grantees, agreement processing, documentation of payments, and collection of reports.
• Develops, implements, and monitors processes to manage grant-making workflow and ensure timely and effective coordination and communication
• Responsible for drafting and issuing grant agreements or notices of award, in partnership with legal and conducting sub-recipient monitoring in collaboration with the director for a particular initiative
• Provides technical assistance and training to ACS staff on grant management tools/process/procedures
• Works with the Grants Management team to ensure timely release of funds to grant recipients and accurate financial monitoring
• Provides advice and counsel regarding grants to stakeholders across the enterprise
• Works as a liaison to ACS staff to answer questions, research, analyze, and resolve problems on new, existing, or terminated grant-making initiatives
• Assist with the review and submission of required annual and interim progress reports to sponsors
• Performs data monitoring functions as needed
• Serves as a backup for other team members when needed, and performs other tasks and duties as deemed appropriate by the supervisor

Position Requirements

FORMAL KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelors Degree required
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in pre-award grant management

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS

• Capacity for managing multiple projects, maintaining deadlines and schedules for deliverables; ability to problem solve independently
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Skilled in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating guidelines and developing new strategies/tactics to achieve program outcomes.
• Ability to prioritize and organize multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Ability to prepare reports, spreadsheets, PowerPoints, charts to communicate program direction and outcomes.
• Short and long-term operational planning skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced work setting using technology based programs and platforms
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
• The compensation range established for this position begins at a minimum of $86,000 per year.* Actual starting pay may differ based on non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, skills, specialty, and education.

The American Cancer Society has adopted a vaccination policy that requires all staff, regardless of position or work location, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (except where prohibited by state law).

ACS provides staff a generous paid time off policy; medical, dental, retirement benefits, wellness programs, and professional development programs to enhance staff skills. Further details on our benefits can be found on our careers site at: jobs.cancer.org/benefits. We are a proud equal opportunity employer.