Grants Officer, Core Strategy and Engagement (CSE)

Position Title: Grants Officer Core Strategy and Engagement (CSE)
Grade Level: 4 / Exempt
Reports to: Senior Manager Core Strategy and Engagement (CSE)

The National Endowment for Democracy supports freedom around the world.

At NED we deliver on the belief that freedom is a universal aspiration. Headquartered in Washington DC NED is a private nonprofit foundation mandated by Congress dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions worldwide.

NED reflects an enduring American commitment to stand with those striving for dignity justice and 2025 NED made 1552 grants totaling $271 million to support the work of nongovernmental organizations advancing democratic goals in more than 90 countries including some of the worlds most challenging and repressive environments.

We seek talented entrepreneurial professionals motivated by purpose and committed to excellence. At NED you will join a dynamic team of experts who bring their skills curiosity and judgment to a consequential mission at a critical moment for democracy around the world. Our work is guided by our shared values: excellence respect empathy accountability and adaptability.

NED partners with four Core institutesCIPE IRI NDI and The Solidarity Centerto advance democracy support around the world. The Core Strategy & Engagement (CSE) team strengthens NEDs engagement with the four Core institutes to better support strategic coordination and facilitation of effective engagement through strengthening shared systems and practices and helping connect priorities across our organizations. This work helps NED to advance common goals and to better draw on the experiences networks and expertise of each institution. The CSE team manages the grant administration of the Core institutes annual allocation of NEDs grantmaking budget.

The Grants Officer manages an assigned portfolio of Core institute grants and serves as the primary resource for the Core institutes throughout the grant lifecycle. The position combines relationship management grants administration and financial oversight to support effective project implementation responsible stewardship of grant funds and compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.

Working collaboratively across departments the Grants Officer guides grantees through due diligence award administration reporting and closeout processes while fostering a responsive and grantee-centered grantmaking experience. The role contributes to the integrity effectiveness and impact of the organizations grantmaking programs.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington DC and is part of the bargaining unit.

• Manage an assigned portfolio of grants throughout the full grant lifecycle from due diligence and award processing through reporting and closeout.

• Serve as a primary point of contact for grantees providing guidance on grant requirements policies procedures and reporting expectations.

• Coordinate grant modifications amendments and other administrative actions in accordance with organizational policies and procedures.

• Maintain accurate grant records and documentation to support effective portfolio management decision-making and institutional accountability.

• Perform timely closeouts; review grant and financial documentation and ensure all documentation and requirements are complete.

• Review proposal budgets modification requests financial reports and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy allowability and compliance with grant terms and organizational requirements.

• Monitor grant expenditures and financial performance throughout the grant lifecycle identifying issues and recommending appropriate solutions or mitigation measures.

• Ensure compliance with organizational policies grant requirements and applicable regulations while balancing accountability with a commitment to minimizing unnecessary administrative burden.

• Participate in monitoring activities and risk assessments to support responsible stewardship of grant funds and informed decision making.

• Handle sensitive financial organizational and grantee information with discretion and confidentiality.

• Coordinate and work collaboratively with colleagues across the CSE team and grantmaking programs.

• Assist with improving grants administration processes by maintaining updated policies and procedures as they evolve.

• Contribute to department- and organization-wide initiatives that promote collaboration innovation and continuous improvement in grant administration.

• Bachelors degree in a relevant field (international studies nonprofit administration etc.).

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in grants and/or contract administration in a nonprofit organization or foundation.

• Familiarity with federal grant regulations and international activities/issues relevant to NEDs operational environment including experience with or an interest in the work of NEDs Core institutes.

• Demonstrated commitment to grantee-centered grantmaking with the ability to build strong relationships engage diverse stakeholders and apply compliance requirements in a respectful and proportionate manner that supports grantee success.

• Strong attention to detail and conscientiousness about accuracy and timeliness in recordkeeping and follow-through.

• Experience working in an evolving environment supporting a new team as structures and processes take shape.

• Strong operational judgment and ability to understand how tasks affect broader workflows deadlines stakeholders and institutional processes.

• Sound critical thinking including the ability to notice errors inconsistencies or missing information before moving forward.

• Ability to work with discretion.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel Outlook Word PowerPoint) and familiarity with SharePoint Teams or similar platforms.

• Ability to travel internationally on an occasional basis.

• Authorization to work in the United States.

• Alignment with NEDs Core Values cited above.

Consistent with NEDs talent statement and grounded in our values the successful individual in this role will demonstrate the following competencies in the delivery of their work while supporting NEDs efforts to advance democratic change:

• Purpose-Driven

• Reliable

• Expertise

• Respectful Collaboration

• Curiosity

• Results-Oriented

• An Optimistic Mindset

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $51750 to $80250.

The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors including but not limited to an individuals professional experience qualifications education and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are based on the aforementioned circumstances.

NED also offers a generous benefits package that demonstrates its commitment to employee health and well-being.

To apply please attach a resume and cover letter to your application.