Director – Grants Administration (Grant-Funded)

DIRECTOR – GRANTS ADMINISTRATION – GRANT FUND
MALCOLM X COLLEGE

Malcolm X College is currently seeking a dedicated Director of Grants Administration. This role encompasses the strategic oversight of the Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) grant, a state-funded program administered by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). The Director will meticulously manage all facets of this grant to ensure its alignment with institutional goals while meeting the stipulated objectives and requirements set by the funder.

The primary focus of the WEI grant is to support students hailing from underrepresented west side communities as they embark on and complete select short-term, high-demand health science and nursing programs at Malcolm X College. This initiative aims to empower students to secure gainful employment, thereby bolstering their ability to provide for their families. Notably, the grant mandates that a minimum of 60% of supported students are of African American descent.

Since its inception in 2019, Malcolm X College has been awarded the WEI grant consecutively, now entering its fifth year of funding from the ICCB. The Director of Grants Administration will spearhead efforts to continuously refine and optimize the utilization of these resources to provide an enriching and supportive educational experience for students, faculty, and staff alike.

Key responsibilities of the Director include the effective management of the grant’s budgetary allocations, ensuring the judicious disbursement of financial support to eligible students for tuition, books, and other essential expenses. Moreover, the Director will play a pivotal role in crafting and implementing comprehensive programming designed to enhance students’ career readiness skills, thereby maximizing their prospects for successful entry into the workforce upon program completion. The Director of Grants Administration must exhibit a profound commitment to equity and inclusivity, recognizing the transformative potential of education in fostering socioeconomic mobility within marginalized communities.

Reporting to an assigned administrator, the Director – Grants Administration is responsible for the implementation, reporting and close-out of the WEI Grant.

Responsible for the implementation stage of a grant’s lifecycle, working with key stakeholders and grant funded staff to successfully achieve the grant’s objectives, deliver the desired outcomes, and meet the administrative, financial and programmatic reporting requirements of the grant award. 

This grant is expected to end September 30, 2024. (Possible extension) 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Manages the post-award phase of the grant’s lifecycle, developing and implementing work plans to execute the activities and expend the funds of the project in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant award.
• Advises college administrators and key stakeholders on project’s grant objectives; scope of work and established budget; staff responsible for key tasks and activities; and timeline for activities/process objectives to be completed.
• Directs day to day operations to ensure grant deliverables and outcomes are met, and that work is completed within the established budget and in compliance with reporting requirements, regulations and CCC’s policies and procedures.
• Participates in the hiring and selection of project personnel including contractual staff as budgeted within a project grant. 
• Establishes work standards and expectations and monitors staff performance.
• Manages the grant’s budget, ensuring budget is properly loaded and fund accounts set-up.  Monitors and approves budget expenditures to ensure purchases are appropriate and in compliance with grant requirements.
• Oversees the procurement process for the selection of vendors and service providers and the purchase of equipment and supplies, as applicable to the grant; ensures costs are allocated to appropriate grant fund accounts and purchases adhere to CCC’s procurement policies and procedures. 
• Monitors project’s progress in meeting activities/process objectives to ensure compliance with established timeline. Oversees the implementation of data gathering and reporting structures to effectively evaluate project’s performance and success. Prepares and submits documentation for any scope or budget modifications as required. 
• Prepares and submits timely programmatic progress and financial reports in compliance with grant requirements. Submits documentation required for closeout of grant; participates in audit activities, as appropriate. May assist in the grant’s renewal writing, if applicable. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Five years of program or project administration work experience
• Consideration will be given to candidates with an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Experience managing projects across multiple stakeholders 
• Skilled in managing budgets and tracking spend down of grant funds 
• Experience in project or program management, preferably in higher education 
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience implementing projects in a complex organization  
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills 
• Strong donor cultivation and relationship management skills 
• Strong organizational and project management skills 
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills 
• Ability to work within a culturally diverse environment 
• Ability to cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with key stakeholders 
• Ability to handle all situations with tact, persuasiveness, and diplomacy. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

We Offer: Excellent health and welfare benefit package and long-term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit the benefits page of our website.

Malcolm X College was selected as a Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges award winner! The award is given by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD), a membership organization committed to promoting and celebrating excellence in teaching and leadership at community and technical colleges, and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a leading academic publication.  

MXC was recognized for its best-in-class student and staff recruitment and retention practices, inclusive learning and working environments, and meaningful community service and engagement opportunities. 

GRANT END DATE: 9/30/2024
POSSIBLE EXTENSION

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire.
We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.
Thank you for your interest in City Colleges of Chicago!

Additional Information