Grants Manager

Practical Farmers of Iowa is Hiring a Grants Manager 

About PFI 

Practical Farmers of Iowa is a nonprofit organization that has worked to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities since 1985. We create learning opportunities via farmer-led events, on-farm research and educational content through our robust network of farmers. We also provide funding and technical assistance to help farmers adopt regenerative farming practices and grow farm businesses. Our vision is an Iowa with healthy soil, healthy food, clean air, clean water, resilient farms and vibrant communities. 

This work has always been rooted in our value of welcoming everyone and creating a culture of mutual respect. We believe that a diversity of people, ideas and perspectives strengthens our ability to find creative solutions, enriches our understanding and broadens our impact. At Practical Farmers, we celebrate this diversity and are committed to ensuring that our policies and practices create an equitable and inclusive workplace. We take equal opportunity seriously and seek to empower and support all applicants and teammates.  

Practical Farmers offers a flexible, supportive and fast-paced work environment. Professional development is a core part of our culture and team members are encouraged to take independent initiative to help fulfill our mission.  

About the Position 

The operations department provides critical support to ensure PFI has the funds and processes to carry out its mission. Accurate and efficient grant management is vital to our success, allowing us to sustainably expand our work and impact, secure top talent, fund our programs and serve our overall mission. 

As the grants manager, you will play a key role in our success by shepherding our diverse grant portfolio, which helps sustain our operating budget of over $11 million and encompasses a range of federal, state and foundation grants. In this role, you will lead the process of managing and tracking grants, support staff through the grant application process and ensure that sufficient funding is available for each of our growing programs and budgets. 

If you’re detail-oriented, adept at navigating grant language and thrive when juggling lots of moving pieces, you’re likely a good fit for this position. 

You’ll support the operations department by: 

• Leading the process of developing and submitting grant proposals by collaborating with grant owners and ensuring timely, accurate submissions
• Providing assistance and coaching to grant owners on grant writing and details surrounding grant contracts
• Maintaining a library of grant templates and resources
• Maintaining a calendar of grant opportunities and deadlines
• Overseeing grant compliance and reporting, including submitting accurate reports by the deadlines outlined
• Maintaining a database of grant projects and activities ensuring information is up to date
• Creating and reviewing grant contracts and subcontracts

Duties 

• Manage new grant application projects
• Design and implement processes to ensure consistency and efficiency of grant application and management
• Oversee contractors, staff members, volunteers and partners who contribute to grant applications, and track progress on secured grants
• Implement grant management processes and tasks
• Write proposals for grant and/or fee-for-service funding opportunities as needed
• Edit grant proposals from across the organization
• Facilitate collaboration among departments and teams to submit grant applications and reports
• Other duties as assigned or volunteered to support department or team projects

Required Qualifications and Characteristics 

• Experience writing, reporting and submitting grants
• Experience creating and reviewing grant contracts
• Experience with federal grants and compliance
• Strong attention to detail
• Project management skills
• Experience with Microsoft products and CRM databases (customer relationship management) 
• Data entry skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment
• Ability to collaborate with a team and work independently
• Self-motivated
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage time efficiently
• Experience training team members on processes
• Strong communication skills

Desired Qualifications and Characteristics 

• Ability to build and cultivate relationships
• Minimum of three years of grant management experience preferred
• A passion for PFI’s mission

Compensation

This is a full-time position based in our Ames, Iowa, office with potential for a remote schedule. Strong preference will be given to candidates who can work from our Ames office one to two days per week. The candidate must be in the Ames office at least once per month. The salary range for this position is $55,500 to $60,000 with annual opportunity for merit salary increases and position advancement.  

Benefits

PFI values its employees and is a flexible and supportive work environment. We offer employees a competitive benefits package that includes employee health insurance with 100% employer-paid premium, generous paid time off, flexible hours, six weeks of fully paid parental leave and 4% automatic 401k contribution after one year of employment. 

We also encourage employee professional development and offer a range of specialty benefits employees can use to support their wellness, sustainability and financial goals. Examples of our specialty benefits include contributions towards spouse and dependent health insurance; stipends for remote workers; and reimbursements for fitness costs, CSA subscriptions, student loans or eco-friendly purchases. Practical Farmers is a family-friendly employer.