Grants Specialist, California Finance

OFFICE LOCATION

This position’s location is flexible to home or TNC offices based in California.

WHO WE ARE

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world. 

The California Chapter is TNC’s largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast. 

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state’s communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about the middle ground in American politics and life. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its “big tent” approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We ask all employees to embrace this critical strategic position of our organization.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Grants Specialist provides highly specialized public awards administration and finance/accounting- related services to support the California business unit of The Nature Conservancy. The Grants Specialist’s responsibilities will focus on incoming awards (rather than outgoing/grantor responsibilities).

The Grants Specialist is directly responsible for the administration of all aspects of publicly funded awards from pre-award to award implementation and closeout. Their duties include review of funder solicitations, review of proposals and budgets, agreement and amendment negotiation, agreement set-up in the Conservancy’s finance system, review of agreement financial data for accuracy and compliance, and maintenance of agreement auditable files. They work closely with award managers to ensure that the terms and conditions of agreements are met and properly documented and communicates directly with the agency contracting officers. The Grants Specialist is also directly responsible for the due diligence and administrative aspects of grants out to grantee organizations. Additionally, they assist staff in their specialty area and respond to moderately complex employee/management questions and problems based on advanced knowledge of the subject area.

The Grants Specialist ensures programmatic commitments, financial standards and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance. They also reinforce consistency in the organization’s policies and procedures and provide support and training related to award administration.  

This position does not have fundraising or managerial responsibilities and does not supervise staff. This position is not investigating funding opportunities, writing grants, or securing grant funds. The Grants Specialist will review proposals to ensure they comply with the awarding agencies’ requirements and meet TNC policies/procedures, but will not create progress reports or other programmatic deliverables.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Do you have experience in public awards financial management? 

Do you have exceptional collaboration and communication skills? 

Are you looking for work you can believe in? 

At TNC we strive to make a difference every day. This is an exciting opportunity to use your financial skills to contribute to the ongoing mission of nature conservation!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration (or related field) and 3 years of related work experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience administering public awards.
• Non-profit or higher education accounting experience.
• Experience with accounting/financial issues and data analysis.
• Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems (ex: Insight, Workday, Sage, etc.).
• Intermediate technical experience with spreadsheet programs, general ledger reports and financial management tools.
• Experience, coursework or other training with U.S. Federal Uniform Guidance, state and local regulations, multilateral and international regulations, and standard contract clauses, as applicable.

Desired Qualifications

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience monitoring for and ensuring compliance with organizational policy, applicable law and regulation, and finance/accounting/management best practice.
• Experience analyzing and applying a regulatory framework.

WHAT WE BRING

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.  

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance. 

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay for this position is generally within the range of $62,250 – $87,500 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and state of employment is California. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including location, qualifications, skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.