Job Description

About Melwood:

Melwood is a trailblazing nonprofit organization on a mission to unlock opportunities for people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive. Since 1963, Melwood has transformed thousands of lives across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region by offering job training, employment, accessible housing, and recreational programs—all designed to promote independence and inclusion. With a bold social enterprise model, Melwood not only delivers vital services but also operates businesses that create jobs and reinvest profits into its community-focused programs. Whether it's helping someone land their first job, providing youth with life-changing summer camp experiences, or advocating for more inclusive policies, Melwood is leading the charge toward a more equitable and empowered future for everyone.

Position Summary:

Melwood, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our Fund Development team as the Director of Grant Services. This pivotal role involves managing the grant application process, securing funding from various sources, and overseeing the proper utilization of grant funds to support our mission and programs. The Director is accountable for the end-to-end management and administration of all grant activities including funder research and identification, grant proposal development, and grant management from award to close out. This position works collaboratively across departments to manage financial and compliance aspects of grants received and issued to Melwood. Grants received by the organization and overseen by this group include Federal, State, Local, and Private Grants. The Director of Grants Services will serve as a member of the Fund Development leadership team and report to the Vice President of Fund Development, oversee the work of the Grant Writer Specialist, and collaborate with Community Services, Information Security Group, Corporate Quality, Legal, and Finance teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Grant Research & Identification (20%)

• Conduct thorough research to identify potential grant opportunities that align with the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of prospective funding sources.
• Develop an understanding of Melwood programs and funding needs to strategically plan a proposed grant calendar and pivot when priorities dictate.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and potential funders.
• Represent the organization at networking events, conferences, and meetings to strengthen partnerships and identify new funding opportunities.

Grant Proposal Development (20%)

• Oversee the development and submission of grant proposals, including writing compelling narratives, creating budgets, and coordinating necessary documentation.
• Ensure all proposals meet the requirements and deadlines of public and private funders.
• Supervise one direct report responsible for the initial creation of a minimum of four grant proposals per month.

Grant Management (20%)

• Oversee the administration of awarded grants, ensuring compliance with all regulations and guidelines.
• Monitor the progress of grant-funded projects and ensure that reporting requirements are met in a timely manner.
• Develop an understanding of Melwood activities, grants, sub-awards, and internal and external financial reporting requirements to ensure proper data collection and documentation to facilitate accurate and timely reporting.

Collaborative Strategy (20%)

• Work closely with program directors, finance teams, and other key stakeholders to develop strategic plans for grant-funded projects.
• Facilitate collaboration and communication across departments to optimize grant outcomes.
• Develop policies and procedures to meet organizational standards for grants management.
• Maintain responsibility for keeping policy documents and procedures current and communicating updates to all staff with related responsibilities.

Training & Development (10%)

• Provide guidance and training to staff on grant writing, management, and compliance.
• Develop resources and tools to support effective grant-seeking activities within the organization.
• Serve as the organization's subject matter expert in the area of grants by maintaining current, up-to-date knowledge and understanding of all regulatory, statutory, and administrative grant requirements.
• Apply expert knowledge of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs) and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) regulations.

Programatic & Financial Oversight (10%)

• Collaborate with the finance team to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of grant expenditures.
• Assist in the development of annual budgets and financial plans related to grant funding.
• Prepare regular reports on grant activities, outcomes, and financial status for the executive team and board of directors.
• Conduct evaluations to assess the impact and effectiveness of grant-funded programs.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation for the role of Director of Grants Services includes a competitive salary ($110,000-$120,000) commensurate with experience and an excellent package of employee benefits which includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, professional development, leave and holidays.

To Apply

Interested applicants should send a resume and a statement of interest to Ryan Rasmussen, Partner & Recruiter at rrasmussen@thinkingahead.com.

Melwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a work environment that supports, inspires and respects all individuals. Personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic ancestry, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristic. This applies to every aspect of employment including hiring, training, advancement and termination. The firm is committed to creating a just culture of diversity, equity and inclusion by practicing, within the company and the marketplace

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