Director of Grants - Central Office

TITLE: Director of Grants - Central Office

POSITION OVERVIEW:
Portland Public Schools (PPS) is a diverse urban school district serving approximately 6,800 students. The district’s Finance Department supports the educational mission of PPS by facilitating efficient and effective use of resources while providing a high level of customer service to school staff and district administrators. As an integral member of the Finance team, the Director of Grants will directly manage our largest federal grants while also setting standards and processes for effective grant management and providing grant related guidance and support to school and district administrators.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop, oversee and manage directly all components of the federal ESEA/ESSA grant (and other grants that may be directly assigned) including:

• Writing the application including writing narratives, coordinating inputs from stakeholders and compiling data.
• Conducting stakeholder meetings.
• Ensuring funds are used as stated in the approved application and in full compliance with federal regulations.
• Preparing the budget and monitoring expenses against budget.
• Ensuring invoices are submitted for fund reimbursements timely and accurately in collaboration with the Grant Accountant.
• Working with the Title I elementary schools to monitor the implementation of their school improvement plans, set achievement goals and analyze data in relationship to those goals.
• Ensuring State/Federal reporting requirements are met.

• Developing guidelines, standardized forms and processes for school and department administrators to follow in managing their awarded grants.
• Reviewing and pre-approving grant applications prior to submission.
• Providing support and guidance to school and department administrators on writing or updating grant applications, how to enact usage of funds and compliance.
• Ensuring invoices are submitted for fund reimbursements timely and accurately in collaboration with the Grant Accountant.
• Be the authority on grants in Finance department wide initiatives and liaison with other Finance department members to ensure that grants are correctly accounted for.
• Build strong relationships and forge strategic partnerships with state agencies, district leadership, Non-public schools receiving ESEA funds, and other organizations and stakeholders critical to effective grant management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in Math, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or Educational Leadership
• At least 5 years' prior experience working with Grants required; prior ESEA/ESSA experience preferred
• At least 2 years' prior experience working in an educational setting
• Strong ability to effectively communicate both spoken and written
• Demonstrated project management and time management skills
• Systems-thinker with the capacity to hold the big picture while managing the small details that ensure strong implementation
• Comfortable working with data and financials

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info)

• Year-round position
• Permanent
• Full Time, 1.0 FTE
• Non-represented
• Salaried position, not eligible for overtime
• Salary range: $100,000-$120,000

--

Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.