Associate Director Grants

Asheville, North Carolina  | 
Buncombe County

If you thrive in dynamic team settings, possess meticulous attention to detail, find satisfaction in meeting deadlines, and enjoy a fast-paced work environment, then United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC) is where you want to be. As a crucial member of the Resource Development team, the Associate Director plays an essential role in managing projects, crafting compelling written proposals, and fostering collaborations among various teams while holding true to UWABC’s long-term strategic vision.  This is an ideal opportunity for someone passionate about community impact and dedicated to advancing meaningful initiatives. 

Responsible for managing the grants ecosystem and conducting the full range of activities required to research, prepare, and submit grants to foundation, government, and corporate sources. It is supported by department leads who are responsible for program management and reporting, financial coding, and team collaboration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Refine organization-wide grants strategy.
  • Oversee a portfolio of current grants. 
  • Research, identify, and evaluate a mix of governmental, private, and corporate funding opportunities that align with UWABC’s strategic goals and priorities for potential funding.  
  • Maintain processes and procedures related to grant management and proposal development.  
  • Collaborate with staff to identify and resolve budgetary and compliance issues.  
  • Utilize appropriate technology and data systems to manage and monitor grants effectively.  
  • Provide direction and oversight to other staff members assigned to assist with the administration of the Grants Program, including cross-departmental teams.
  • Stay updated on IRS rules and regulations pertaining to Community Foundations, Private Foundations, and Fiscal Sponsorship Funds, serving as an internal expert in these areas.  
  • Ensure that key information related to the various portfolios managed is accurately maintained within UWABC platforms.  
  • Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external grant partners.  
  • Ensure compliance with grant rules and policies.  
  • Provide the Board and staff with reports, information, and recommendations regarding the Grants Program.  
  • Actively participate in team and organization-wide staff meetings.  
  • Ensure all grant deadlines are met and that all monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports are submitted as required.  
  • Establish feedback mechanisms to facilitate the early detection of end-user issues.  
  • Lead short- and long-term grants budget planning.
  • Participate in United Way events and experiences as scheduled or requested

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are associated with the position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of professional experience in the nonprofit sector related to grant development and management including federal, state, and private sources; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 2 years or more of supervisory experience.
  • Excellent editing skills and attention to detail.
  • Experience working in deadline-driven environments.
  • Commitment to UWABC's guiding principles and ability to model those principles in relationships with colleagues and partners.

Technical Skills, Abilities, and Other Requirements

  • Proficient with computers and software, including Google Suite and MS Office
  • Ability to learn and use a variety of other software platforms (e.g.Zoom, Asana, CRM)
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, maneuver complex work environments, engage in planning and problem-solving, and execute details
  • Demonstrated ability to use discretion and independent judgment and/or action in evaluating situations and making decisions
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
  • Ability to communicate (oral and written) with coworkers, donors, vendors, service providers, and the community in a clear, service-oriented, and professional manner
  • Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills
  • Holds self and other team members accountable for achieving results
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new systems and skills as needed
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy
  • Prior project management experience
  • Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets insurance requirements and access to reliable transportation

Nice to Have

  • Prior experience working within a United Way
  • Prior experience writing and managing Federal grants

Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals who are differently abled to perform the essential functions.

While performing duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to:

  • Sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms
  • Talk and hear
  • Use finger and hand motion, including keyboarding
  • Use close and distance vision, depth perception, and adjust focus
  • Moderate stress level caused by tight deadlines
  • Use a computer for extended periods
  • Interact in an office environment that contains a moderate amount of noise
  • Lift up to 20 lbs.
  • Drive a vehicle within the region

This position is exempt from overtime regulations. This position is based in our office in Asheville, NC for at least 70% of the schedule. After an orientation period and if the work allows, this position may choose to work remotely for up to 30% of the schedule.

Reports To: VP of Resource Development

Supervises: 1 staff member

Hours: 40/week

Hiring Range and Benefits: $58,000 - $63,000  annually plus full benefits, including paid vacation, sick and personal leave; employer contributions to 401(k), contributions to health, dental, and vision insurance benefits and self-care fund, life and disability insurance, and coaching and support

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is an equal employment opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary and Benefits

$58,000 - $63,000  annually plus full benefits, including paid vacation, sick and personal leave; employer contributions to 401(k), contributions to health, dental, and vision insurance benefits and self-care fund, life and disability insurance, and coaching and support