General Description

The Director of Grants Management oversees the entire grant lifecycle, including prospecting new grant opportunities, writing proposals, managing compliance, and writing reports. This position will lead the administration of funding, manage compliance with complex City of Philadelphia, Commonwealth of PA, and Federal regulations, and ensure accurate and timely reporting across programs. This role bridges the gap between finance, development, internal program managers, and external funders to ensure strategic alignment.

The Director will serve as a key member of the Zoo’s Development team, reporting directly to the Interim Chief Development Officer.

Essential Job Functions

Reasonable Accommodations Statement: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Prospecting New Opportunities: Prospect new funding opportunities, including building personal relationships with Foundation staff and Program Officers to determine alignment with Philadelphia Zoo’s objectives.

Proposal Writing: The Director will serve as the lead writer on major proposals, as well as create individual giving proposal templates to be used by gift officers.

Staff Management: Manage weekly work flow of contract-based part-time Grant Writer to ensure coverage on all grant proposals and reports.

Financial Oversight & Reporting: Manage post-award financial activities, including budget tracking, drawdowns, generating interim and final reports, and overseeing award closeouts.

Compliance & Auditing: Ensure all spending strictly complies with federal, state, city, and private grantor regulations. Assistant the Finance department in preparing the organization for Single Audits.

Policy & Systems Implementation: Develop and optimize internal policies, standard operating procedures, and grants management tracking.

Liaison & Collaboration: Act as the main point of contact between Philadelphia Zoo, internal Program Managers, and funding agencies.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred).

Requires 5+ years of nonprofit or public sector experience, with proven expertise in grant administration and compliance.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability Requirements

Exceptional analytical skills
Exceptional attention to detail
Exceptional project management skills
Ability to prioritize, make decisions and problem solve
Active listener who can formalize ideas into concrete proposals
Effective organizational skills and two-way communication skills
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team
Ability to build relationships with both internal and external stakeholders

Working Conditions, Physical, Medical & Additional Requirements

Occasional evening and weekend events are required to support Development Department events and activities.

Must successfully complete drug test and tuberculosis test prior to assuming position; ability to lift 15lbs, may require combination of sitting, standing, walking throughout the Zoo, successful completion of a post-offer criminal and child abuse clearances, credit record check prior to assuming position, must be able to utilize the following equipment, e.g., computer, telephone, copier and printer.

EEO Statement: The Philadelphia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics like race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

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