Grants Development Lead

WCTC's Office of Grants and Resource Development is excited to be hiring for the Lead Grant Development role. This individual will collaborate with key College personnel to identify, pursue, secure, and administer external funding, with particular emphasis on state and federal grants, to expand and/or augment instructional programs and services. Provide administrative, financial, and compliance support across the full grant lifecycle, including funding opportunity sourcing, proposal development (narrative and budget), award setup, monitoring, reporting, and closeout, in accordance with funder requirements, state and federal regulations, and College policies and procedures.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities (include, but not limited to)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position description is not intended to be all inclusive and may include other job-related duties as assigned.

• Federal and External Grant Sourcing and Development
  • Proactively identify and track external funding opportunities, including federal, state, and private grants, aligned with institutional priorities.
  • Partner with key College personnel to revise, edit, and finalize grant and contract proposals, providing timely guidance on compliance, budget development, and submission requirements.
  • Apply district policies, procedures, and funder guidelines when planning, writing, and submitting grant applications.
  • Utilize Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs), and funder communications to ensure proposals are complete, accurate, and compliant.
• Budget Development and Regulatory Compliance
  • Develop and review grant and contract budgets to ensure alignment with internal controls, allowable cost principles, and state and federal regulations (including federal uniform guidance, as applicable).
  • Ensure consistency between narrative commitments and budgetary allocations.
• Grant Award Administration and Monitoring
  • In conjunction with Grant Managers, coordinate the setup and ongoing monitoring of awarded grants and contracts throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Identify grant-related issues, including reporting deficiencies, compliance risks, or financial anomalies, and notify Grant Managers of their responsibility to resolve identified issues.
• Financial Analysis and Reporting
  • Analyze the budget status of each grant and contract on a monthly basis and communicate variances, trends, and areas of concern to Grant Managers and other responsible parties.
  • Coordinate, review, and revise funder-required financial and compliance reports, including federal grant reports, prior to submission.
  • Maintain audit-ready grant records and documentation in accordance with funder, state, and federal requirements.
• Policies, Procedures, and Training
  • Continually review, improve, and develop grant-related materials (forms, manuals, and guidance) for department and campus-wide use to ensure compliance with evolving regulations and best practices.
  • Provide training and technical assistance to campus personnel related to grant processes, documentation, and compliance requirements upon request.
• Budgeting and Systems Management
  • Prepare the College’s Fund II Budget through review and collection of current and projected grant data.
  • Maintain and update detailed grant and contract records in Banner to support accurate tracking, reporting, and analysis of grant activity.
• Other Duties
  • Serve as the College’s representative on system-wide committees, collaborating with peer institutions to advance shared priorities.
  • Participate in special projects, cross-functional initiatives, and other assignments of a similar nature and level.

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of external funding sources in higher education, including federal and state grants
• Understanding of grant lifecycle processes, including proposal development, award administration, and reporting
• Ability to interpret and apply state and federal regulations, policies, and technical guidance
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate, compliant, and auditable records
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations, including ratios and percentages
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse stakeholders
• Proficiency with computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, and database systems
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work effectively within cyclical and time-sensitive environments
• Knowledge of basic bookkeeping and budget preparation/management principles

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Finance, Accounting, Education, Communications, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in grant and contract coordination, including proposal development, award administration, and reporting—particularly with state or federal grants—preferred

Supplemental Information

The Grants Development Lead is a fulltime position and benefit eligible.

Application Details

All applicants (both internal and external) must submit a completed application along with a current resume. Submitting a cover letter is optional but may help us learn more about your experience and interests.

Interviews: Selected candidates will be invited to an on-campus interview. Interview date is to be determined. Internal team members are encouraged to grow their careers at WCTC! To be eligible to apply for a new role, employees must be in their current position for at least six (6) months.

WCTC offers a wide range of outstanding benefits. Benefits include, but not limited to:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including health, dental, vision, life, long-term disability, supplemental life, flex spending accounts, and much more
• Generous time off and holiday schedule
• Eligibility in the Wisconsin Retirement System (ETF)
• Opportunities for professional growth and development (including tuition reimbursement, tuition waiver)
• Well-being activities to support personal and professional well-being
• Collaborative and supportive team environment

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available.