Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of 53 outstanding public charter schools in grades K-12 across New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Our mission is to start and manage outstanding urban public charter schools that close the achievement gap and prepare students from low-income backgrounds for success in college and beyond. We are accomplishing that mission every day, with a college graduation rate that is well above the national average and thousands of stories of our students and alumni achieving their dreams.

GENERAL SUMMARY
The Associate Director of Finance – Grants serves as the point person for the financial management of all competitive and non-competitive federal, state, and local grants for Uncommon Schools. The Associate Director of Finance – Grants will maintain all of the data systems necessary to secure public funds and report on their use.  He/she will work be part of a team of three people responsible for this function at Uncommon.  He/she works closely with the members of the team and in close cooperation with accounting finance and program administrators.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Writes and submits public grant applications:
  • Understands statutory guidelines and permissible uses of funds for all public grants.
  • Develops grant budgets which comply with RFP guidelines and which complement the budgets of all other public and private funding sources.
  • Creates dynamic templates for each grant type.
  • Manages the application process from start to finish, including coordinating requests for supporting materials and for application writers.
  • Performs extensive quality control on each document.
  • Ensures that all grants are submitted on time and in the manner requested.
• Works with Director of Grants Management and school-based Directors of Operations to track public grant revenue and expenditures:
  • Ensures timely receipt of secured funds.
  • Clearly communicates grant guidelines to schools and ensures that all funds are appropriately used and accounted for.
  • Works closely with Associate Directors of Accounting to ensure that grant funds and expenses are recorded properly.
  • Manages all reporting and compliance aspects of federal, state, and local grants
  • Completes and submits all reports, invoices and other documentation to grant authorizers.
  • Maintains calendar of grant deadlines and a detailed work plan to meet those deadlines.
  • Creates comprehensive guidebook to grants, detailing application procedures and strategies, policies regarding use of funds, etc.
  • Updates guidebook with new entitlements and changes to existing programs.
  • Provides direct support to schools through grant audits and annual reviews.
  • Conducts research required for strategic team initiatives, special projects, executive meetings, program meetings, and other special requests for Finance information.
• Serves as a project manager and assists with special projects including but not limited to:
  • All government, charter authorizer, and donor financial reporting requirements.
  • Cross-functional project collaboration with other teams, such as real estate, development, HR etc.
  • Supports senior finance and accounting staff on ad-hoc special projects as necessary

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to Director of Grants Management and works closely with the entire Accounting and Finance team; interacts with all Home Office personnel and school-based teams.

• Required knowledge, skills & abilities:
  • An obsessive attention to detail and follow-through.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work well in a team and multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to create and maintain systems that enhance organizational efficiency.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed.
  • Strong computer skills (MS Excel, Word, Outlook, internet research, etc.).
  • Federal grants experience a plus 
• Educational background:
  • Bachelor’s Degree.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 1-3 years experience in non-profit development, accounting, or public sector finance preferred. 
  • Experience in K-12 public education preferred.

Uncommon Schools offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package.  Aside from extensive professional development, all our staff members are equipped with a laptop computer, email, and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for important dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.