What Does a Grant Manager Do: Roles, Responsibilities, & More
Grant managers are critical to the success of organisations and their grant programs. They help to ensure the grant’s success throughout the lifecycle, from research to application, and funding management.
This OmniStar guide will outline the roles and responsibilities of a grant manager, the skills required, and steps to take to enter the field.
What is a Grant Manager?
A grant manager oversees the entire lifecycle of grant funding for an organisation. They identify opportunities that best align with their company’s mission, values, and priorities, and help secure external funding with carefully prepared applications. Grant managers are also responsible for overseeing compliance and reporting outcomes of grant programs, as a crucial link between funders and recipients.
Grant Manager Job Description: Daily Responsibilities
The day-to-day tasks of a grant manager can include application oversight, management of processes and communication with stakeholders. While tasks vary by organisation, the overarching goal is to ensure grant programs align with organisational values and strategic objectives.
Overseeing grant applications and approvals
Responsible for all stages of the grant lifecycle, grant managers identify opportunities for applications, and coordinate the timely submission of accurate documentation.
Monitors funding and budget allocation
Securing funding is the main aim of any grant application. A grant manager ensures that budgets provided by third parties are adhered to, and that resources are distributed accordingly. Grant managers are also usually responsible for tracking the financial performance of a grant against its initial objectives and forecasts.
Administration of grant management systems
Within a grants management platform such as OmniStar Grants, grant managers can oversee documents, workflows, and data across the grant lifecycle. They can use these platforms to run compliance checks, assign work to team members, and stay abreast of timeline or budget updates.
Maintaining compliance
The knowledge and application of funding rules and legislation often fall to the grant manager. Grant projects that do not meet legal or contractual requirements may face lengthy setbacks while these issues are resolved.
Reporting and communicating with stakeholders
Many grantors want to be kept informed as to how their funds are being distributed and utilised. A grant manager helps prepare regular and detailed reports on the project’s progress. These reports can include financial summaries, major milestones, and audit results.
How to Become a Grant Manager
If you are interested in a career as a grant project manager, there are several steps you can take to fast-track your entry to the field.
Earn a relevant degree
A bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as business administration, finance, or communications, is the first major step in becoming a grant manager. Certifications in grant writing or project management further strengthen your expertise and readiness for the role.
Apply for internships or entry-level positions
Practical experience helps you understand the complexities of managing grants day-to-day. A role as an intern, grant assistant, development coordinator, or research associate offers valuable exposure to the grant management processes and application protocols.
Develop experience in proposal writing
A daily task of grant managers is to craft compelling proposals. Developing clear and persuasive writing skills while conveying critical information will be key to your success as a grant manager.
Hone budgeting and project management skills
Grant managers oversee grant program design and completion. So, learning to create and manage financial plans and timelines is a key skill for them.
Seek out roles leading grant program
With the strongest foundations possible, you are now ready to explore grant management opportunities. Highlight your skills and experience, including any entry-level and mid-weight positions you have held that demonstrate your path of continued learning, application, and success.
Essential Skills For Every Grant Project Manager
Grant managers need to possess a unique combination of skills. From communication to financial and project management, a grant project manager’s job description is varied and skillful.
Project management
Skills in planning and leading projects help grant managers collaborate, monitor, and evaluate a wide variety of grant programs.
Research and analytics
From assessing potential funding sources to analysing the feasibility of projects, strong research skills help grant managers guide the direction of potential grant programs.
Communication skills
Effective communication is essential for grant managers when writing proposals, maintaining communication, and presenting ideas effectively to board members, teams, and funders.
Financial management
Grant managers need to distribute and manage money effectively when overseeing budgets and preparing financial reports.
Knowledge of grant management software
Familiarity with grant management software, such as OmniStar Grants, helps grant managers streamline tasks, maintain accountability, and oversee the project’s completion. Experience with similar programs, such as research management software or an ethics management system, may also be useful.
Take the First Step in Your Grant Management Journey
Grant managers are crucial links between organisations that apply for grants and distribute funding. They help lead grant programs, from initial research to application, completion, and reporting. A grant manager requires strong management, communication, and financial skills, as well as education and previous experience in the field.
For grant managers looking to improve their processes, consider using OmniStar Grants. Its configurable platform provides a tailored workflow that includes the tools and resources you need to manage grant programs effectively. Book a demo today.
