OMNI is honored to be retained by Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) in the search for a motivated and team-oriented individual with strong financial skills to serve as to serve as Grant Manager. This role would be responsible for a large portfolio of Head Start and Early Learning grants and will be a key member of the Finance Department leadership team.

MARC, the association of local governments and metropolitan planning organization for the bistate Kansas City region, promotes and supports cooperation on regional issues, including transportation, the environment, our workforce and economy, aging services, community development, quality early learning, public safety communications and emergency services. Since 1989, the Early Learning Department has coordinated board-based community efforts to enhance the region’s system of early learning services that support families and prepare children for success. MARC has served as the Head Start and Early Head Start grantee for Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties in Missouri since 2005. MARC Head Start is funded by federal, state, and private grants as well as local contributions. As a grantee, MARC offers oversight and support for the provision of Head Start and Early Head Start services for 17 early childhood agencies. By facilitating collaboration and continuity among these agencies, MARC Head Start is creating a network of early childhood programs to support the needs of low-income pregnant women, children from birth through age five, and their families in urban, suburban and rural settings in the three-county area. More information can be found at www.marc.org/headstart.com.  

Position Summary

The Grant Manager is a highly responsible management position that provides grant management leadership and expertise to support MARC’s policy goals and initiatives. This position leads a team of grant accountants and works in concert with program managers and other stakeholders to provide comprehensive fiscal management for programs funded by multiple grants. This position requires a high level of familiarity with federal and state grants, Uniform Guidance, and various reporting methods and procedures. Work is performed independently with directional oversight from the Finance Director.

• Grant Accounting: Oversees and manages grants/projects including building grant infrastructure, assisting program staff with budgets and contracts, reviewing monthly requisitions, revenue recognition, journal entries, budget changes, and financial reports. Liaises with program/budget staff, directors, and grantor agencies. Provides financial status and projections by funding stream and program to the Director of Head Start. Sets targets and creates projections aligned with programmatic requirements, goals, and sustainability.
• Grant Compliance/Monitoring: Ensures agency compliance with federal, staff and local grant requirements, laws, and regulations. Ensures timely filing of appropriate reports and other correspondence as needed with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Reporting: Prepares a variety of fiscal reports for various constituent groups, both internal and external. Completes required schedules and provides work papers and analysis for various audits.
• Monitor Best Practices: Understands and initiates ongoing review and updating of financial and grant-related policies and procedures, including internal controls.  Attends professional development training each year and stays abreast of current GAAP, GASB statements, and grant management practices.
• Special Projects: Participates in special projects related to grants and other broader financial issues of the organization.
• Provide Leadership: Leads a team of two grant accountants and fosters individual growth and development while building team rapport and cohesiveness. Leads teams through problem solving, conflict resolution, process improvement, and department goals.
• Collaborate: Communicates and aligns with the Finance Director, Head Start Director and other staff to accomplish organizational goals and priorities. Builds relationships with external partner agencies to provide key fiscal support.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related fiscal field. Master’s degree is preferred.
• Five years plus of fiscal leadership managing professional staff.
• Experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Uniform Guidance.
• Experience working with and managing grants.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting and financial best practices.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information in clear, actionable ways.
• Ability to review financial data for accuracy and to identify aberrations and trends.
• Proficient technology skills, especially in Excel but including Microsoft Office and HRIS systems.
• Ability to learn and expand technological capabilities.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Nonprofit/government accounting: Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
• Designing and implementing new accounting solutions for unique programs.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Salary and Benefits

• MARC has a collaborative work environment with a culture based on belonging, leadership, impact, innovation, respect, integrity and collaboration.
• Hybrid work schedule provides opportunities for both interaction with and learning from colleagues, and quiet focus time at home.
• Continued professional development and ensuing career development are central to MARC’s value of excellence in performance.
• Competitive salary and fringe benefit package.

MARC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex and national origin. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. MARC may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. 

We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity. Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal.

Please direct all inquiries to:

OMNI Human Resource Solutions

Stacey Cowan, Senior Search Consultant, Practice Leader – Local Government Services scowan@omnihrm.com | 913.653.8085

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers.