Senior Specialist, Grant Compliance and Operations

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The Senior Specialist, Grant Compliance and Operations will work closely with the Senior Director, Grants Management as a thought partner and subject matter expert to assess Audubon's grant compliance adherence and operations across the organization. The Senior Specialist, Grants Compliance and Operations will assist the Senior Director to institute functional process improvements, staff training, and performance measures to meet the ambitious goals of Flight Plan. The Senior Specialist, Grant Compliance and Operations will develop processes, procedures, policies and trainings to ensure the efficient and effective new ways of working align with the Finance Systems Implementation Project as well as Audubon's growth ambitions. The Senior Specialist will be responsible for reviewing all grant agreements, assessing internal control and regulatory compliance requirements. The Senior Specialist will advise on international expansion efforts via a grant compliance and operations lens. The Senior Specialist will oversee staff responsible for a portfolio of low value and lightly donor restricted funding.

This position will be hybrid out of our New York, NY or Washington, DC office. We will also consider candidates who are remote within the US.

Compensation:

Salary range based on geo-differentials:

• $92,000 - $103,000 / year = National

• $103,000 - $116,000 / year = Alaska, CA (not San Francisco), Connecticut, D.C., Chicago, Oyster Bay, NY

• $115,000 - $129,000 / year = NYC (not Oyster Bay), San Francisco, Seattle

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions:

• Ensure all contract and grant agreement documents are reviewed, assessed for risk, and signed in accordance with Audubon's policy and procedures. Ensure proper grant set-up in financial and grant management systems.

• With the support of the Senior Director, lead the design and documentation of the grant management processes manual/RACI, standard operating procedures and policies in alignment with compliance requirements, organizational structure as well as Audubon's internal policies. Ensure resources are updated on an annual basis and/or when regulatory requirements change.

• Evaluate opportunities to streamline procedures and increase efficiency and effectiveness with key stakeholders such as Conservation, Public Funding, Institutional Giving as well as other departments within Finance.

• In consultation with the Senior Director, develop and regularly deliver a grants management training curriculum to ensure staff understand internal procedures and regulatory compliance requirements in relation to day-to-day grant management.

• Assist the Senior Director in the development and implementation of Risk Based Grant Management policy and procedures inclusive of categorization criteria and minimum monitoring standards for low, medium. and high-risk awards.

• Act as functional expert on compliance and regulatory standards including, 2CFR200, state, local or agency regulations and requirements.  Ensure policies and procedures and are up to date with respect to new requirements.

• In collaboration with the Senior Director, provide guidance to staff and leadership to minizine and resolve compliance risks and issues.

• Supports implementation and rollout of new grants management system, as part of the Financial Systems Transformation project.

• Support Audubon's international expansion ambitions by advising on award operation requirements for international programs, inclusive but not limited to compliance and grant operations training, partner assessment, and partner vetting.

• Support the development of grant management procedures and policies for international programming.

• Support in the design and tracking of key performance indicators to monitor and assess financial performance, and compliance adherence against grant deliverables. As applicable, ensure identified shortfalls are rectified in operational and process improvements.

• Advise on shared award file structure requirements and award briefs for all high-risk awards. Perform periodic file and grant reviews to ensure audit readiness.

• Maintain and fosters culture of safety.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Finance, Accounting or other relevant field. Master's Degree preferred.

• Minimum of 7 years of experience grant and financial management; experiencing in compliance, fund management and international operations. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.

• Spanish fluency preferred.

• Experience in all phases of grant development and administration including, but not limited to narrative and cost proposal development, grant implementation, reporting, and closeout.

• Demonstrated knowledge of Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2CFR200), state and local regulations and the application of standard contract clauses.

• Excellent interpersonal verbal and written communication skills that consistently demonstrate professionalism, positive/approachable attitude, discretion, tack and diplomacy.

• Experience training staff and the ability to convey complex grant management concepts to non-finance professionals

• Ability to demonstrate leadership and maintain flexibility.

• Ability to solve problems creatively and compliantly in alignment to organizational goals and objectives.

• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, ability to meet deadlines with persistent attention to detail.

• Experience managing, mentoring, and developing staff.

• Proficient in Microsoft office applications required. Advanced Excel skills. Workday experience preferred.

• Ability to travel on occasion domestically and internationally

• Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment. 

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving. 

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation. 

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process. 

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact  This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.