RYA Grants Manager

For decades, Ryan Air has connected rural Alaska — delivering passengers, mail, and freight to communities beyond to raise the quality of life of the people we serve. Our Advanced Air Mobility division (AAM)  carries that mission into a new era, using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to move pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and diagnostic samples to the villages we serve. This work is anchored by our Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) initiative, “Advanced Air Mobility for Rural Pharmaceutical Delivery and Patient Transport,” in partnership with innovative partners in the health, education and transportation fields. The Grants Manager is central to making this vision real — securing and stewarding the funding that powers it, and helping run the fleet that delivers on it.

The Grants Manager is responsible for the identification, application, administration, and compliance of federal, state, and other grant funding that supports Ryan Air’s Advanced Air Mobility division — including the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) — and for the day-to-day operational management of the AAM fleet, consistent with the policies and procedures of the Company. Approximately 50% of this position is dedicated to grants management and 50% to fleet operations management.

Essential Functions and Duties — Grants Management (approx. 50%)

Research, identify, and evaluate federal, state, tribal, and private grant opportunities (RHTP/CMS, FAA, USDOT, DOE, State of Alaska, foundations, etc.) that align with Advanced Air Mobility objectives.

Prepare, write, and submit grant applications, proposals, budgets, narratives, and supporting documentation in coordination with executive leadership, Accounting, and Operations.

Administer awarded grants, including budget tracking, drawdown requests, financial and programmatic reporting, amendments, and close-out.

Serve as Ryan Air’s lead for RHTP subrecipient reporting, preparing accurate and timely programmatic and financial reports that align with the State of Alaska Department of Health’s cooperative-agreement obligations to CMS.

Ensure compliance with all grant terms and conditions and applicable federal regulations — including the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), FFATA subaward reporting (2 CFR 170), and CMS/state RHTP award terms — and maintain complete, audit-ready grant files.

Serve as the primary point of contact for grantor agencies, partner organizations, sub-recipients, and contractors on grant matters.

Track grant deliverables, milestones, and performance metrics, and report progress to the Director of Advanced Air Mobility and Company leadership.

Coordinate with Accounting on grant-related invoicing, cost allocation, match documentation, and reconciliation.

Develop and maintain a grants calendar and funding pipeline to support the long-term growth of the division.

Essential Functions and Duties — AAM Fleet Operations Management (approx. 50%)

Manage the day-to-day operations of the Advanced Air Mobility fleet, including flight scheduling, mission planning, and staffing.

Ensure all AAM operations are conducted in accordance with FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 107, Part 135, and applicable waivers, exemptions, and authorizations), Company policies, and grant requirements.

Stay advised of aircraft maintenance scheduling, airworthiness, and safety-of-flight concerns.

Maintain operational records, flight logs, incident reports, and performance data required for regulatory and grant reporting.

Coordinate with Ryan Air station personnel, Flight Operations, and the Director of Safety to integrate AAM cargo operations with existing Ryan Air station and cargo processes.

Support demonstration flights, test programs, route development, and community engagement events.

Supervise medical cargo care coordinators and other staff as the department develops.

Participate in the Company Safety Management System (SMS); identify and report operational discrepancies, hazards, or needs to the Director of Advanced Air Mobility.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Strong technical writing, proposal development, and presentation skills.

Working knowledge of federal grant regulations, grant financial management, and reporting requirements.

Ability to analyze data, manage budgets, and meet multiple concurrent deadlines.

Working knowledge of unmanned aircraft systems / Advanced Air Mobility operations and applicable FAA regulations.

Able to lead, train, and communicate with employees in a safe and positive manner.

Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Flexible and responsive to direction and changing priorities.

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; experience with grant portals such as Grants.gov and SAM.gov preferred.

Good communication and customer-service skills.

Able to work independently and as part of a team, using sound independent judgment and decision-making.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position supervises AAM technicians and support staff and provides supervisory coverage for the AAM fleet when the President and other Directors.

Travel

Travel to Ryan Air stations, AAM operating sites, grantor-agency meetings, and industry conferences is required. Quarterly site visits should be expected.

Preferred Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, aviation management, or a related field — or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Three (3) years of grant writing and/or grant administration experience preferred.

Previous aviation, UAS, or Advanced Air Mobility operations experience preferred.

FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) preferred, or willingness to obtain.

Special Requirements

Must be able to pass a ten-year security background check for airport badging.

Must be able to routinely lift 50 pounds.

Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Must be able to obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107) within one year of hire, if not already held.