Office of Grants and Strategic Advancement

POSITION TITLE

SENIOR DIRECTOR

WORKING TITLE

Office of Grants and Strategic Advancement

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Office of Grants

LOCATION

Crossroads I, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Senior Director-Band 1

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

REPORTS TO

Chief of Staff and Strategic Planning

SUPERVISES

1 Senior Administrator; 1 Compliance Reporting Specialist; 1 Processing Technician

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends)

WORK HOURS

8:00- 5:00

NUMBER OF MONTHS PER YEAR

12

Position Purpose

Provides leadership and collaborates closely with the Superintendent's leadership team on strategic planning and grants development in support of the school system’s mission to promote academic achievement for all students. Directs the operation, development, implementation and coordination of grant programs and staff. Provides oversight to ensure grant-based district programs and operations adhere to federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of public or private sources of formula and competitive grant opportunities;
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state education laws, current educational trends, and the policies and regulations of the Wake County Board of Education;
• Considerable knowledge of federal grant regulations, including the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) and 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), and compliance requirements.
• Extensive knowledge in grant writing and grants management;
• Oversee the full grant lifecycle, including research, writing, submission, reporting, and closeout;
• Exceptional conceptual, analytical, organizational and project management skills;
• Demonstrate a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement demonstrated through the development and implementation of successful programmatic efforts and exercised in the selection, training and evaluation of staff;
• Ability to provide effective leadership in meeting deadlines while managing changing priorities;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to utilize data to illustrate district needs;
• Ability to develop, interpret, and/or monitor grant contracts and Memorandums of Agreement;
• Ability to oversee, manage, and/or monitor grant budgets and related budgetary regulations.
• Ability to collaborate with school-based staff, administrators, funders, community agencies and other external stakeholders.
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office specifically, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps.
  
  

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in education, public administration, business, or a field in the social sciences;
• Five years of experience providing organizational leadership, including experience with grants administration and grants management.
• Extensive experience in providing leadership in complex planning and implementation processes;
• Experience effectively communicating organizational initiatives to external audiences which result in strategic financial investments;
• Experience or training in participatory leadership and organizational team management;
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
  
  

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Certification And License Requirements

• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements.
  
  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborates closely with the Superintendent's leadership team on strategic planning and grants development in support of the school system’s mission to promote academic achievement for all students.
• Assist in the development of progress reports to internal and external parties.
• Directs the operation, development, implementation and coordination of grant programs and staff.
• Serves on the Chief of Staff’s Leadership Team, attends board meetings as needed, and prepares Board materials and presentations to the Board of Education and/or community.
• Identify, prioritize, and pursue competitive grant opportunities from federal, state, foundation, and other external agencies to support school and district initiatives.
• Writes and/or assists grant writing teams in writing grant applications.
• Maintains standard grant administration processes to ensure that grant-based programs are developed, implemented, reviewed and monitored in ways consistent with district priorities, research findings, applicable laws, policies, and regulations, and in fiscally responsible manners. Interprets policies and procedures for school-based and central office staff.
• Provides information, training and technical assistance to school level administrators, school grants contacts, leadership teams, and central office staff about external funding opportunities that support the district’s initiatives and strategic plan.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Works, as needed, with county, state, and federal agencies; universities; and community organizations in the oversight and implementation of related grants awarded to the district.
• Directs, coordinates, and provides leadership in the development of Office of Grants departmental budget and other grant budgets.
• Practices and promotes participatory management.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of grant programs while supervising and developing a high-performing team to ensure effective implementation, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS:PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to use a variety of office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. Must be able to communicate effectively. At times requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects up to ten pounds. The work occasionally requires driving automotive equipment. Due to the amount of time spent standing and/or walking, physical requirements are consistent with those for sedentary work.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to work in an office environment and come into direct contact with school system staff, external agencies, students, parents, and community groups.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/2026

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.