Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.


Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.


We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.


Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!


The Senior Financial Grant Analyst will be working collaboratively with the Program/Research/Policy teams and Development team to provide leadership, financial strategic direction for budgets, and reporting for respective divisions while maintaining Finance objectives and policies. This collaboration will include participating in regular touchpoint meetings with multiple areas to ensure consistent and open communication; Including with Finance counterparts.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Grants and Financial Compliance (Private Funding), you will:



Partner with Financial Planning and Analysis to supervise grant expenditures and closing of grants for assigned divisions.

Complete development of grant budgets for assigned divisions/agencies. Interact with Program/Research/Policy teams and Development team to help develop, prepare, and submit the proposed budget for external funding to various funding agencies.

Review and disseminate Award Management monthly grant financial reports to colleagues within Finance, and to the Program and Development teams.

Collaborate with Development to maintain tracking of subaward agreements and payments.

Lead role in award codes and budget information in Award Management. Manage schedules related to Award Management.

Create partnerships with other units within Start Early that interact with, and support, assigned divisions.

Produce system-generated reports and verify entries in the general ledger.

Perform other related duties as assigned.


Qualifications:



Bachelors degree in related field or minimum five years of related experience in grant and contract administration.

Minimum five years of related experience in grant and contract administration. Experienced with the financial management of grants.

The Chicagoland area is preferred with a hybrid work schedule.

Efficient in Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and including Teams. Strong verbal and written communication, organizational and analytical skills required.

Strong attention to detail.

Interest in working in a collaborative work environment as part of an organizations Ways of Working.

Ability to work well with a variety of constituents and other departments.

Deep commitment to advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and practice.

Effectively establish and maintain effective relationships with customers and gain their trust and respect.

Comfort and experience in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward.



We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications dont perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!

Base Annual Salary: $70,000-$80,000


We believe that all employees should be paid fairly and equitably. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefits plan includes:


Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.


Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.