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 Grants and Contracts Financial Compliance Manager reports directly to the Director Finance for Private Funding and Earned Revenue. You will be working collaboratively with the multiple Start Early teams and other Finance areas to provide leadership, financial strategic direction for budgets and reporting for respective divisions while maintaining Finance objectives and policies. This collaboration will include facilitating regular touchpoint meetings with multiple areas to ensure consistent and open communication.

Reporting to Assistant Director, Grants and Financial Compliance, you will:



Collaborate with Financial, Planning and Analysis to monitor grant expenditures and revenue.

Complete development of agency grant budgets for assigned divisions/agencies. In addition, interacts with Program/Research/Policy teams and Development to assist them with the development, preparation, and submission of the proposed budget for external funding to various funding agencies.

Complete internal monthly grant financial report review using Awards Management for assigned divisions/agencies. Meet regularly with Program/Research/Policy teams and Development to discuss grants spending strategy for identified grants, monitor budget to actual variances.

Collaborate with Financial, Planning and Analysis to monitor grants expenditures and revenue.

Co-lead with Assistant Director Program, Development staff, Business Development Office to develop and maintain the private grant and earned revenue process.

Inputs and maintains the integrity of budget information entered into Award Management.

Assists the Assistant Director in the partnership with the Business Development Office Fiscal year private and earned revenue allocation to inform and manage the Revenue Allocation Report provided to Financial, Planning &Analysis

Work as the direct contact to submit fees for service/earned revenue for proposed contracts to funders includes acting as the grant administrator and finance liaison to submit subcontract information, creating timelines to program to ensure a timely submission, and providing information to the Business Development Office to ensure revenue data is included in Salesforce.


Qualifications:



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

Minimum five years of related experience in grant and contract administration. Minimum of five years of general ledger experience i.e. handling reconciliations, and analysis.

Efficient in Microsoft Office; specifically with Excel. Intermediate to advanced Excel experience needed i.e. ability to create pivot tables and formulas.

Strong verbal and written communication, organizational and analytical skills required.

Strong attention to detail.

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: $85 - $90K


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.

The Chicagoland area is preferred with a hybrid work schedule.

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.