If it is your desire to one day secure a grant management specialist job, then you need to know all about the job. Ready? Let’s go then!
Let’s start by saying, it’s a good thing that you seek to gain proficiency in some profession. And even more importantly, you have chosen the grant management specialist job.
This is an important vocation that plays a vital role in various sectors of the American society, as grants are an integral part of our lives.
When you hear “Grant Management Specialists”, your thoughts may be that these individuals do nothing more than grant management.
However, contrary to what the name may suggest, grant management specialists do more than just managing grants. In reality, they use a variety of tools and software-based services to cover everything from drafting letters of inquiry on a nonprofit’s behalf to coordinating approval and registration processes with major donor-directed funds like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Find out more about this specialized profession in this blog post.
What do Grant Management Specialists do?
At this point. You are probably looking to have a better grasp of what grant management specialists do. You need on’t worry, though, we’ll walk you through the process without leaving a stone unturned.!
Part of what applies to the grant management specialist job description is that you must fill in the gaps between fundraising, managing expenses and revenues, grants administration and nonprofit services. This goes a long way to show that, like other non-profit professionals, a grant management specialist has many responsibilities.
However, despite the many responsibilities known to be in a grant management specialist job description, their main duties tend to revolve around issues related to grants.
This may include:
– Finding appropriate funding sources for new endeavors or granting existing programs
– Applying for grants themselves
– Contracting and contracting with service providers for work that does not fit the organization’s specific mission
Is That All About The Grant Management Specialist Job?
No, the grant management specialist job description shows that grant management specialists do more!
In fact, grant management specialists also help individuals, groups, and organizations to identify sources of fund for projects.
For this reason, colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations employ grant management specialists to work for them. This is because these organizations rely heavily on grant money in executing their tasks.
As a grant management specialist, you will need to stay abreast of federal, state, local, and private institutions that offer grants. You will also be expected to come up with budgets, while also writing all the grant application for your organization.
Also, it is your job to provide information for grant officers or supervising administrators.
Additionally, If you make an application, and you receive approval for a grant, you may find yourself responsible for processing the grant money. Furthermore, you will then need to maintain the project schedules, while also seeing to it that your organization utilizes the grant money well.
In summary, the nonprofit you work for are constantly in need of funding to support their activities. So, they must apply to receive grants from private foundations, corporations, organizations, and even the government. It is your job, as the specialist, to see to the management of the entire grant application process.
READ MORE: International Paper Foundation Grant: How to Apply
How can I become a Grant Specialist
At this point, we know you have likely become familiar with the grant management specialist job description. Chances are that your interest has gone up to a whole new level, are even more interested in becoming one!
So, how can you become a grant management specialist?
Necessary Qualifications To Get Grant Management Specialist Job
In terms of academic qualifications, to become a grant management specialist, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree. Also, one of the core values of the grant management specialist job, is that you must have excellent written, communication and research skills.
Some grant management specialists have a degree in one of a wide range of disciplines, including English, Communications, and Marketing.
However, experts advise that may you discover that it is easier to write if you have some training in some specific subjects. This is especially true, if the organization you will be writing for will be technically involved in such fields. For example, if you’d find yourself writing for a science-inclined organization, a background in science related subjects will surely give you a boost.
Do you Need Other Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree is not the only qualification that you require to become a Grants Management Specialist. Completion of an appropriate course of study at the associate’s, or master’s degree level also qualify you to become a grant management specialist.
Note that there are no pre-approval education requirements to sit for the GMS Designation Examination. However, If you have several years in grant management and public service, you can also qualify.
Additionally, you must have a knowledge of the processes and routines of grant administration in order to be able to work as a Grant Management Specialist.
In the area of experience, you must be able to organize and complete various statistical packages and prepare overall summaries, statements of interest, narrative reports, balance sheets, cost allocations, sampled data analysis and special studies.
How do I become proficient over time?
Your best bet may be to start at an entry-level position at a small non-profit organization or a consulting firm that works with non-profits. Using such an organization as a launching pad, you can learn the basis of successful grant application. From there, you will surely see yourself get better with time
Also, work with professional grant writers and practice completing grant applications from time to time. A lot of employers prefer candidates who have had several years of experience in grant writing.
Once you are confident in your writing skills, you can then start seeking grant specialist positions.
How much do Grant Management Specialists make?
The average salary for a Grant Management Specialist is around $79,315.
However, some grant management specialists make more or less. Although, several factors can come into play in this, determining how much you can make.
The factors that come in to play when determining how much you can make include the employer of the specialist and the area of work.
See sample grant management specialist openings here
How much training does it take to become a Grant Management Specialist?
You can complete your Grant Management Specialist training in 16 months!
And what’s more?
The profession is highly lucrative as it remains one profession that will always be relevant in American communities, going forward. This is one reason why you should consider it today now that you even know more about it.
The grant management specialist job could be just what you need, as it is an admirable vocation.
Plus, you’ll definitely enjoy doing it!
And you might even become a hero by helping get some grants for good causes!
So, isn’t it about time you start the process, champ?
See Grant Management Specialist Jobs here
