Grant Operations Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Grant Operations Assistant
Grade Level: 3/ Non-Exempt

Reports to: Senior Manager, Grant Operations

About NED

The National Endowment for Democracy supports freedom around the world.

At NED, we deliver on the belief that freedom is a universal aspiration. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NED is a private, nonprofit foundation, mandated by Congress, dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions worldwide.

NED reflects an enduring American commitment to stand with those striving for dignity, justice, and opportunity. In 2025, NED made 1,552 grants totaling $271 million to support the work of nongovernmental organizations advancing democratic goals in more than 90 countries, including some of the world’s most challenging and repressive environments.

We seek talented, entrepreneurial professionals motivated by purpose and committed to excellence. At NED, you will join a dynamic team of experts who bring their skills, curiosity, and judgment to a consequential mission at a critical moment for democracy around the world. Our work is guided by our shared values: excellence, respect, empathy, accountability, and adaptability.

Position Summary

The Grant Operations Assistant provides critical administrative and operational support for the Grant Operations leadership team. This position is responsible for managing the team calendar, coordinating communications and workflows for the department, and a variety of administrative tasks that support efficient grant operations. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and promotes operational excellence by managing multiple priorities to support a dynamic, international grantmaking program. This is an entry-level administrative position in the Grant Operations department.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC, and is part of the bargaining unit.

Primary Responsibilities

Administrative and Operational Support

• Provide administrative and operational support to the Grant Operations leadership team, including managing calendars, tracking priorities and deadlines, coordinating meetings, and monitoring workflow progress.
• Contribute to the drafting, editing, and production of briefing materials, meeting minutes, communications, and other documents and materials as assigned.
• Provide overflow administrative support and data entry assistance to grantmaking teams as needed.

Grant Administration and Donor Compliance

• Maintain records and documentation related to the Department of State and other donor-funded programs.
• Coordinate the preparation, review, and submission of proposals, reports, agreements, and other donor-required materials.
• Support compliance with donor requirements by tracking deadlines, deliverables, and reporting obligations.

Collaboration and Coordination

• Support coordination across all grantmaking teams, ensuring day-to-day operations are supported and completed efficiently.
• Organize and provide logistical support for meetings and events to ensure smooth execution and positive participant experiences.
• Coordinate agendas, presentations, materials, and other event-related communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• One to two years of administrative, office support, customer service, or related experience, including administrative support for an executive, manager, or supervisor.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of standard office administrative practices and procedures.
• Interest in international affairs and the support and strengthening of democratic institutions worldwide.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to take initiative.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to maintain focus on tasks with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to interact with all levels of staff in a fast-paced and diverse, multi-cultural office environment.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Talent in Action

Consistent with NED’s talent statement, and grounded in our values, the successful individual in this role will demonstrate the following competencies in the delivery of their work while supporting NED’s efforts to advance democratic change:

• Purpose-Driven
• Reliable
• Expertise
• Respectful Collaboration
• Curiosity
• Results-Oriented
• An Optimistic Mindset

NED Total Compensation

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $21.87 to $31.61 hourly.

The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to an individual’s professional experience, qualifications, education, and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are based on the aforementioned circumstances.

NED also offers a generous benefits package that demonstrates its commitment to employee health and well-being.