Grant and Finance Specialist

Job Description

The Grants & Finance Specialist supports the financial administration of Champlain College's sponsored programs and general finance operations. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal regulations, managing grant-related financial activity, and supporting effective cash management practices. The Specialist works closely with Finance and Advancement teams, academic and program leads, and external partners to maintain the integrity of grant awards from pre-award setup through closeout.

In this role, you'll support the financial lifecycle of federal, state, and private grants while also contributing to broader treasury and cash management functions. Day-to-day work includes preparing SEFA documentation, processing federal cash drawdowns, reconciling grant expenditures, and supporting institution-wide cash forecasting.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented finance professional with working knowledge of federal grants compliance and a passion for higher education. This is a great opportunity to take on meaningful, varied work at a dynamic institution in the heart of Burlington, Vermont.

Key Responsibilities

Grants Administration & Federal Compliance

• Administer the financial lifecycle of federal, state, and private grants, including award setup, budget monitoring, drawdowns, and closeout in accordance with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance)
• Prepare and maintain the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and related supporting documentation
• Monitor grant expenditures to ensure allowability, allocability, and reasonableness; identify and resolve compliance issues proactively
• Assist in the preparation of federal financial reports, including SF-425s, and support Single Audit readiness

Cash Management

• Perform regular cash reconciliations across operating, restricted, and grant accounts, ensuring accuracy and timely resolution of variances
• Prepare federal cash drawdown requests for all federal payment systems, ensuring drawdowns are timely and properly supported in compliance with 2 CFR 200.305
• Support institution-wide cash forecasting by compiling and analyzing cash flow projections, identifying trends, and flagging liquidity concerns to leadership
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes, including cash and investment account reconciliations and preparation of supporting schedules

General Finance Support

• Support the Finance team in ad hoc financial analysis, reporting, and special projects
• Maintain accurate records in the College's ERP system (Oracle)
• Assist in developing and maintaining internal controls related to grant and restricted fund management

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 2-4 years of experience in grants management, accounting, or finance; higher education or nonprofit setting preferred
• Working knowledge of federal grants compliance, including 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance)
• Experience with federal payment systems
• Strong reconciliation skills and comfort managing multiple deadlines
• Proficiency with ERP systems; experience with Oracle preferred
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail
• Effective communication abilities and proven problem-solving aptitude

Working Arrangements

• Full-time, exempt position based at our lakeside office in Burlington, VT
• Hybrid work arrangement available
• Reports to the Senior Director of Finance

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual Salary: $67,000 - 77,000
• Comprehensive Benefits Package:
  • Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options
  • Paid Time Off: 16 holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks sick time and 2 days of personal leave
  • Retirement: 403(b) plan with 3% employer matching contribution
  • Education: Tuition benefits for employees and family members
  • Wellness: Gym discount and Wellness programs with up to $300 annual incentives
  • Welfare: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, plus life insurance
  • Other Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling services, access to employee discounts and local/national benefit programs

Application Instructions

To apply, please follow the link below and submit the following application materials:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter addressing the desired qualifications and how your experiences contribute to the academic excellence and inclusive community at Champlain College

The College seeks candidates who can enhance its mission through their work, life experiences, service, teaching, or research. Please include specific examples of how you would contribute to these efforts in your Cover Letter.

To streamline our hiring process and ensure fairness for all candidates, we manage all recruitment communications through our online application system. Please do not call regarding your application status. We'll reach out directly if we'd like to schedule an interview.

The successful completion of a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment.

Champlain College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, religion, age, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, veteran or military service status, HIV -positive status, qualified disability, or on the basis of any other status protected by law, and does not discriminate in the administration of its education and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, employment practices or co-curricular and other College-administered programs. Champlain College will make reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified students, applicants for admission or employment, or employees.

Champlain College is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. We believe that bringing together individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enriches education and strengthens our community. At Champlain, all members are valued as individuals and respected for their unique contributions.

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About Us

Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a small, private, not-for-profit college in Burlington, Vermont overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains. Its career-driven approach to higher education prepares students for professional life from their very first semester. For the fifth year in a row, Champlain was named a "Most Innovative School" in the North by U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" 2020 regional rankings and ranked #9 on The Princeton Review's "2025 Top Schools for Game Design."