Grants & Contracts Compliance Lead

Job Summary: The Grants and Contracts Analyst is responsible for the implementation and negotiation of complex contractual documents incorporated within contracts and grants provided to funded delegate agencies. The Grants and Contracts Analyst will oversee the full grant and contract lifecycle (pre-award through closeout), ensuring the organization maintains strict compliance with funder guidelines, internal policies, and federal, state, and local regulations while proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating compliance and financial risk. Responsibilities:

• Lead grant and contract setup and oversee end-to-end award execution, including negotiation and finalization of scopes of services, budgets, and all incorporated contract documents.
• Ensure strict compliance with all program policies and procedures in accordance with federal regulations, local policy, and grant terms; develop corrective action plans and provide oversight through resolution.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) compliance and related regulations; interpret guidance, advise internal stakeholders and delegate agencies, and ensure consistent implementation across the contract portfolio.
• Review and approve programmatic and financial documents for contractual and regulatory consistency; conduct risk-based reviews, flag material issues, and recommend remedies to leadership.
• Draft, review, and negotiate delegate agency scopes of services and performance expectations, ensuring alignment with program design, outcomes, and allowable costs.
• Develop and continuously improve policies, procedures, templates, and internal controls for contract implementation, monitoring, amendment, and closeout.
• Lead meetings and provide advanced technical assistance to internal teams and delegate agencies to ensure shared understanding of program requirements, anticipated outcomes, evaluative methodology, and compliance expectations.
• Design and deliver training curricula, guidance, and tools on program processes, procedures, and compliance; mentor staff and contribute to continuous improvement of organizational practice.
• Lead or significantly contribute to the development and design of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), including funding strategy, requirements, evaluation criteria, and compliance terms; support the review, selection, and contracting of delegate agencies.
• Perform all related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Skills:

• Expert knowledge of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and related federal workforce regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of governmental regulations, uniform guidance requirements, and policies pertaining to federally funded workforce development programs.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex compliance requirements to varied audiences.
• Advanced skill in drafting, editing, and negotiating complex contractual documents, including scopes, budgets, amendments, and compliance provisions.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to conduct risk assessments, identify root causes, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional projects, set priorities, and drive deliverables with minimal supervision.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and grants/contract management systems (e.g., document management, budget tracking, and reporting tools).

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Public Administration, Liberal Arts, Social Work or a related field.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible professional experience in grants administration, contract management, or financial compliance within a federally funded program setting, including experience with audits/monitoring and closeout activities.
• Minimum of three years of professional experience working with WIOA or other major federal grant programs (e.g., Department of Labor, HHS, HUD), including interpreting guidance and advising program and fiscal stakeholders.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently required to stand, walk and sit
• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity using a keyboard
• Frequently required to talk or hear
• Occasionally required to lift/push/carry items up to 25 pounds
• Ability to travel to various locations throughout Cook County

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