The Needham Public School District is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm individual to join our team. Diverse candidates, especially those from historically marginalized and silenced groups are highly encouraged to apply.

This Grant Coordinator/ Budget Analyst position is a full-time position at School Administration, with a 12-month work year and a seven-hour work day. Eligible candidates for this position must meet the requirements to perform both types of work, as listed below.

Job Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations, the position will provide general management of the District’s federal, state and local grants, as well as budget management and analysis for selected school department budgets, as assigned. Essential functions and duties include the following tasks.  (Please note that the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

Grant Coordinator:

The Grants Coordinator is responsible for managing a portfolio of public and private grants from grant award to close-out. This position collaborates with internal and external partners to support successful grant implementation, and to ensure that grant activities align with programmatic objectives, budgets and granting agency guidelines.

• Tracks fiscal and programmatic activity across grants to ensure compliance with grant agency regulations and operational objectives;
• Monitors grant revenue and expenditures to ensure that grant activity is within budget;
• Assesses the variance between approved budgets and actual spending levels, explains discrepancies and initiates budget/accounting adjustments to reconcile any differences.
• Forecasts future spending, relative to the grant budget and programmatic needs;
• Prepares and submits budget amendments, monthly funds/ reimbursement requests, financial reports, and other required submissions to the granting agency;
• Prepares, tracks and maintains time and effort certifications for applicable personnel;
• Maintains a comprehensive documentation file for each grant (e.g. grant agreements, vendor contracts, transaction detail, budget amendments, forecasts, reimbursement requests, etc.);
• Meets with grant awardees and school bookkeepers to review requirements and to provide recommendations for meeting fiscal and programmatic objectives. Conducts follow-up meetings throughout the grant period and at the conclusion of the grant;
• Prepares and communicates monthly budget-to-actual expenditure analyses and expenditure forecasts to grant stakeholders;
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of grant processes and requirements and provide training and information to District personnel;
• Provides information and support during grant audits;
• Advises the District on ways to enhance the operational effectiveness of grant-funded activities and to ensure the alignment of programming with grant guidelines and allowable budget categories.

Budget Analyst:

The Budget Analyst will provide budget management, analysis and forecasting for selected school departments/accounts. This position collaborates with school program and project managers to develop, monitor, evaluate and understand school budgets and programs.

• Prepares annual budget requests, in collaboration with school program and project managers.
• Reviews and evaluates proposals and projects for completeness, accuracy, organizational fit, compliance with laws and regulations, and affordability.
• Assess the variance between approved budgets and actual spending levels, explains discrepancies and makes recommendations to reconcile any differences.
• Monitors program revenues and expenditures to ensure that fiscal activity is within budget.
• Creates financial forecasts to enable future planning.
• Prepares financial reports, presentations and analyses.
• Analyzes data to determine the costs and benefits of various projects and programs. Recommends funding levels and alternatives (as appropriate), based on the findings.
• Communicates recommendations and analysis results with stakeholders.
• Informs program managers of the status and availability of funds.
• Works collaboratively with the Business Office to ensure that District policies and procedures are implemented and observed within the department.

General:

• Provides a high-level of service and maintains strong working relationships with project directors and internal colleagues
• Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics or related field.
• At least 1-3 years of experience working as a budget analyst, or similar role

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge: 

• Skill in math, data analysis and forecasting.
• Analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills, with the ability to handle details accurately.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, execute and complete multiple tasks promptly.
• Project management skills and experience.
• Written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of financial management practices (budgeting, accounting and reporting)
• Knowledge of grant management practices.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision.
• Ability to exercise professional decorum.
• Ability to work effectively and maintain composure under pressure of short deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate comfortably with individuals at all levels.

Supervision Exercised: None

Supervision Received:   Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines and equipment, including a computer, basic office equipment, calculator, telephone, etc. Must be able to exert up to five pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Must be able to lift/carry weights of five to ten pounds.

Selection Procedure: All resumes will be screened and selected candidates will participate in a thorough interview process. The interview process will include one or more interviews and a written/computer-based skills assessment.

Application Procedure: Please apply online. Applications will be considered only when a cover letter and resume have been attached to your online application.   Applications will be reviewed and candidates interviewed on a rolling basis, which may occur on or before the posting end date.

Compensation and Benefits: 

Independent Contract, Grade I:   $88,318 - $100,982, with placement based on background and years of experience.

Please visit this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits.

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.