GRANTS DIRECTOR

Post Date:  Sep 17, 2025
Location: 

Chicago, IL, US, 60680

Position Type:  Full Time
Requisition Number:  33584
Work Schedule:  Monday - Friday

Who is Gateway Foundation?

Gateway Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit dedicated to helping individuals with substance use and mental health disorders. Established in 1968, Gateway provides essential tools and knowledge for recovery, positively impacting hundreds of thousands of lives. Operating through its Community Services, Corrections Divisions, and Corporate Headquarters, the organization is recognized for innovative, effective treatment approaches and maintaining high standards.

 

Why join us?

Discover a rewarding career where you can find both personal and professional fulfillment while aligning your values with your work. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by aiding individuals in overcoming addiction. We pride ourselves on being an organization that values you and strives to be an employer of choice, fostering a vibrant culture that promotes teamwork and professional growth. Your voice matters here; we actively listen to and value our employees' thoughts, allowing you to be part of organizational decisions. At Gateway Foundation, diversity, equity, and inclusion are principles that we embrace in every community we serve. Additionally, enjoy access to wellness programs, including weekly yoga sessions and chair massages. Join Gateway Foundation today and become part of a team dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Job Summary:

Responsible for managing grant program support activities, including research and analysis, contract review and execution, contract reporting, compliance and administration. Works collaboratively with business units and other departments to review new and existing contracts, renewals and amendments. Disseminates information to responsible parties related to contract terms and deliverables including rates and services.  Coordinates the preparation and submission of contract required financial and program reports.

The Grants Director is responsible for: 

  • Responsible for managing and coordinating program support activities related to grant program compliance and administration; coordinating special planning and analyses related to projects such as program startups and close outs
  • Works collaboratively with the Chief Strategy Officer to develop regional, state and national partnerships to leverage resources to deepen and accelerate the impact of Gateway’s programs.
  • Establishes and maintains a grants database, including support documents, needs assessment data (e.g., census data, gap analyses, organizational capacity descriptions, evaluation plans, resumes, etc.) and database for tracking grant opportunities, deadlines, and key criteria for submission.
  • Assists with the day-to-day financial transactions related to grants, including reviewing invoices, payments and financial reconciliations for grant programs and ensures grants are in line with approved budgets.
  • Compiles, analyzes and updates grant budgets for the new fiscal year and for new awards.
  • Works collaboratively with internal customers to make updates to previously submitted grant budgets during the fiscal year and works with the state/awarding agencies to make sure budgets are compliant with cost regulations.
  • Works with program, finance and other internal groups and stakeholders to gather information, data, and budget details necessary for grant applications.
  • Serves as a resource to internal customers to provide training, education and technical assistance regarding grant deliverables, scope of work, reporting requirements, performance measures, etc.
  • Conducts research to identify funding opportunities in local counties, municipalities, statewide and nationally, and presents information to internal stakeholders to further evaluate.
  • Participates as a member in various regional or state meetings to identify and prioritize areas for organization’s growth strategy.
  • Assists in the development of grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting documentation that clearly and persuasively articulate the organization’s mission, strategic goals, funding needs and expected program impacts.
  • Coordinates, monitors and submits required monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. Reviews reports and submits for internal review and approval; obtains signature as necessary and retains appropriate documentation of review and timely submission.
  • Acts as a professional resource and liaison to the programs, funding agencies, and other departments in executing grant-funded contracts; resolving operational problems between funding sources and/or other organizational components relating to contract; licensing or credentialing issues; and providing advice and guidance regarding grant-funded contract requirements and constraints.
  • Participates in committees and workgroups, as a leader or team member, in completing special assignments and analyses such as developing new grants, preparing strategic planning projections, evaluating new programs, developing/implementing new programs, identifying ways to maximize contract dollars or enhance cost allocation, and coordinating the review or development of Finance related policies.
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Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy or a related field is required. Master’s degree in the same relevant areas of study preferred.
  • Five years of progressive experience in grant, contract, and/or program administration, including at least two years concurrent management experience.
  • Knowledge of contract and program administration, management theories and principles, applicable laws, and regulations to plan and manage department activities.
  • Familiarity with state websites and portals, such as IL DHS,  DARTS, CRV, CSA, Bonfire, and GATA.
  • Interpersonal skills necessary to coordinate and direct the work of others, lead and motivate others, negotiate contract language, and establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of Gateway managers, staff, and funding agency representatives.
  • Advanced written and verbal communication, and presentation skills necessary to prepare and present proposals and reports, and to deal effectively and persuasively with a variety of internal and external customers.
  • Advanced analytical abilities necessary to develop gather and analyze data from multiple sources, initiate investigations, and devise appropriate recommendations.
  • Project management skills necessary to coordinate the large number of tasks associated with program start-ups and closures; and the ability to develop scopes of work and project plans as well as the ability to monitor progress.

 

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with others, in groups or individually, to gather and present information.
  • Ability to respond to telephones inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
  • Ability to use a keyboard and display screen to receive, retrieve, and/or review information and data on a regular basis.
  • Ability to continually proofread, check and verify data and information from printed to digital documents.
  • Ability to travel to various locations by vehicle, airplane, or train. 

 

Benefits at Gateway Foundation:

Health and Wellness:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
  • Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
  • Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

 

Financial wellbeing:

  • 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match 
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Gateway
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

 

Flexibility and time off:

  • 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • Work-life-balance

 

Personal Development:

  • Training & Development Programs
  • Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
  • eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
  • Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

 

Gateway Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.


Nearest Major Market: Chicago