Grants Finance Manager at American Farmland Trust – Washington, District of Columbia

Who We Are

American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 6.5 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on millions of additional acres and helped thousands of farm families make a go of it (primarily through programs that increase farm viability and/or enhance farmland access). Long a pioneering leader, AFT is now riding a new wave of growth, driven by agriculture’s most pressing needs and opportunities.

Job purpose

Reporting to the Director of Grants Management, the Grants Finance Manager (GFM) is responsible for strategic financial management across AFT’s portfolio of grants. The GFM analyzes the financial performance of awarded grants, ensures compliance with all grant requirements and reporting obligations, and leads a team of grants accounting staff. This role requires a high degree of collaboration with the Programs, Project Management, and Development teams, and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.

Duties and responsibilities

Budget Management and Financial Analysis:

• Monitor grant award budgets and maintain up-to-date financial projections, pipelines, burn rates, and cost allocations

• Develop and review proposal budgets for new and continuation awards

• Track and report on match requirements in accordance with grant terms

• Advise program teams on project spending and forecasting, providing training and mentorship as needed

• Support the annual organizational workplanning and budgeting process

Financial Reporting and Invoicing:

• Oversee the preparation and submission of financial reports and invoices in accordance with grant agreement terms and reporting deadlines

• Develop and implement a plan for the timely collection of grant receivables

Grant Compliance and Audit Support:

• Interpret grant agreements, terms, and conditions to ensure compliance with funding guidelines, reporting deadlines, and allowable costs

• Monitor allowable expenses per grant agreement and set spending parameters accordingly

• Coordinate with program directors, grants accountants, and auditors to facilitate grant audits and reviews

• Stay current on USG grant management policies and update internal guidance as needed

Team Leadership and Staff Development:

• Manage the grants accounting staff, including day-to-day oversight and performance management

• Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to grant accountants and project/program managers to build capacity and ensure compliance

This is not necessarily an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to request other or different duties be performed as assigned.