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Job Description
Power the mission. Maximize the funding. Make every dollar count.
The Senior Director of Grant Operations is a newly established executive leadership role at YSS, reporting to the Chief Growth Officer and serving as the strategic lead for the full lifecycle of grant management. This includes grant research and identification, proposal development, award setup, compliance, billing, data integrity, reporting, and post-award monitoring. As YSS continues to expand its impact for youth, young adults, and families, this role is a key investment in long-term sustainability and operational excellence.
The Senior Director oversees two core teams—Grant Billing & Compliance and Grant Research & Development—ensuring accuracy, transparency, strong revenue performance, and audit readiness across all grant-funded programs. This leader partners closely with Finance, Program Leadership, the Growth Office, and Executive Leadership to align grant strategy with organizational priorities, strengthen compliance practices, improve billing accuracy, and create clear, consistent processes that support program success.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Oversight
- Lead the Grant Operations division, overseeing both Grant Billing & Compliance and Grant Research & Development
- Set strategy, goals, and performance metrics to drive revenue, compliance, and operational excellence
- Partner with Finance, Program Leadership, and Executive teams to align grant strategy with organizational priorities
Grant Lifecycle Management
- Oversee the full grant lifecycle—from research and proposal development through award setup, billing, reporting, and close-out
- Ensure clear processes, timelines, and expectations for all awarded grants
- Maintain oversight of grant calendars, deadlines, and reporting cycles
Compliance, Audit & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with all funder requirements (federal, state, local, and private)
- Maintain audit-ready documentation and lead audit responses
- Implement strong internal controls and monitor regulatory changes
Revenue, Billing & Data Integrity
- Oversee accurate, timely billing and revenue capture
- Ensure integrity of grant data, documentation, and reporting systems
- Partner with Finance on budget tracking and revenue reconciliation
Grant Development & Funder Engagement
- Oversee grant research, writing, and submission of high-quality proposals
- Ensure alignment of proposals with organizational priorities and accurate budgeting
- Build and maintain strong relationships with funders and partners
Systems & Process Improvement
- Lead improvements in grant systems, workflows, and technology
- Implement tools and processes that increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team
- Foster a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement
- Provide training and guidance to program staff on grant requirements
This is not a complete list of the responsibilities of this position. Duties may change at any time.
Available Benefits
We believe in your potential, we meet you where you are, and we invest in your future. Beyond the meaningful work, YSS provides the following benefits:
- Supportive leadership team and mission-driven culture.
- Flexibility and autonomy in a collaborative environment.
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive benefits.
- Health insurance
- Voluntary dental insurance
- Voluntary vision insurance
- Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
- Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
- Professional liability insurance coverage
- Flexible spending account/health savings account
- Supplemental compensation award
- Generous Paid Time off and Leave
- Four weeks of paid time off (PTO)
- Volunteer time off
- Paid holiday leave
- Birthday holiday
- Wellness Program Opportunities
- Paid membership to the Athletic Club of Ames
- Employee Assistance Program for all employees
- Flu shots
- Mental health support
- YSS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
- 403(b) retirement offerings
If this sounds like work you’d be proud to do—and a team you’d want to grow with—we’d love to hear from you. Let’s do meaningful work, together.
We want to create a world where youth are valued and empowered to stand strong. To do this, we ask our staff to embrace YSS core values - Commitment, Collaboration, Compassion, Innovation, Integrity, and a “Can Do” Spirit.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field required
- Brings 4+ years of experience in grant operations, including billing, compliance, and full lifecycle management
- Demonstrates at least five years of progressive leadership experience, with a track record of developing high-performing teams and driving operational and financial results
- Proven ability to manage complex grant portfolios, including government contracts and private foundation awards
- Strong knowledge of nonprofit compliance requirements, grant regulations, and funder expectations
- Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complexity into clarity
- Skilled at managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and moving pieces without losing momentum
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with grant management systems such as Foundant, Fluxx, eCivis, or Salesforce-based platforms
- Brings experience in behavioral health, youth services, or human services environments
- Familiarity with federal grant funding sources such as SAMHSA, HRSA, DOJ, or HUD
- Experience developing grant budgets and partnering closely with finance teams
The IDEAL candidate:
- Is rooted in purpose and driven by equity, inclusion, and positive social impact.
- Brings humility, respect, and cultural awareness to every interaction.
Who You Are...
You’re a strategic and detail-oriented leader who knows how to turn complex funding requirements into clear, executable processes. You bring a sharp eye for compliance, a head for numbers, and a talent for building high-performing teams. You thrive at the intersection of big-picture strategy and day-to-day execution—and you don’t let things fall through the cracks.
We Celebrate Your Story...
Have you navigated recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, or housing instability? Your lived experience offers a unique, compassionate perspective that can inspire real change. By sharing your story and serving as a role model or mentor, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families. Your journey matters. If you’re ready to use it to uplift and empower others, we warmly encourage you to apply.
Who We Are...
We’re YSS - one of Iowa’s oldest & largest nonprofits dedicated to putting kids first. Our mission? To spark hope, create opportunities, and help young people thrive. With life-changing programs, an enthusiastic leadership team, and our brand-new 50-acre recovery campus, we’re growing fast and thinking big. Check us out at yss.org!
At YSS, we celebrate the unique backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each team member brings. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we’re dedicated to creating a respectful, inclusive, and empowering environment where everyone can grow and succeed. And we’re always working to do better together.
YSS is a nicotine-free workplace.
Heads Up! Don’t Miss Our Messages! - We communicate with applicants via email - straight from our Paycom system. So be sure to keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam/junk folder too). Got questions? Email [email protected] - we’re happy to help!
The YSS Hiring Process
- Apply - Fill out the online app at yss.org/ysscareers.
- Assessment - We’ll check out your skills and experience.
- Interview - Phone, video, or in-person - we’ll chat and get to know you.
- References - Send us three+ people who can sing your praises.
- Screening - Background and driving checks (plus license verification if needed).
- Offer - If it’s a match, you’ll get a formal offer through Paycom.