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Job Description
Overview
Behind every transformative program at Lifeline is a backbone of rigorously managed contracts, timely grant submissions, and strategic data insights. The Grants & Contracts Manager is a steward of public trust and a key architect of the infrastructure that allows Lifeline to deliver critical services with integrity and measurable impact. This position is both strategic and operational—leading the drafting, coordination, and internal execution of contracts, subcontracts, MOUs, and grant agreements, while ensuring Lifeline's systems and staff are equipped to meet funder expectations. Reporting to the Chief Impact Officer, the Manager interfaces with Programs, Finance, Human Resources, Compliance, and the Impact Team to ensure cross-functional readiness and rigorous documentation. This role is ideal for a contracts and grants professional who thrives in high-accountability environments, enjoys systems thinking, and is passionate about enabling mission-driven work through strong operational infrastructure and measurable performance outcomes. Key Responsibilities
Strategic Contract Lifecycle Management Lead tracking, drafting, executing, and archiving all contracts, MOUs, Business Associate Agreements, and consultant agreements. Interpret funder requirements with department leads and translate them into terms aligned with Lifeline's policies and capacity. Develop and oversee the contract tracking system, including start/end dates, renewal timelines, reports, and internal compliance documentation; coordinate progress reports for program staff. Coordinate cross-departmental planning to ensure all contract deliverables (startup packets, licensing, insurance, subrecipient data) are submitted accurately and on time. Grant Writing & Resource Development Lead grant proposal development: research, draft, and submit proposals to federal, state, county, city, and private funders in collaboration with Program Directors, the Impact Team, and Finance to ensure capacity, compliance, and alignment with funder priorities. Coordinate cross-functional grant inputs: gather program narratives, performance data, budgets, and attachments for submissions, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Maintain grant templates and assets: create a centralized library of boilerplate materials, work plans, funder profiles, and common attachments to streamline submissions and renewals. Ensure compliance in narrative commitments by aligning outcomes, deliverables, and timelines with organizational capabilities and existing obligations; flag discrepancies and risks prior to submission. Support proposal review and approval: coordinate internal review and signature routing with the Chief Impact Officer and executive leadership. Funder Relations & Compliance Coordination Act as primary liaison with funders for document requests, clarifications, and grant-related submissions outside direct program performance. Maintain a central repository of executed agreements, budgets, reports, and funder correspondence in audit-ready form. Collaborate with Compliance on audits, risk assessments, and policies related to HIPAA, FERPA, and other regulatory frameworks. Internal Controls, Training & Documentation Collaborate with HR and Finance to onboard subcontractors and consultants, including W-9s, insurance verification, licensure, and business credentials. Lead semi-annual audits of contract files to verify documentation and close gaps. Create and maintain internal standard operating procedures for contract management workflows, including approval routing, e-filing, and signature protocols. Organizational Leadership & Team Development Model a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration across the Impact Team and wider agency. Participate in Lifeline's Management Team, contributing to organization-wide strategy, operational improvements, and leadership initiatives. Qualifications
Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, law, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. Minimum of 2-3 years of nonprofit contract management, grants administration, or related regulatory experience. Prior experience with government contracts and private grant writing is strongly preferred. Technical & Regulatory Competence Proficiency in Microsoft Office and cloud-based file management tools; experience with contract management systems is a plus. Familiarity with public sector contracts, federal and county grant processes, HIPAA/FERPA, and audit standards. Ability to draft legally sound contracts, maintain meticulous records, and interpret grant terms accurately. Communication & Project Management Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and project management skills. Excellent written and interpersonal communication, including presenting information to diverse audiences. Ability to manage competing deadlines and coordinate across departments in fast-paced environments. Experience facilitating cross-functional meetings, capturing key decisions, and driving follow-through. Ability to translate complex requirements into actionable plans to ensure alignment and execution across contract and grant initiatives. Values Alignment Commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship of funds. Passion for supporting mission-driven work through reliable operational systems and strategic foresight. Work Environment
Hybrid schedule: minimum 3 days on-site and 2 days remote weekly, with flexibility based on organizational needs. Occasional travel between office or event locations; may include evenings/weekends. Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods, lift up to 25 pounds, and travel within San Diego County using a personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed). Compensation & Benefits
Competitive compensation range of $75,000 to $87,000, commensurate with experience and education. Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Paid time off, family and reproductive loss bereavement leave, and hybrid work flexibility. Accommodations & Equal Opportunity
Lifeline is committed to equal employment opportunities and provides accommodations as required by law. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact humanresources@nclifeline.org.
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Behind every transformative program at Lifeline is a backbone of rigorously managed contracts, timely grant submissions, and strategic data insights. The Grants & Contracts Manager is a steward of public trust and a key architect of the infrastructure that allows Lifeline to deliver critical services with integrity and measurable impact. This position is both strategic and operational—leading the drafting, coordination, and internal execution of contracts, subcontracts, MOUs, and grant agreements, while ensuring Lifeline's systems and staff are equipped to meet funder expectations. Reporting to the Chief Impact Officer, the Manager interfaces with Programs, Finance, Human Resources, Compliance, and the Impact Team to ensure cross-functional readiness and rigorous documentation. This role is ideal for a contracts and grants professional who thrives in high-accountability environments, enjoys systems thinking, and is passionate about enabling mission-driven work through strong operational infrastructure and measurable performance outcomes. Key Responsibilities
Strategic Contract Lifecycle Management Lead tracking, drafting, executing, and archiving all contracts, MOUs, Business Associate Agreements, and consultant agreements. Interpret funder requirements with department leads and translate them into terms aligned with Lifeline's policies and capacity. Develop and oversee the contract tracking system, including start/end dates, renewal timelines, reports, and internal compliance documentation; coordinate progress reports for program staff. Coordinate cross-departmental planning to ensure all contract deliverables (startup packets, licensing, insurance, subrecipient data) are submitted accurately and on time. Grant Writing & Resource Development Lead grant proposal development: research, draft, and submit proposals to federal, state, county, city, and private funders in collaboration with Program Directors, the Impact Team, and Finance to ensure capacity, compliance, and alignment with funder priorities. Coordinate cross-functional grant inputs: gather program narratives, performance data, budgets, and attachments for submissions, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Maintain grant templates and assets: create a centralized library of boilerplate materials, work plans, funder profiles, and common attachments to streamline submissions and renewals. Ensure compliance in narrative commitments by aligning outcomes, deliverables, and timelines with organizational capabilities and existing obligations; flag discrepancies and risks prior to submission. Support proposal review and approval: coordinate internal review and signature routing with the Chief Impact Officer and executive leadership. Funder Relations & Compliance Coordination Act as primary liaison with funders for document requests, clarifications, and grant-related submissions outside direct program performance. Maintain a central repository of executed agreements, budgets, reports, and funder correspondence in audit-ready form. Collaborate with Compliance on audits, risk assessments, and policies related to HIPAA, FERPA, and other regulatory frameworks. Internal Controls, Training & Documentation Collaborate with HR and Finance to onboard subcontractors and consultants, including W-9s, insurance verification, licensure, and business credentials. Lead semi-annual audits of contract files to verify documentation and close gaps. Create and maintain internal standard operating procedures for contract management workflows, including approval routing, e-filing, and signature protocols. Organizational Leadership & Team Development Model a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration across the Impact Team and wider agency. Participate in Lifeline's Management Team, contributing to organization-wide strategy, operational improvements, and leadership initiatives. Qualifications
Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, law, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience. Minimum of 2-3 years of nonprofit contract management, grants administration, or related regulatory experience. Prior experience with government contracts and private grant writing is strongly preferred. Technical & Regulatory Competence Proficiency in Microsoft Office and cloud-based file management tools; experience with contract management systems is a plus. Familiarity with public sector contracts, federal and county grant processes, HIPAA/FERPA, and audit standards. Ability to draft legally sound contracts, maintain meticulous records, and interpret grant terms accurately. Communication & Project Management Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and project management skills. Excellent written and interpersonal communication, including presenting information to diverse audiences. Ability to manage competing deadlines and coordinate across departments in fast-paced environments. Experience facilitating cross-functional meetings, capturing key decisions, and driving follow-through. Ability to translate complex requirements into actionable plans to ensure alignment and execution across contract and grant initiatives. Values Alignment Commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship of funds. Passion for supporting mission-driven work through reliable operational systems and strategic foresight. Work Environment
Hybrid schedule: minimum 3 days on-site and 2 days remote weekly, with flexibility based on organizational needs. Occasional travel between office or event locations; may include evenings/weekends. Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods, lift up to 25 pounds, and travel within San Diego County using a personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed). Compensation & Benefits
Competitive compensation range of $75,000 to $87,000, commensurate with experience and education. Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Paid time off, family and reproductive loss bereavement leave, and hybrid work flexibility. Accommodations & Equal Opportunity
Lifeline is committed to equal employment opportunities and provides accommodations as required by law. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact humanresources@nclifeline.org.
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