Program Operations Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +11 more states.

📋 Description

• Oversee and manage daily operations for the Sanctuary Community Engagement portfolio.

• Assist in programs related to the establishment of six national marine sanctuaries.

• Implement project initiatives in collaboration with Foundation staff and federal partners at NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

• Manage the application and review processes for grant and contract awards from the Foundation.

• Oversee federally funded projects and privately supported programs as responsibilities expand.

• Address and resolve issues related to program implementation.

• Monitor financial resources and establish spending priorities for funded projects.

• Act as the primary contact for technical program managers and staff regarding program implementation.

• Provide guidance on compliance and procurement matters.

• Manage the Foundation’s project and award management database, tracking metrics and outcomes.

• Foster relationships and conduct check-in meetings with program managers and field liaisons.

• Identify opportunities for collaboration across internal departments and partner programs.

• Supervise competitive grant programs to ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and strategic plans.

• Oversee procurement, logistics, administration, spending plans, and metrics for field operations.

• Serve as the main contact for grantees, contractors, and subrecipients.

• Monitor agreement details, compliance, risks, invoices, and field documentation.

• Assist with special projects related to organizational, departmental, and project goals.

• Analyze reported results using a project management database.

• Support annual budgeting processes for funded projects.

• Suggest partnership and leadership opportunities to senior management.

• Conduct monitoring, site visits, video conference check-ins, and internal audits of documents.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of OMB and agency-specific federal financial assistance procedures.

• Review and revise federal award compliance guidance and procedures.

• Coordinate the collection and storage of documents.

• Identify and implement technology, compliance, and procurement solutions.

• Communicate processes and procedures to staff and partners.

• Supervise Foundation project employees based at partner agency locations.

• Cultivate an inclusive work environment.

• Support SMARTIE goals, track progress, perform performance evaluations, and approve travel, timecards, and time-off requests.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 3–5 years of experience in grant administration and/or project management, or a minimum of 5 years of experience in lieu of a degree.

• Experience in handling grant programs.

• Familiarity with basic financial management, including the development and monitoring of budgets and financial reports.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team setting.

• Strong organizational skills with the capacity to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and produce high-quality results with attention to detail.

• Personable demeanor in both in-person and phone interactions.

• Diplomatic disposition while effectively defending positions and policies.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and databases.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.

• Experience in producing reports and proposals.

• Must reside in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Texas, Washington, or Wisconsin.

• Preferred: Experience with compliance and procurement related to federal financial assistance awards under Uniform Guidance.

• Preferred: Experience managing database programs such as SmartSimple or Knack.

• Preferred: Intermediate to advanced skills in Excel spreadsheet usage.

• Preferred: Familiarity with government partnership programs.

• Preferred: Genuine interest in and commitment to the organization’s mission.

• Submission of a resume, cover letter, and three professional references is required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Generous leave policy.

• Paid time off during the week between December 25 and January 1.

• 12 paid holidays.

• Medical insurance with an FSA option.

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• Foundation-paid life insurance.

• Foundation-paid disability insurance.

• 403(B) plan with employer contribution after one year of service.

• Commuter benefits.

• Inclusive and diverse workplace culture.

• Support for professional development goals.

• Flexible remote work arrangements.