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Grants and Contracts Associate

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality
Contract
On-site
Toledo, Ohio, United States
 
  Position Available:
Grants and Contracts Associate 
 
 
 
 
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) is a nonprofit law firm established over 50 years ago to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our communities have the same access to justice as people and companies that can afford to retain an attorney. ABLE and its partner law firm, Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), are the only law firms available for comprehensive legal representation in non-criminal matters for more than 425,000 people living, working, and raising their families in poverty in Northwest and West Central Ohio. ABLE advocates for and with financially disadvantaged individuals and communities to effectuate just and equitable policy changes that address the structural causes of poverty and to protect their right to fairness and justice in the legal system.
Each member of the staff plays an integral part in the proper representation of the client. The efficient and effective operation of the law firm requires the full cooperation of all its members to achieve our goals. Each member must therefore have a commitment to the general purposes and operation of ABLE and be able to work effectively with all parts of the ABLE network and service delivery system. An effort must be made to achieve a successful working atmosphere among the staff. All staff members are responsible for the proper execution of their duties and for dealing with our clients and visitors in a professional and pleasant manner. Dependability, trustworthiness, confidentiality, and competence are required for all staff. All staff members are expected to integrate ABLE’s Standards of Excellence in their work, in dealing with colleagues, and in serving clients. The Standards of Excellence are available on the company Intranet site. The requirements in this job description coupled with the employee’s work plan are the basis for employee evaluations. The person in this position is expected to perform the Duties and Responsibilities listed below on a regular and consistent basis.  
 
Job Summary: 

The Grants and Contracts Associate contributes to the overall financial stability of ABLE and LAWO by assisting with the development of new sources of funding and ensuring that current grants and contracts are fully implemented. The Grants and Contracts Associate works closely with the Manager of Grants and Contracts and other staff as needed to accomplish the firms’ goals and objectives.   

Under the direction of the Manager of Grants and Contracts, this position will provide support for preparing regular grant reports, renewals, and other communications to funding sources regarding the activities of ABLE and LAWO.  

The Grants and Contracts Associate regularly performs complex grant development and administration work and exercises judgment with little supervision. This position will apply skills and knowledge of the grant management process to complete substantive tasks of moderate scope and complexity under general supervision. The Associate assists with establishing and reviewing procedures for grant management and relies on experience and judgement to plan and accomplish assigned tasks.  

The Grants and Contracts Associate supports ABLE’s and LAWO’s grant-related activities, including preparing reports, renewals, and proposals, managing submission deadlines, maintaining grant files, and ensuring compliance with organizational and funder requirements. This role involves collaborating with staff and funders, scheduling meetings and site visits, and serving as a representative for agency partnerships. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and occasional travel. 

Job Description: 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned): 
Under the direction of the manager of grants and contracts, prepare regular grant reports, renewals, and other communications to funding sources regarding the activities of ABLE and LAWO. 
 
Grant Management and Compliance:  
  • Prepare and submit timely grant reports, renewals, and other communications to funding sources. 
  • Monitor subrecipient performance, ensuring compliance with grant regulations and providing technical assistance. 
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date grant and contract records, both physical and digital. 
  • Manage a comprehensive grant and contract calendar to track deadlines and important dates. 
  • Assist with the coordination of monitoring/site visits with funders. 
  • Ensure compliance with ABLE's policies and procedures and the requirements of ABLE's and LAWO's funding sources.
Grant Development and Research:  
  • Assist in researching and identifying prospective grant funding sources. 
  • Support the development and submission of grant proposals and applications. 
  • Coordinate with program staff to ensure alignment of grant proposals with organizational goals. 
Administrative Support:  
  • Provide administrative support, including copying, scanning, mailing, and other necessary tasks. 
  • Assist with the maintenance of grant and contract files and the grant management database. 
Professional Development:  
  • Participate in training and development activities to stay current with grant regulations and best practices. 
  • Complete mandatory training, including Ohio Ethics, Civil Rights, and Federal Financial Management. 
Additional Responsibilities: 
  • Perform other reasonably related business duties, whether assigned by the manager of grants and contracts or Advocacy Director, Deputy Director, and Executive Director. 
  • Participate in meetings, workshops, and seminars to gather and share information. 
  • Engage in occasional travel. 
SCOPE & IMPACT: 
The Grants and Contracts Associate plays a crucial role in securing and sustaining funding that supports ABLE and LAWO’s missions to provide access to justice for underserved communities. Through effective grant coordination and compliance, the Associate ensures timely submissions and fosters positive relationships with funders. This work directly impacts the organizations’ ability to sustain and grow programs that serve vulnerable populations, advancing systemic equity and justice 
 
The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience: 
 
Core Competencies: 
  • Grant management skills, including understanding of subrecipient monitoring regulations, such as Uniform Guidance, and federal and state grant award compliance policies and procedures.  
  • Advanced interpersonal skills and a proven ability to analyze complex information, solve problems, and effectively communicate with diverse stakeholders. 
  • Project management skills for planning and organizing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
Technical Skills:   
  • Experience with case management systems and nonprofit administration.  
  • Knowledge of legal software, such as LegalServer. 
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. 
  • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. 
  • Comfortable taking initiative to complete tasks in high pressure situations with minimal supervision. 
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills with ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, meet ongoing deadlines, and handle changing priorities related to new grant opportunities, while remaining a flexible team player.   
  • Excellent problem-solving skills. 
  • Ability to interact with diverse groups. 
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.  
  • Proficiency in managing projects through the use of all appropriate computer software programs (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, LegalServer, Salesforce), and the Internet.  
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 
  • Hold a degree in a related field or equivalent experience.  
  • Have 3-5 years of experience in grants and contracts and administrative work. 
  • Must hold a valid driver’s license and be insurable. 
  • Commitment to ABLE’s Mission, Strategic Advocacy Initiatives, and to ABLE’s clients 
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  
  • None 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
  • Work is performed in a normal office environment  
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND WORK LOCATION: 
ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity. The annual salary range for this position starts at $51,700 and may increase based on experience. ABLE offers comprehensive fringe benefits, including health insurance, annual leave, sick leave, supplemental language compensation, loan repayment assistance for attorneys through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and paid parental leave. This position can be based out of Toledo or Dayton, with hybrid work possible. 

OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. ABLE can revise or eliminate requirements and responsibilities of this position at any time to reflect its needs and objectives. ABLE will notify affected employees of any changes and the effective date of such changes. 

TO APPLY: Please visit https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able to submit your application. Position will remain open until filled. 
 
ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and places a high value on diversity in our workplace, including diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, and physical ability. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals and we encourage applications from individuals traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at hrteam@ablelaw.org.