Vice President, Grants & Contracts at The Urban Institute in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

Vice President – Grants & Contracts

About Urban Institute

The Urban Institute is a nonprofit research organization that provides data and evidence to help advance upward mobility and equity. We are a trusted source for changemakers who seek to strengthen decision-making, create inclusive economic growth, and improve the well-being of families and communities. For more than 50 years, Urban has delivered facts that inspire solutions—and this remains our charge today.

Our Mission

To drive impact by equipping changemakers with evidence and solutions.

Our Values

Collaboration, Equity, Inclusivity, Independence, and Integrity. For more information on the Urban Institute, please visit https://www.urban.org.

The Opportunity

The Urban Institute (Urban) seeks a full-time Vice President for the Grants & Contracts (Contracts) department. The Vice President of Grants & Contracts will report to the Chief Operations Officer, and as a member of Urban’s leadership team, will work closely with other department leaders to advance Urban’s operational efficiency and effectiveness goals. The Contracts department plays a leading role in ensuring compliance and mitigating risk throughout the entire award lifecycle, in support of research funded by a broad range of government (federal, state, local) and private (foundation, corporate) partners. Contracts department staff engage in proposal review, award review and negotiation, award monitoring, and award closeout, as well as procurement (subawards and purchasing) related to awards and broader organizational needs, to support adherence to Urban’s internal policies and procedures and funder requirements for a variety of awards. The Vice President will be an integral partner in immediate and long-term change management initiatives to harmonize operations throughout the award lifecycle as Urban works to adapt its processes and systems to meet its evolving business needs.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership & Vision

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  Serve as the lead subject matter expert in administering Urban’s most complex grants, contracts, subgrants, subcontracts, commercial contracts, and similar agreements, and provide options and recommendations to successfully mitigate risk and resolve issues

  
  


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  Support Contracts department with developing and implementing processes, systems, trainings, and resources that will equip staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to adhere to internal policies

  
  


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  Proactively identify opportunities to enhance the Contracts department’s role in supporting the award lifecycle and promote a solutions-oriented team culture

  
  

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  Collaborate with the Urban leadership team to identify and prioritize operational priorities, cultivate internal relationships, and enhance cross-functional communication

  
  


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  Lead the Contracts department in managing external communications, ensuring a professional and collaborative tone that fosters positive relationships with funders, stakeholders, and external partners.

  
  

Department Management & Oversight

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  Manage, guide, and supervise the Contract department team and projects, including setting clear direction and performance expectations, building team skills, and assessing progress.

  
  

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  Develop and implement policies and practices that support staff growth, creating intentional pathways for professional development and advancement at all levels.

  
  


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  Manage the Contracts department’s budget in adherence to organizational guidelines and protocols and for long-term financial stability.

  
  


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  Oversee department-level metrics to promote operational excellence and support the organization with meeting organization-wide indicators of success.

  
  


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  Act as a risk-management resource to staff to troubleshoot issues and ensure that Contracts department staff have the resources and supports necessary to seek continuous improvement.

  
  


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  Champion the building of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in the Contracts department and across Urban.

  
  

Who You Are

The successful candidate will possess/demonstrate:

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  Bachelor’s Degree; advanced degree in law strongly preferred but not required.

  
  

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  Track record (15+ years) of progressive experience in awards management, grants/contracts administration, grantmaking, and subcontracting/procurement, including ability to make sound decisions and apply creative problem solving.

  
  


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  Hands-on experience with and deep knowledge of US Federal requirements required (FAR, 2 CFR 200/Uniform Guidance); experience with foundation funding strongly preferred. 

  
  

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  Expertise with common award instruments, including Cost Reimbursement, Fixed Price, Time and Materials, and Indefinite Delivery contracts and Cost Reimbursement and Fixed Amount grants. Experience with OASIS and GSA Schedules and general knowledge of procurement processes strongly preferred.

  
  


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  Proven experience in formulating and implementing policies and procedures.

  
  


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  Strong attention to detail, exceptional judgement skills, and the ability to oversee the creation and maintenance of systems and procedures to effectively deliver on Urban’s mission and business obligations.

  
  


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  Excellent communication skills, including written and oral communications, and the ability to make effective and persuasive presentations to small and large groups and engender trust.

  
  


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  An ability to lead, manage, coach, and motivate staff in a complex, multi-disciplinary environment that is undergoing change and growth.

  
  


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  A get to yes mindset that embraces creativity while maintaining high standards for compliance.

  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the requirements for the position. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Urban management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

What You’ll Experience

No matter your role with Urban, you will contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for people and communities across the country. We are committed to cultivating a community and working in a manner defined by collaboration, equity, inclusivity, independence, and integrity.

Position Location

This is a hybrid position, with the expectation of two days in our Washington, DC office and the option of three days of remote work per week. Local candidates will be given preference. 

Urban’s Greatest Asset is Our People

The salary range for this position is minimum $220,000. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal equity. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Salaries are just one component of Urban Institute’s total compensation package. Urban is committed to supporting our staff’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for yourself, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays, medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, and transit benefits. Urban is unique in that we offer 403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you’re hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting. You’ll also have access to a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Urban management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

The Urban Institute is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, veteran status, pregnancy or family responsibilities, matriculation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected status under applicable law. The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Minorities/Women/Disabilities/Veterans.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you have a physical and/or mental disability and are interested in applying for employment and need special accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@urban.org.  Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

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