Director of Grants and Contracts

The mission of Indigenized Energy is to pursue tribal energy sovereignty through trusting partnerships and innovative programs that grow our collective capacity to unleash the power of renewable energy. With shared values, we work side by-side with tribes to help them pursue energy sovereignty based on their unique conditions, and develop their capabilities to plan, develop, and manage resilient and sustainable energy systems.

Indigenized Energy (IE), fiscally sponsored by Mission Edge San Diego, is a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to empowering tribal communities through sustainable and renewable energy initiatives. Our work, rooted in the principles of energy sovereignty and environmental stewardship, has been recognized and supported by prominent foundations such as the MacArthur Foundation, Energy Foundation, and Builders Initiative.

Job Summary

The Director of Grants and Contracts (DG&C) is a strategic leadership role responsible for building and managing a team of grant and contract writers. The DG&C is responsible for securing funding from federal sources and philanthropic organizations to support Indigenized Energy's mission and its tribal partners. The DG&C involves overseeing the entire grants lifecycle, from identification to compliance, and managing contractual relationships to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Areas of Responsibilities

Strategic Grant Acquisition and Team Management

• Lead, develop, and manage a team of grant and contract writers, setting performance goals and ensuring high-quality, strategic funding applications.

• Conduct strategic research to identify relevant federal funding opportunities that align with organizational and tribal energy initiatives.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive funding strategy, ensuring a steady pipeline of potential funding sources.

• Oversee the creation of tailored, compelling grant proposals to increase funding success rates.

Grant and Contract Administration

• Ensure compliance with legal and organizational policies for all grants and contracts, overseeing their proper administration.

• Implement and manage a comprehensive contract management system to handle negotiations and maintain relationships with vendors, partners, and tribal communities.

• Monitor and manage grant and contract lifecycles to ensure all obligations are met, risks are mitigated, and goals are achieved.

Financial Oversight and Strategic Planning

• Collaborate with the finance team to develop and monitor budgets for all grants, ensuring effective and strategic use of funds.

• Lead financial planning initiatives related to grant funding, contributing to the organization’s overall financial strategy and ensuring a return on investment in grant-writing activities.

Tribal Capacity Building and Relationship Management

• Design and deliver training programs on grant writing and management to enhance the capacity of tribal partners to secure and manage funding independently.

• Provide ongoing mentorship and develop resources to strengthen tribal communities' grant-seeking and management capabilities.

• Lead coordinated efforts for submitting multiple proposals to the same funding opportunity to maximize efficiency and impact.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in social service, public administration, business administration, or a related field (Master's preferred).

• 7+ years of experience in development or fundraising, with a proven track record of securing funding from federal, state, and philanthropic sources.

• Substantial experience in managing and developing grant writing teams, with demonstrated success in leading complex grant and contract proposals.

• Experience working within the renewable energy sector, particularly in tribal or Native American community contexts, is strongly preferred.

• Proven ability to lead and develop teams, setting clear goals and managing performance to achieve high-quality results.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• In-depth knowledge of federal grant and contract regulations, compliance requirements, and funding mechanisms.

• Familiarity with the renewable energy sector, especially in relation to tribal energy projects, is essential.

• Expertise in building and maintaining relationships with funders, tribal communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Strong analytical skills to assess funding opportunities, develop strategies, and evaluate grant applications.

• Excellent organizational and strategic planning abilities to create comprehensive funding strategies and manage financial aspects of grants and contracts.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of partners, including tribal communities, government entities, and funding agencies.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to both internal and external audiences.

• A deep commitment to advancing tribal energy sovereignty and empowering Native American communities through capacity building and mentorship.

• A demonstrated ability to work effectively in a culturally sensitive and respectful manner with tribal nations.

• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Google Suite, and internet.

• Strong customer service, negotiation skills and ability to interact with employees at all levels throughout the company.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement employee engagement and retention strategies.

• Willing and able to travel occasionally, including overnight travel.

• Enthusiastic team player who understands the dynamic of working in a matrixed organization

• Outgoing with ability to provide excellent customer service to staff and external partners

• Excellent critical thinker and problem solver; able to make solid judgments and decisions

• Exhibits Indigenized Energy’s core values

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Compensation & Benefits: Negotiable based on qualifications and experience. We have a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for full time employees including health insurance and paid time off.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: This position will require working remotely, in the field and from your home (or other suitable place). Reliable transportation and dependable internet service at your home (or place of working) is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mission Edge San Diego, the fiscal sponsor of Indigenized Energy, provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, age, medical condition, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status, caregiver status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Except as provided by Title 25, U.S.C. § 450e(b), which allows for Indian preference in hiring, Indigenized Energy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, politics, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, marital status, citizenship or immigration status, veteran or military status, genetic information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law.