Funding, Grants, and Procurement
Within Funding jobs you will play a critical role in a variety of financial partnerships, such as with nonprofits and public-private collaborations, serving as the vital connection between organizations doing work that benefits citizens. You will award funds to organizations, answer questions, and make sure agreements are met. You may expand to soliciting, evaluating, negotiating, and awarding contracts with commercial sources and other organizations so that high quality products and services are provided at the best possible prices and terms.
Industry Insights
A high-level pulse check on talent demand, projected growth, compensation, and how work typically happens across this pathway.
Estimated employment nationwide in 2024
Projected change in employment through 2034
Mid-career annual salary (nationwide median)
How the work is typically performed
May require travel
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Entry-level roles support grant and contract processes under close supervision. These positions involve maintaining financial records, preparing basic reports, assisting in proposal reviews, and learning regulations and procedures. They provide exposure to the grant lifecycle and procurement rules in a training capacity.
Job Types & Titles
- Grants Assistant
- Procurement Technician
- Contracting Clerk
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree often preferred (e.g., in business, finance, public administration, or related field). Some roles may accept an associate degree or relevant coursework.
Certifications
None required to start. Entry hires in federal roles may begin Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level I training; general grants training courses are beneficial.
Experience
0-2 years. Internship or clerical experience in finance, accounting, or office administration is helpful.
Position Responsibilities
Technician-level professionals independently manage portions of grant portfolios or contracting actions. They draft solicitations or grant announcements, evaluate applications or bids, help negotiate terms, and ensure compliance during implementation. They have a solid grasp of federal regulations (like 2 CFR 200 or the FAR) and can handle projects of moderate complexity with limited supervision.
Job Types & Titles
- Grants Management Specialist
- Contract Specialist (1102 series)
- Purchasing Agent
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree required (fields such as public administration, finance, business). Ongoing professional training in grants or contracting is common at this stage.
Certifications
Federal contracting specialists typically achieve FAC-C Level II. Many pursue professional certifications like Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) or Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) to validate their expertise.
Experience
2-5 years of related experience. Progression often comes from entry roles or rotational programs; familiarity with grant systems or contract writing systems is expected.
Position Responsibilities
Professional-level practitioners lead significant grant programs or complex procurement projects. They might serve as a Grants Manager for a portfolio of grant programs or as a warranted Contracting Officer handling large contracts. At this level, they design funding strategies, oversee proposal/review panels, negotiate high-value awards, and manage teams of junior staff. They ensure that funding and contracts align with strategic goals and that all legal/financial requirements are met.
Job Types & Titles
- Senior Grants Manager
- Contracting Officer/Procurement Manager
- Grant Program Coordinator
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Bachelor’s degree plus often an advanced degree (e.g., Master of Public Administration or MBA) or graduate certificate. Continuous professional education is common (e.g., courses in federal budget or procurement law).
Certifications
Advanced federal acquisition certifications (FAC-C Level III) are typically achieved. Senior Contracting Officers often hold Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) or Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) credentials; senior grants managers may hold CGMS or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
Experience
5-10 years in the field. Demonstrated success managing grant programs or contracts, including some supervisory or team lead experience.
Position Responsibilities
Management-level professionals are executives or directors overseeing entire funding departments or agencies’ financial assistance/contracting divisions. They set policies, approve major awards and contracts, ensure audit readiness, and coordinate funding strategy with organizational leadership. They often represent their agency or foundation in high-level negotiations and partnerships. Management roles focus on maximizing program impact and ensuring integrity and transparency of all funding operations.
Job Types & Titles
- Director of Grants and Contracts
- Chief Procurement Officer
- Grants Administration Director (Foundation)
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Advanced degree (MPA, MBA, JD or related) is common. Strong leadership and executive training (e.g., federal executive institute or leadership programs) are often part of career development.
Certifications
Top-level certifications or licensure underscore credibility (e.g., CPPO for public sector procurement executives, CGFM for government finance directors). Many at this level are recognized experts in their field and may teach or speak on funding management topics.
Experience
10+ years with progressive responsibility. Significant experience managing teams, multi-million-dollar budgets, and complex portfolios of grants or contracts. Proven track record in strategic planning and inter-agency or cross-sector collaboration.
Who Hires Funding, Grants, and Procurement Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
U.S. Department of the Interior (Grants Management Offices)
California Department of General Services - Procurement Division
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Ford Foundation
Education & Certification
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Academic Programs
Professional Certifications
Microcredentials & Specialized Training
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Jobs in Funding, Grants, and Procurement
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