Associate Director, Finance & Grants Management

American Rivers

American Rivers

Accounting & Finance
Washington, DC, USA
USD 73,200-89,400 / year
Posted on Mar 31, 2026

JOB TITLE: Associate Director, Finance & Grants Management

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Associate Director II

SALARY BAND: B

REPORTS TO: Sofia Hilali
LOCATION: HDQ-Hybrid

About American Rivers

American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 4.4 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers.

The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities – including within our organization. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that different people bring to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.

JOB SUMMARY

The Associate Director, Finance & Grants Management plays a critical role in supporting the financial and compliance management of American Rivers’ growing portfolio of federal, state, and foundation awards.

Reporting to the Director, Finance & Grants Management, this position will lead day-to-day grants financial management, strengthen processes, and serve as a key partner to program teams. The Associate Director will help ensure compliance, improve financial visibility, and drive consistency across budgeting, reporting, invoicing, and audit readiness.

This role is ideal for someone who combines strong technical grants expertise with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and thrives in a fast-evolving environment.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Grants Financial Management & Compliance

  • Manage a portfolio of federal, state, and foundation grants, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations (including 2 CFR 200 / Uniform Guidance).
  • Review and monitor expenses for allowability, allocability, and accuracy across multiple funding sources.
  • Lead preparation and review of:
    • Financial reports (federal, state, and private)
    • Reimbursement requests and drawdowns (e.g., ASAP, state portals like EAGL)
    • Invoice packages and supporting documentation
  • Serve as a key point of contact for program managers on grant financial matters, including budget vs. actuals, spend-down strategies, and reporting requirements.
  • Support audit readiness by maintaining strong documentation and responding to auditor requests.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

  • Partner with program teams to develop and monitor grant budgets, including proposal budgets and budget modifications.
  • Track financial performance across grants and provide insights on burn rates, risks, and funding gaps.
  • Support monthly and quarterly financial reviews by preparing grant-level analyses and reconciliations.
  • Assist in improving consistency between budget, actuals, and reporting tools (e.g., Intacct, Excel trackers, Solver).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business, or related field
  • Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience in grants finance, nonprofit finance, or federal contracting
  • knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), grant compliance and financial reporting, budgeting and financial analysis
  • Experience managing or supporting federal and/or state grants
  • Expertise with Microsoft Office applications (advanced Excel skills)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with accounting tools, Sage Intacct and Solver preferred.
  • Experience with grant reimbursement systems (e.g., ASAP, EAGL, or similar)
  • Experience in a multi-project, fast-paced nonprofit or consulting environment

Key Competencies

  • Ownership & Accountability – Takes initiative and drives work independently
  • Analytical Thinking – Able to interpret financial data and identify issues
  • Process Orientation – Builds structure and improves systems
  • Communication – Translates financial concepts for non-finance audiences
  • Collaboration – Works well across teams. Adapts to different working styles.
  • Attention to Detail – Ensures accuracy in reporting and compliance.
  • Teamwork – Supports colleagues. Contributes to shared goals. Meets deadlines.
  • Adaptability – Self-motivated. Works independently and with remote teams.
  • Equity & Inclusion – Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferrable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.

LOCATION

Washington, DC

COMPENSATION
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $73,200 - $89,400, annually, depending on experience and qualifications. We provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our full-time, regular employees, including:

  • Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance.
  • Financial Security: After one year of service, American Rivers begins contributing a 3% employer contribution. There is no vesting schedule for employer contributions as employees are 100% vested upon participation.
  • Time Off: Four weeks of paid leave, eleven paid holidays, three floating holidays, and sick leave.

At American Rivers, we are committed to supporting our employee’s well-being, professional growth, and financial security, ensuring they can thrive both at work and in life.

COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY

  • At American Rivers, our core values drive everything we do – we Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.

  • Our culture prioritizes work-life thriving through Focus Fridays (no internal meetings), professional development opportunities, a home office stipend and our comprehensive leave policies, including sabbatical leave (every seven years) and paid parental leave (six weeks w/ one year of service).

  • We also ensure leadership stays connected to staff needs through an internal advisory group, fostering open communication and continuous improvement.

  • At American Rivers, our people are our strength, and we are dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone can grow and contribute to our mission.

American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at 202-243-7040 or recruitment@americanrivers.org. Please note that one week’s advance notice is preferred.

Applicant must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States. American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.