Procurement & Grants Specialist

About The Role:

The ideal candidate for this role brings a solid background in procurement and grant-making with a focus on U.S. federal compliance. They are organized with an affinity for itemized tracking and timely follow-up to ensure completion of tasks and projects. They are an advocate for VentureWell’s processes and policies, creating clear communication and guidance for the organization through internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) documentation, written communication, and open discussions. We're seeking a strong communicator who will partner with VentureWell staff and potential contractors, serving as a key liaison in advancing our work.

This role reports to the Procurement & Grants Manager. 

Responsibilities:

Procurement (50% of time)

• Provide procurement guidance and support for grant awards and purchases made using federal or private donor funds
• Assist with the preparation of Requests for Proposal (RFP) & Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) documentation
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to schedule meetings and deadlines
• Administrator of procurement inbox; reviewing and responding to internal and external stakeholder correspondence
• Facilitate evaluation and review calls to assess vendor proposals and ensure fair, transparent selection decisions
• Perform targeted outreach for active solicitations
• Responsible for fostering clear, timely communication between proposers and the procurement team to support a smooth and transparent process
• Provide timely status updates to internal stakeholders on active solicitations
• Assist the Procurement & Grants Manager with managing VentureWell’s small business subcontracting plans, including coordinating outreach efforts and achieving related goals
• Assist with promoting and supporting VentureWell’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by expanding outreach to qualified vendors and consultants from underrepresented groups 

Grants Administration (40% of time)

• Manage the onboarding process of awardees; ensure all grant-funded award agreements and modifications are prepared, sent, and tracked accordingly as well as coordinate, direct, and support internal and external reviewers 
• Support program staff through the proposal call and selection process, including meeting note-taking, communication with applicants and reviewers, preparing drafts of consent memos, reviewer instructions, and other communications as necessary
• Notify applicants of decisions, and maintain the accuracy of internal systems and record-keeping
• Collaborate with program and marketing staff to update grant and competition program guidelines and review criteria

General Administrative Support (10% of time)

• Support the overall Contracts Team, providing assistance with projects with overlapping responsibilities 
• Stay privy to new process needs, assisting in developing and onboarding new processes and staff members  

What You Bring:

• Minimum of 3 years of procurement experience
• Proven knowledge of award-based procurement administration and its implications on financial management
• Intermediate federal contracting and compliance knowledge is preferred but not required, including Uniform Guidance and Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR)
• Exceptional knowledge of procurement policy, process, and best practices
• Working knowledge of navigating Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
• Working knowledge of online bidding system, Bonfire is preferred but not required
• Ability to understand and adapt to new technologies and tools, as needed
• Ability to create system improvements while systems are “in motion”
• Ability to act as a liaison between multiple VentureWell departments
• Demonstrated excellence in all forms of internal communication
• Ability to influence others to achieve outcomes
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Across the Board, VentureWell Staff:

• Are able to succeed and thrive in an environment with competing and changing priorities and tight deadlines
• Have track records of and ability to build solid collaborative working relationships, and are proven team players who enjoy a “customer service” orientation to collaboration
• Are committed to embedding equity for all in our internal practices and culture and in our programs in order to live and achieve our mission
• Bring openness and engagement to personal, professional, and organization-wide learning
• Are curious and committed to issues of environmental sustainability
• Are self-starters with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work 
• Are active learners who independently learn new tools and work processes quickly
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills

Our Benefits*:

• An attractive and equitable compensation package, including: 
• Salary range of $70,000-$85,000 commensurate with experience and internal equity
• 403(b) plan with 200% match up to a maximum contribution from VentureWell of 10% when the employee puts in 5% (eligible after one year of service for the match)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• $1,000 home office stipend upon hire

• A true focus on work-life balance with work weeks that reflect that
• It’s our aim for our employees in this position to not work more than a 40-hour workweek 
• 20 paid vacation days
• 12 paid holidays 
• 12 paid wellness days 

*Benefits are reviewed each fiscal year and may be subject to change.

What We Offer:

• A culture where people work intentionally and collaboratively in pursuit of our mission  
• Values we believe in

About VentureWell: 

VentureWell supports the cultivation of science and technology inventors and the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems critical to their success. Since its founding in 1995, VentureWell has funded or trained over 19,000 early-stage science and technology inventors and innovators, resulting in the emergence of more than 6,100+ ventures with groundbreaking technological advancements in fields like biomedicine and healthcare, sustainable energy and materials, and solutions for low-resource settings. The ventures it has supported have raised subsequent funds totaling more than $7.8 billion and are reaching millions of people globally.

Visit venturewell.org to learn more.