Grants Compliance and Program Director

Louisiana Innovation is seeking a Grants Compliance and Program Director to oversee the full lifecycle of grant-funded projects—from identifying funding opportunities and developing applications to award administration, compliance, reporting, and closeout. This position plays a key role in securing strategic funding and ensuring grant-funded initiatives are managed effectively, remain compliant, and achieve program goals. The Director collaborates with leadership, LED administrative teams, funders, contractors, universities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and other external partners. 

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and coordinate federal, state, philanthropic, and other grant opportunities aligned with Louisiana Innovation priorities.
• Lead the grant application process, including timelines, budgets, narratives, supporting documentation, and submission.
• Coordinate post-award activities, including implementation planning, contracts, reporting schedules, compliance requirements, and grant closeout.
• Monitor grant agreements to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and funding requirements.
• Prepare and submit financial, programmatic, and performance reports while maintaining complete grant documentation.
• Partner with finance to monitor budgets, expenditures, reimbursements, matching funds, and financial reporting.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Louisiana Innovation, LED administrative teams, funders, contractors, and external partners.
• Develop and improve grant management systems, templates, dashboards, workflows, and standard operating procedures.
• Support audits, monitoring reviews, and continuous improvement of grant administration processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business, Finance, Accounting, Nonprofit Management, Project Management, or a related field.
• Experience in grant administration, compliance, project management, financial reporting, contracts, auditing, or related program operations.
• Strong organizational, project management, analytical, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while working across diverse teams.
• Experience reviewing budgets, financial records, contracts, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, especially spreadsheets and collaborative document systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing and managing federal, state, or philanthropic grants.
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) or similar public-sector grant requirements.
• Experience in state government, economic development, higher education, nonprofit organizations, or public programs.
• Familiarity with procurement, contracts, audits, grant closeout, and reimbursement processes.
• Experience building reporting systems, dashboards, workflows, or standard operating procedures.
• Experience using AI and automation tools to improve administrative efficiency.

Core Competencies

• Project management
• Attention to detail
• Organization and accountability
• Written and verbal communication
• Financial literacy
• Compliance and risk management
• Relationship building
• Problem-solving
• Process improvement
• Professionalism and sound judgment

Work Environment

Based in Baton Rouge with occasional travel throughout Louisiana. Reports to the Director of Innovation Programs or another Louisiana Innovation leader designated by the Chief Innovation Officer.

Louisiana Innovation is seeking a Grants Compliance and Program Director to oversee the full lifecycle of grant-funded projects—from identifying funding opportunities and developing applications to award administration, compliance, reporting, and closeout. This position plays a key role in securing strategic funding and ensuring grant-funded initiatives are managed effectively, remain compliant, and achieve program goals. The Director collaborates with leadership, LED administrative teams, funders, contractors, universities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and other external partners.