Grants, Finance and Operations Officer

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Position description

Help strengthen an organization that connects American scholars with the world.

The Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) seeks an experienced, collaborative, and mission-driven Grants, Finance & Operations Officer to join our small Washington, DC team.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys building strong systems, supporting a wide variety of organizational activities, and helping a nonprofit organization continue to grow. Working closely with the Executive Director, you will oversee federal grants management, finance, compliance, human resources administration, and organizational operations while supporting an internationally respected organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and cultural exchange.

If you are looking for a position where your work has a visible impact, offers tremendous variety, and directly supports international education and research, we encourage you to apply.

About CAORC

Founded in 1981, the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) is a nonprofit consortium of 26 independent American Overseas Research Centers operating in more than 30 countries around the world.

Together, these centers support American scholars, educators, students, and cultural heritage professionals through research scholarly exchanges, language training, faculty development seminars, fellowships, archaeological and cultural heritage initiatives, and partnerships with universities, museums, libraries, and government agencies.

CAORC works closely with the U.S. Department of State, the Smithsonian Institution, the U.S. Department of Education, private foundations, and other partners to strengthen international education, research, and cultural understanding.

Although our headquarters staff is small, our reach is global.

About the Position

Because CAORC is a small organization with a global network, this position offers unusual breadth and responsibility. You will work across grants management, finance, operations, governance, and organizational administration while helping ensure that CAORC remains a strong, financially sound, and well-managed organization.

The work is varied and engaging. During any given week, you may prepare a proposal budget, work with our overseas research centers on administrative matters, respond to a grants management question, coordinate an annual audit, support a Board meeting, or help improve an internal process. Every day offers an opportunity to contribute to the success of CAORC and the American scholars and international programs we support.

Primary Responsibilities

Grants & Financial Management

• • Manage the financial administration of federal grants, cooperative agreements, and foundation awards.
  • Develop proposal budgets and budget justifications for new funding opportunities.
  • Monitor grant expenditures, budgets, and cash flow.
  • Prepare financial reports for funders, auditors, and organizational leadership.
  • Oversee subrecipient financial monitoring and compliance.
  • Coordinate the annual audit and preparation of required financial documentation.
  • Work closely with CAORC’s outside accountant and auditors.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).

Organizational Operations

• • Oversee day-to-day financial and administrative operations.
  • Administer employee benefits, retirement plans, insurance, and related programs.
  • Coordinate contracts, vendor relationships, and organizational records.
  • Support Board and committee meetings through financial reporting and administrative coordination.
  • Maintain organizational policies, records, and administrative procedures.
  • Recommend and implement improvements to organizational systems and workflows.

Human Resources Administration

• • Coordinate employee onboarding and offboarding.
  • Support payroll administration and employee benefits.
  • Maintain personnel records and HR documentation.
  • Assist with organizational policies and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, intellectually curious, and enjoys both detailed financial work and the variety that comes with working in a small nonprofit, global organization.

Successful candidates will:

• • Enjoy learning about the programs and mission behind the numbers.
  • Take initiative and look for ways to improve organizational systems.
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues, consultants, and partners in the United States and abroad.
  • Be comfortable balancing multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
  • Appreciate working in a collaborative environment where flexibility, professionalism, and a willingness to contribute are valued.

Qualifications

Required

• • Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
  • At least five years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit finance, grants management, or organizational operations.
  • Experience managing federally funded grants and cooperative agreements.
  • Knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and nonprofit financial management.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, and nonprofit financial management systems.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy, discretion, and sound judgment.

Preferred

• • Experience with U.S. Department of State, Department of Education, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Science Foundation, or other federal grants.
  • Experience working with international nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, or research organizations.
  • CPA or other relevant professional certification.

About Working at CAORC

CAORC is a small, collaborative organization with international reach. We believe in giving talented people meaningful responsibility, encouraging initiative, and creating an environment where ideas are welcomed and every team member makes a difference.

No two days are exactly alike. We value curiosity, initiative, flexibility, professionalism, and teamwork. Whether preparing a federal proposal budget, coordinating an audit, supporting the Board of Directors, or helping strengthen an organizational process, every member of our team contributes to CAORC’s success.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys being part of building a strong organization while supporting programs that expand international research, education, and cultural exchange.

Application instructions

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