Grants Manager

About NUAIR

NUAIR drives economic development through innovation in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) by supporting their safe integration into the national airspace. From concept to commercialization, we partner with industry leaders to deliver advanced UAS outcomes while leveraging a strong ecosystem of incubators, investors, customers, and collaborators. Our team of experts is committed to transforming airspace innovation into real-world impact for communities and industry alike.

NUAIR advances its mission through responsible financial stewardship, strategic use of grant funding, and strong compliance practices. Managing a diverse portfolio of government and private grants, the organization emphasizes fiscal accountability, accurate reporting, and timely reimbursement to support sustainable operations. The team operates in a fast-paced, results-driven environment that values precision, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The Grants Manager serves as a key financial partner responsible for the fiscal oversight, compliance, and reporting of a portfolio of grant-funded programs. This role has a strong emphasis on financial management, grant accounting, and reimbursement-based funding models.

The Grants Manager ensures that grant expenditures are accurately recorded, allowable, and supported by appropriate documentation, while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and private funder requirements. Working closely with finance and program leadership, this role supports grants from award setup through closeout.

While primarily finance-focused, the Grants Manager may occasionally contribute to grant proposal development by preparing budgets, budget narratives, and financial compliance sections. This position is hybrid, based in Syracuse, NY, and functions in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Oversee the financial management and accounting of grants in accordance with funder requirements and internal controls.
• Prepare, review, and submit detailed grant reimbursement packages, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
• Monitor grant budgets, expenditures, and burn rates; analyze variances and resolve discrepancies proactively.
• Ensure all grant costs are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and properly documented in compliance with Uniform Guidance and sponsor rules.
• Coordinate with accounting staff to ensure grant activity is accurately recorded in the general ledger and financial systems.
• Maintain comprehensive, audit-ready grant financial files, including reimbursement support, agreements, and amendments.
• Support internal and external audits, desk reviews, and monitoring visits by preparing financial documentation and responding to inquiries.
• Manage grant setup, budget modifications, and financial closeout processes, ensuring all reporting and reimbursement requirements are met.
• Partner with program teams to provide guidance on grant spending, documentation standards, and financial compliance.
• Assist with financial components of grant proposals, including budget development, budget narratives, and cost compliance review.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen financial controls, streamline reimbursement processes, and improve grants management workflows.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, or a related field required.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience in grants management, grant accounting, or financial administration.
• Demonstrated experience managing reimbursement-based grants and preparing financial reports.

• Experience with federal and state grants, including Uniform Guidance compliance.
• Proficiency with accounting or ERP systems (e.g., Sage Intacct or comparable platforms).
• Advanced Excel skills, including budget tracking, reconciliations, and financial analysis.
• Understanding of fund accounting principles and internal control frameworks.

• Strong financial acumen and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple grants and deadlines in a high-volume environment
• Analytical mindset…