Director of Grants, Non-Profit and Public Agencies

About McAllister & Quinn

McAllister & Quinn is a nationally recognized grants consulting and government relations firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. For more than two decades, we have helped organizations identify, secure, and maximize external funding opportunities that advance their strategic goals. Serving more than 250 clients nationwide, we provide a unique combination of grant strategy, proposal development, funding diversification, and government relations services.

Our team works closely with clients to develop and implement comprehensive funding strategies focused on federal, state, and private foundation opportunities. Through a collaborative and data-driven approach, we help organizations build sustainable funding pipelines that support long-term growth and impact.

To date, McAllister & Quinn has helped clients secure more than $18 billion in competitive grant funding. In addition to our grants consulting practice, we provide strategic government relations services, including advocacy and appropriations support to help clients pursue federal funding priorities and strengthen relationships with policymakers.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Director will report to senior leadership within the Nonprofit and Public Agencies practice and will work with colleagues across the firm. Specific responsibilities include:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to a portfolio of clients, including nonprofit organizations, K-12 school districts, institutions of higher education, workforce development organizations, local governments, and more.
• Develop and lead comprehensive grant-seeking and external funding strategies aligned with clients' strategic priorities and long-term goals.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend federal, state, and private foundation funding opportunities that position clients for competitive success.
• Manage multiple client engagements simultaneously, ensuring exceptional service, timely deliverables, and high levels of client satisfaction.
• Lead client meetings, facilitate strategic discussions, present recommendations, and communicate progress to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Direct the development and execution of grant proposals, funding strategies, and related deliverables from project initiation through submission.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, serving as a primary point of contact and trusted partner throughout the engagement lifecycle.
• Monitor federal funding trends, agency priorities, legislative developments, and emerging opportunities to provide informed strategic guidance to clients.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, scopes of work, and resource allocation to ensure successful contract performance and operational efficiency.
• Support clients pursuing federal appropriations, congressionally directed spending requests, and other government funding opportunities, as appropriate.
• Partner with senior leadership on client retention, business development, proposal development, and new client acquisition efforts.
• Identify opportunities to expand client engagement and deliver additional value through strategic funding solutions, service enhancements, and long-term partnership development.
• Occasional client-related travel outside of Washington, D.C. will be required.
• Work requires multiple hours daily of phone or video communication with clients and project teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least four years’ experience in grants, sponsored programs, fundraising, government relations, public administration, consulting, higher education, workforce or economic development, or a related field.
• Ability to manage multiple projects or client engagements, balance priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; ability to explain complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate opportunities, recommend solutions, and guide projects to completion.
• Organization and attention to detail in managing budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with colleagues, clients, consultants, and external stakeholders.
• Research skills to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience researching, developing proposals for, or administering federal, state, or private foundation grants, including sponsored programs.
• Experience with nonprofits, higher education or community colleges, workforce development, municipalities, healthcare, or economic development organizations.
• Consulting, client services, or advisory experience.
• Experience in sponsored programs, research administration, corporate and foundation relations, government, philanthropy, or economic and community development.
• Knowledge of federal funding agencies, appropriations, government relations, or other public funding mechanisms.
• Experience managing client relationships, facilitating strategic planning, and advising organizational leaders.

Desired Attributes

• Strategic, client-focused approach and commitment to quality.
• Curiosity, resourcefulness, and adaptability to navigate ambiguity and learn quickly.
• Collaborative approach that builds trust with clients and colleagues.
• Initiative and ownership in anticipating challenges and finding solutions.
• Passion for helping mission-driven organizations secure resources and achieve impact.

Compensation and Benefits

• Normal work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday EST
• Location: Hybrid, Washington, D.C. schedule 
• Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday are in-office days for those living in the DC Metro area.
• Competitive 401(k), healthcare, dental, long-term disability, dependent care FSA, HSA/FSA, life insurance, and transit benefits.
• Salary range: $85,000 - $105,000; consideration will be commensurate with experience.
• Flexible vacation and leave policy.