You're starting a new job in grant administration. What are the most important skills to learn?

1 Research and analysis

As a grant administrator, you need to be able to find and evaluate relevant information from various sources, such as grant databases, guidelines, policies, and best practices. You also need to analyze data and trends to identify gaps, opportunities, and risks for your grant projects. Research and analysis skills will help you plan, design, and implement effective and sustainable grant programs that align with your organization's goals and mission.

2 Communication and collaboration

Communication and collaboration are vital for grant administration, as you need to work with different stakeholders, such as grantors, grantees, partners, and staff. You need to be able to communicate clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, to convey your grant objectives, expectations, and outcomes. You also need to be able to collaborate with others, such as co-workers, supervisors, and external experts, to share ideas, feedback, and solutions. Communication and collaboration skills will help you build trust, rapport, and cooperation among your grant team and network.

3 Budgeting and financial management

Budgeting and financial management are crucial for grant administration, as you need to ensure that your grant funds are used efficiently and effectively. You need to be able to create and monitor realistic and accurate budgets for your grant projects, as well as track and report on your expenditures and income. You also need to be able to comply with the financial rules and regulations of your grantors and your organization, as well as prevent and address any issues or discrepancies. Budgeting and financial management skills will help you optimize your grant performance and accountability.

4 Compliance and ethics

Compliance and ethics are essential for grant administration, as you need to adhere to the legal and ethical standards of your grant programs. You need to be able to understand and follow the grant agreements, contracts, policies, and procedures of your grantors and your organization, as well as the applicable laws and regulations of your sector and jurisdiction. You also need to be able to uphold the values and principles of your organization and your profession, as well as respect the rights and interests of your grantees and beneficiaries. Compliance and ethics skills will help you avoid or resolve any conflicts, disputes, or violations that may arise in your grant work.

5 Technology and innovation

Technology and innovation are important for grant administration, as you need to leverage the tools and resources that can enhance your grant work. You need to be able to use various software and platforms, such as grant management systems, databases, spreadsheets, word processors, and presentation tools, to organize, store, access, and share your grant information. You also need to be able to adopt and adapt to new technologies and innovations that can improve your grant processes, outcomes, and impact. Technology and innovation skills will help you increase your grant efficiency and effectiveness.

6 Learning and development

Learning and development are key for grant administration, as you need to constantly update and improve your knowledge and skills. You need to be able to seek and participate in various learning and development opportunities, such as courses, workshops, webinars, conferences, and mentoring programs, to enhance your grant competencies and credentials. You also need to be able to reflect and learn from your grant experiences, successes, and failures, as well as solicit and incorporate feedback and recommendations from others. Learning and development skills will help you grow and advance in your grant career.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?