Grants Assistant

Position Title: Grants Assistant
Grade Level: Level 3/ Non-Exempt
Reports to: Senior Manager, Grant Operations

About NED

The National Endowment for Democracy supports freedom around the world.

At NED, we deliver on the belief that freedom is a universal aspiration. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NED is a private, nonprofit foundation, mandated by Congress, dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions worldwide.

NED reflects an enduring American commitment to stand with those striving for dignity, justice, and opportunity. In 2025, NED made 1,552 grants totaling $271 million to support the work of nongovernmental organizations advancing democratic goals in more than 90 countries, including some of the world’s most challenging and repressive environments.

We seek talented, entrepreneurial professionals motivated by purpose and committed to excellence. At NED, you will join a dynamic team of experts who bring their skills, curiosity, and judgment to a consequential mission at a critical moment for democracy around the world. Our work is guided by our shared values: excellence, respect, empathy, accountability, and adaptability.

Position Summary

The Grants Assistant provides critical administrative and operational support for grantmaking activities and internal team functions. This position is responsible for accurate data entry and record management, preparation and distribution of grant award materials, and a variety of administrative tasks that support efficient grant operations. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and efficiency. This is an entry-level administrative position in the Grant Operations department.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC, and is part of the bargaining unit.

Primary Responsibilities

Grants Administration Support

• Enter and maintain information in the grant management system and other trackers.
• Review grant records and supporting documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Prepare, finalize, and transmit grant award packages and related correspondence.
• Track grant documentation and ensure required records are received, filed, and maintained.
• Assist with grant payment request processing and recordkeeping.
• Generate routine reports and provide administrative support for grantmaking activities.
• Support application, review, and award processes as assigned.

Data Management and Quality Control

• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of grant and organizational data.
• Maintain organized records and documentation in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Identify and communicate discrepancies or process improvement opportunities.

Administrative Support

• Provide general administrative support for grants administration.
• Maintain current documentation of administrative procedures and electronic filing systems.
• Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• One to two years of administrative, office support, customer service, or related experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams, Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of grants management software or databases is helpful.
• Interest in international affairs and the support and strengthening of democratic institutions worldwide.
• Interest in one of the regions in which NED works.
• Fluency in Arabic, French, or Spanish is a plus.
• Attention to detail and ability to maintain focus on tasks with minimal supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to interact with all levels of staff in a fast-paced and diverse, multi-cultural office environment.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Talent in Action

Consistent with NED’s talent statement, and grounded in our values, the successful individual in this role will demonstrate the following competencies in the delivery of their work while supporting NED’s efforts to advance democratic change:

• Purpose-Driven
• Reliable
• Expertise
• Respectful Collaboration
• Curiosity
• Results-Oriented
• An Optimistic Mindset