Budget Development & Proposal Risk Associate

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in the office. You will be based in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the Program:

WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities is dedicated to shaping a future where cities work better for everyone. We focus on integrated solutions to long-standing urban challenges. We work on Urban Development, Urban Mobility, Urban Efficiency and Climate, and Air Quality. Through innovative research, deep engagement, and global partnerships, our network of local and international experts partner with cities to help chart and navigate a path towards more sustainable and equitable urban development. We catalyze and accelerate transformative urban initiatives that turn cities into thriving, resilient, low-carbon places that are good for people and the planet. The Cities Global Operations team is responsible for financial planning and reporting, grants and contracts management, budget oversight, staff wellbeing and program capacity. The Cities Global Development team coordinates all fundraising opportunities, guides proposal development, and implements the fundraising strategy for the WRI Ross Center.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to the Operations & Finance Senior Manager, Cities Program, you will be responsible for coordinating proper proposal budgets, co-leading complex proposal due diligence, developing and delivering trainings, developing reports and analysis on the program’s funding pipeline and supporting the Cities Global Operations and Development teams in preparing for reviews with WRI management. We require a highly organized, detail-oriented, and independent individual to fill this role. This position is best suited for someone with experience in nonprofit grants, contracts, finance, and/or administration with the desire to be a part of an environmental research and analysis organization lauded for its subject matter expertise and operational transparency. You will be working with teams across the entire Cities program, with other WRI programs and departments, and will be part of a growing team of operations and grants and finance professionals within the WRI Ross Center of Sustainable Cities; one of the largest and highly matrixed programs at WRI.

You will occupy a key role in the Cities Global Operations and Development teams, enhancing the program’s ability to manage financial risk, carefully steward donor funds, and support a high level of collaboration across the WRI across all offices. The role will provide quality assurance and alignment with institutional standards through careful review of proposals, provide guidance to project team Grants & Finance Specialists on complex budgets, and will work in close collaboration with WRI’s Cost and Pricing team.

What will you do:

Proposal Budgets and Quality Control (60%):

• Review funder financial requirements to ensure compliance in budget preparation. Co-lead financial risk assessment process for proposals $1M+
• Provide guidance to Cities Grants and Finance staff on proper budget preparation and presentation, mapping from internal to external budget templates, communication with funders, and more
• Create and maintain budget proposal guidance and provide quality control of Program budget development standards and institutional policies
• Coordinate closely with the Finance department’s Cost and Pricing team to ensure timely reviews of proposal budgets and consistency with institutional policies and best practices
• Manage the collection and review of funder due diligence information and respond to funder financial and operational questions
• Ensure program adoption and consistent use of budget checklists, funder operating briefs, and other tools and best practices in budget development
• Engage and educate Grants and Finance staff, Development leads, and project managers on institutional proposal budget policies and practices