Grants Subject Matter Expert (SME)

This position is part of a bid process associated with a Statement of Work. Candidates are encouraged to submit their information and resumes highlighting their relevant experience.
Hive Group is seeking a Grants Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides advanced level expertise and advisory support across all phases of the federal financial assistance lifecycle, with a focus on complex discretionary and non-discretionary grant programs. The SME will serve as a strategic advisor to the Grants Management Division, ensuring regulatory compliance, supporting program operations, and leading quality assurance efforts aligned with federal statutes, OMB guidance, and Department of Commerce (DOC) financial assistance policy.
This role requires a deep understanding of pre-award, award, post-award, and closeout processes for grants and cooperative agreements, with the ability to mentor, train, and support a distributed team of analysts and specialists.
Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the senior technical advisor to staff on federal grants and cooperative agreement administration under 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), DOC and specific policy.
• Provide expert-level support and recommendations during pre-award planning, application review, budget analysis, selection justification, and Federal Notice development.
• Evaluate cost allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of proposed budgets, including reviews of indirect costs, matching contributions, and program income.
• Support GMD with audit resolution, administrative and financial closeouts, and appeals in accordance with DAO 213-5 and the DOC Federal Financial Assistance Manual.
• Review Single Audit reports, name check reviews, and risk assessments to determine award eligibility and required special conditions.
• Guide staff and recipients through complex administrative requirements, including compliance with SAM.gov, CD-511, OMB circulars, Executive Orders, and terms and conditions.
• Assist in resolving grant recipient performance issues, including enforcement actions, corrective action plans, and suspension of payments.
• Review and recommend approval for no-cost extensions, scope changes, and budget modifications; ensure all approvals are properly documented.
• Draft and review policy and procedural documents related to grants administration; contribute to updates to guidance documents and training materials.
• Provide support to internal and external audits and data calls regarding financial assistance programs.
• Monitor compliance with reporting and performance monitoring requirements (e.g., FFATA, FAADS, and Grants.gov usage).

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Finance, or related field (Master’s or professional certification preferred).
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in federal grants management, including at least 5 years supporting large, mission-driven agencies.
• Deep understanding of the Federal Financial Assistance lifecycle, including experience applying 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance).
• Expertise in reviewing and analyzing budgets, determining cost allowability/allocability, and applying standard and special award conditions.
• Strong understanding of federal systems and tools (e.g., SAM.gov, Grants.gov, ASAP, and GrantSolutions or similar).
• Experience resolving audit findings, managing corrective action plans, and supporting high-stakes compliance reviews.
• Exceptional communication skills and ability to provide clear, concise technical guidance to Government and non-Government stakeholders.
• Ability to write and review grants-related documentation and policies with a high degree of accuracy.
• Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS), Certified Grants Professional (CGP), or equivalent (preferred).