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Performs grants management work including grant administration, compliance monitoring, and financial oversight.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1109
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Experience in grants management, financial assistance, or program administration.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal grants management position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-1109
Yeomen handle administrative tasks and financial records, which can translate to managing grant documentation and compliance.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to administer federal grants throughout the lifecycle.
Skill in reviewing budgets and financial reports.
Ability to ensure grantee compliance with regulations.
Skill in providing guidance to grant applicants and recipients.
Understanding of federal grants regulations (2 CFR 200).
Ability to assess and mitigate grant management risks.
Skill in communicating with grantees and program staff.
Ability to maintain accurate grant files and records.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1109 Grants Management Specialist administers federal grant programs throughout the entire grant lifecycle—from reviewing applications and awarding funds to monitoring grantee compliance with 2 CFR 200 regulations. These specialists manage grant budgets, provide technical assistance to recipients, assess risks, and ensure proper stewardship of federal funds distributed to organizations nationwide.
Federal Grants Management Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) based on 2025 base pay rates. Mid-career specialists at GS-11/12 earn $63,163-$98,422, while senior grants managers at GS-13/14 earn $90,025-$138,296. Locality pay adds 15-40% in most metropolitan areas.
GS-1109 is a two-grade interval professional series. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. GS-7 requires one year of graduate education or superior academic achievement. Higher grades require specialized experience in grants administration, financial assistance programs, or compliance monitoring. Knowledge of 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) is essential for senior positions.
Yes, military experience in financial management, program administration, or compliance roles provides strong qualifying experience. Veterans who managed unit budgets, administered training funds, oversaw contract compliance, or worked in comptroller offices have directly transferable skills. Document your experience monitoring expenditures, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing oversight of funds.
Grants Management follows the two-grade interval ladder: GS-5/7/9/11/12. Journey level is typically GS-11 or GS-12. Senior specialists and supervisors can reach GS-13/14. Career advancement often involves specializing in specific grant programs (research grants, community development, disaster assistance) or moving into policy and oversight roles.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Grants Management" or series 1109. Major employers include HHS, DOE, FEMA, EPA, and USDA. Veterans should leverage preference points and VRA eligibility. Your federal resume should highlight experience with financial oversight, compliance monitoring, and program administration. Familiarity with grants.gov and federal financial systems strengthens applications.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.