Grants Specialist

at  Johnson County Iowa

KNOWLEDGE OF & ABILITY TO

• Federal, state, and local grant resources
• Federal, state, and local regulations regarding service contracting and grant program administration
• Grant life cycle processes and grant management
• Principles and practices of public administration and the structure and functions of municipal governments
• Community resources and organizations
• Principles of program development and administration, including contracts, budgeting, and collaboration strategies
• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary, and punctuation
• Writing, editing, and proofreading skills

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE & SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Journalism, English or closely related field AND three (3) years of experience involving grant writing and monitoring responsibilities including experience with proposal writing, editing, and program monitoring; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Master’s degree in writing-related field preferred.
Special requirements: Valid driver’s license and insurable under County liability coverage. May also require use of personal vehicle, or equivalent transportation, for official business.

DEFINITION & DUTIES

Under general supervision of the Grants Manager, perform internal and external County grant activities, including grant management, reporting, and training for departments/offices handling grant programs. Work with departments/offices during the budget cycle to identify funding priorities and match them with funding opportunities. Work closely with County departments/offices to develop, write, and submit grant proposals. Communicate with granting agencies, as required. Support County departments/offices in establishing baseline data, researching evidence-based interventions, and communicating community impacts. Facilitate grant-related Board of Supervisors action to ensure accurate reporting, pay application processing, project completion, and compliance. Assist in coordinating annual Quality of Life and Economic Development Grant Programs, and other grant programs as funded.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation

THE FOLLOWING DUTIES ARE NORMAL FOR THIS POSITION. THESE ARE NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS EXCLUSIVE OR ALL INCLUSIVE. OTHER GRANT-RELATED DUTIES MAY BE REQUIRED AND ASSIGNED.

• Assist in coordinating the annual grant programs for the Board of Supervisors Office. Develop and implement policies and procedures pertaining to the programs, including the application process and review of proposals. Provide professional recommendations to establish grant criteria, eligibility requirements, and grantee objectives that align with the Board’s Strategic Plan.
• Process grant applications, conduct proposal reviews and site visits, identify organizations to invite to submit applications, provide information to the Board of Supervisors to assist in grant evaluation, and implement the Board’s grant decisions.
• Build and maintain grant programs in grants management system platforms and assist grantees, staff, department heads, and elected officials in administering their programs through the County’s grants management system.
• Conduct outreach to relevant departments and offices to develop competitive proposals, analyze and evaluate grant applications for completion and appropriateness, prepare reports, and conduct grant monitoring and evaluation.
• Support grant and federally-funded special projects, coordinate interdepartmental planning, serve as project liaison as assigned, and support project development.
• Develop and implement internal and external communications relating to grant programs, participate in public meetings and events, and aggregate and present program impacts.
• Create and coordinate grant-related agenda items, including contracts, change orders, pay applications, and resolutions.
• Serve as staff contact for community partner organizations. Promote grant programs and communicate grant cycle timelines.
• Work with Communications staff to produce news releases, website, and social media content related to grant opportunities.
• Review and update County grant webpages.
• Research and identify appropriate grant funding to support special projects and Board priorities.
• Review grant opportunities to determine eligibility and report to and advise departments/offices on requirements for application.
• Work closely with departments/offices to develop and write proposals, ensure grant program compliance, including submission of reports and necessary documentation.
• Prepare applications, ensure application requirements are met, and submit as specified.
• Compile data to meet deadlines under short notice.
• Plan and implement distribution of grant opportunities via events, personal presentations, email and outreach efforts.
• Comply with federal, state, and local financial and procurement requirements by studying existing and new regulations and enforcing adherence to requirements.
• Provide grant-related technical assistance to local municipalities to advance rural economic development and other Board priorities in Johnson County.
• Assist in resolving audit findings and implementing process improvements.
• Perform general clerical duties, such as filing, faxing, answering telephones, photocopying, and completing forms.
• Provide back-up for Board Office staff.
• Participate in assigned internal and external committees. Attend work-related meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Attend work regularly at the designated place and time.