Program Analyst - [Business & Workforce Investment]

at  Appalachian Regional Commission

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.

POSITION SUMMARY:

ARC seeks a highly organized and collaborative team player to join our Business and Workforce Investment team as a Program Analyst to manage a grant portfolio of access to capital (e.g., capital and credit) grants which includes the full lifecycle (reviews applications, monitors progress, issues amendments, and closes grants) of federal grants management including pre-and post-award activities; manage the Access to Capital program by providing subject matter expertise and assistance to communities in designing strategic projects to access capital and credit; coordinate development activity within the region, encouraging project activity to promote growth and development; assist Commission to develop policy and strategic technical assistance; and collaborate with internal and external working groups to co-invest in partnership with other government agencies, nonprofits, philanthropies, and other capital providers. Applies knowledge of federal regulations and interprets and applies Commission policies and procedures related to the management of ARC grants implemented under the Appalachian Regional Development Act (ARDA) of 1965. This position works closely with program team members and reports to the Division Director.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to plan, facilitate, and engage diverse groups and individuals, including federal, state, and local partners, resulting in the ability to advance goals in a consultative, innovative, and collaborative manner.
• Adept knowledge of and ability to apply laws, regulations, rules, policies, procedures, processes, and methods governing the administration of Federal grants, cooperative agreements, and awards including financial methods, procedures, and practices to assess the financial stability of recipient of Federal grants or cooperative agreements.
• Strong attention to detail, effective customer service communications, and ability to use a variety of software such as grants management applications, Excel, and Word.
• Experience in collaborating with teams on research and evaluation projects focused on economic development, businesses development, and access to capital.
• Adept knowledge of community and small business finance, lending products, and funding sources, as well as familiarity with government programs, grants, and incentives for small businesses.
• Understanding and experience with federal grants management processes and technical assistance consistent with sound business and industry practices including the ability to monitor, evaluate, and administer assigned grants.
• Experience in assisting communities or nonprofit organizations on how to develop projects to access new funding opportunities (e.g., ARC’s Area Development Program, POWER, ARISE, and other relevant opportunities)
• Excellent writing skills, including project memos for leadership, program whitepapers, and presentations. Must be able to communicate information to a variety of audiences. Business writing skills are required.
• 5-8 years of experience in economic development and access to capital, with proven experience in providing technical assistance to communities and organizations to access capital and credit in the context of economic development and community finance, with a proven track record of success in access to capital initiatives. A successful candidate will understand barriers in rural areas and can creatively pursue solutions.
• 4-6 years of proven experience in grant management, particularly throughout the life cycle of a grant (pre- and post-award) either as a grantee or as part of a grantmaking organization or agency.
• 4-6 years of effective oversight of strategic projects, and delivery of technical assistance to government agencies, nonprofits, philanthropies, and other capital providers
• 4-6 years of effective engagement and development of strategic partnerships with a variety of organizations, including philanthropies, capital providers, private organizations, leading non-profit policy and development organizations, and others.
• Core competencies: accountability, adaptability, collaboration, communication, and critical analysis, with an emphasis on quickly solving problems.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment bringing an energetic and innovative approach to work.
• Successful completion (prior to hire) & maintenance of background security review; U.S. citizenship required.
• Ability to travel (up to 25%) and possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Please refer the Job description for details