Grants Manager

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) includes the city’s housing agencies, planning commission, art commission, historical commission, zoning board of adjustment, developer services, and more. These divisions work hand in hand to promote the economic health of all neighborhoods and the city. The Division of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) is responsible for the Planning Commission, Historical Commission, Art Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Planning and Zoning Grants Manager is responsible for proactively seeking out, applying for, tracking, and administering grants relevant to the work of the boards and commissions under DPD’s Division of Planning and Zoning. The majority of the work is on relevant grants funded by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA/BIL). The position analyzes grant applications and parameters of proposed grant funded programs, prepares cost schedules for inclusion in grant applications and requests for proposals (RFPs), develops and reviews grant applications and grant funded RFPs for accuracy and completeness, develops schedules and timelines for inclusion in RFPs.  The position works in collaboration with DPZ leadership, the city’s grants office and interagency working groups of grants managers to ensure that decisions are coordinated on IIJA/BIL grants to pursue.  Although the priority of this position is on IIJA/BIL and other transportation related opportunities, this position is also responsible for overseeing the applications and administration for other relevant grants for DPZ agencies including comprehensive planning, community engagement, historic preservation and public art. This includes from federal, state, regional and philanthropic organizations. This position engages with other DPZ managers to determine which grants are relevant and to coordinate grant applications in addition to helping to determine project management capacity of the technical staff if awarded. Coordination with other agencies, departmental and city finance and procurement staff is critical to the success of this position.  

The Grants Manager plays a central role within DPZ and reports directly to the Assistant to the Deputy Director for the Division of Planning and Zoning.

Essential Functions

• Researches, applies for and administers grants
• Coordinate and liaise with other city IIJA/BIL staff on funding for city projects
• Coordinate with DPZ leadership and managers to assess feasibility and staff capacity to administer grant funded projects
• Coordinate and liaise with finance and procurement staff in developing, posting, awarding, and managing RFPs for grant funded projects
• Oversee applications for grants from federal, state, regional and philanthropic sources
• Monitors and administers a portfolio of grants awarded to DPZ agencies
• Meets/communicates with departmental project managers to support the development of goals, milestones, performance measures, evaluation standards, and timetables.
• Provides project managers support in the preparation of contracts for grant-funded projects

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Program and project budget formulation, evaluation and administration
• Grant application and administration best practices

Ability to:

• Understand the landscape of funding organizations relevant to the work of the division
• Operate personal computers including word processing, spreadsheet, and database software
• Prepare, analyze and interpret grant requirements, financial statements and reports
• Learn City of Philadelphia specific software for administration of grants and contracts
• Exercise attention to detail
• Exercise discretion and tact in sensitive situations
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Research and determine appropriate and relevant grants
• Determine staff capacity to project manage potential grants

Preferred skills:

• Working knowledge of contracting principles
• Working knowledge of grant providing organizations

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Three (3) years of administrative contract or grants administration and monitoring as appropriate to the job; or equivalent combination of training and experience determined to be acceptable.

Education or experience in an urban planning or transportation related area is desirable but not required.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $70,000-$80,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx