Senior Grants & Contracts Specialist

The Office of Economic Development’s purpose is to shape the future of Seattle’s economy and make it more equitable, prosperous, and competitive. We do this work by leading projects and making investments that open up access to economic opportunities, reduce the racial wealth gap, and encourage innovation and growth. 

 We are looking for a Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist who will assist Program Managers, Strategic Advisors, and Executive Leadership in the development of competitive funding processes, new programs, and services to ensure that OED promotes an inclusive economy for all! You will assist lead staff and team members in coordinating project-related activities and provide technical assistance to community groups and organizations, City staff, and other agencies. You will help develop cohorts between contracted organizations to discuss, build, and support the organizations that are serving Seattle’s business and neighborhood communities. 

Beyond technical skills, this role emphasizes strong people skills, creative problem-solving, and a customer-service focused mindset. You will work closely and collaboratively with teams and partners to identify pain points and provide solutions to raise the bar on our services to the community. If you are equity focused, excel at managing competing deadlines, and bring a “can-do” attitude, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact on Seattle’s business and neighborhood communities! 

Here is more about what you’ll be doing:

• Overseeing the contract development lifecycle for several agreements. Developing, executing, monitoring, and closing agreements in a timely manner.
• Taking the lead in ensuring necessary contract elements, such as but not limited to: scope of work, project outcomes, project budget, invoice requirements, and reporting metricsare clearly articulated in agreements
• Working collaboratively with Program Managers in developing, releasing, and completing competitive funding processes such as Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Qualifications (RFQs)
• Processing invoices and monitoring project budgets by tracking project spending.
• Collecting information such as business license information, insurance, and other required information for compliance purposes.
• Maintaining tracking system for status and progress of contracts and grants, preparing reports for review, and maintaining files
• Tracking and ensuring that contractees are meeting outcomes and results as outlined in the contract
• Providing relevant technical assistance and training to small businesses, consultants, external community stakeholders, and supported industry partners
• Providing accessibility and services to businesses with language access needs and/or ADA accommodations
• Advising and making recommendations on continuous quality improvement processes to support efficiencies and effectiveness on the recovery efforts processes
• Utilizing the Citywide Contract Managing System (CCMS) when writing grants, contracts, and other agreements

 You will be successful in either of these roles with a combination of the following:

Experience:

• Customer service or client facing roles
• Providing technical assistance to community groups and organizations
• Using Microsoft Office, CCMS, FLUXX, PeopleSoft, database systems, and other similar software
• Granting and granting software programs 
• Effectively managing projects, including producing, tracking, and managing multiple deliverables with overlapping deadlines and adapting easily to changing priorities

Skills:

• Applying your exceptional customer service skills to meet the needs of internal and external partners including but not limited to OED teams & leadership, community organizations, industry representatives, small business owners, and government agencies
• Cultivating and maintaining mutually respectful organizational relationships 
• Communicating at all levels tactfully and effectively, including in meetings and cohorts with contract awardees
• Attention to detail, particularly as it relates to contracting language and compliance 
• Staying organized and prioritizing tasks 
• Fostering a collaborative approach to problem solving 
• Critical thinking and taking ownership of outcomes 

A commitment to:

• Collaborating with communities, particularly BIPOC, immigrant and refugee communities, advocacy organizations, community groups, and or business associations in the pursuit of inclusive and just outcomes
• Recognizing how institutional racism and government has contributed to inequality and the wealth gap between white people and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)
• Respecting people’s lived experience
• Applying racial equity and social justice principles to your interactions and work 
• Requesting and welcoming constructive feedback and making adjustments to deliver high-quality work 
• Listening and creating space for diverse perspectives

In addition to the qualities mentioned above, you will need to possess the below required qualifications (or a combination of education, training or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class):

• Four years of experience in contract administration, budget management, planning, human services administration, or related experience

OR

• Three years of experience in contract administration, budget management, planning, human services administration, or related experience
• Associate Degree in Business or Public Administration, a human services field, or other related field

OR

• Two years of experience in contract administration, budget management, planning, human services administration, or related experience
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration, a human services field, or other related field

This civil service position is eligible for overtime and is classified as a Grants & Contracts Specialist, Senior. This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement between the City and the union, PROTEC17 – Professional Unit. The full pay range for these step progression positions is $41.62 – $48.58 hourly. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $41.62 hourly. Current City employees’ starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to work in-office a minimum of three days a week. Individual schedules will be based on agreement between the employee and their supervisor. 

 Interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for the week of February 24^th. All interviews will take place virtually using Microsoft Teams.

 We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact Nicolette Hornbeck at Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov to request accommodation.

Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in-language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.

The City of Seattle recognizes every City employee must play a role in ending institutional and structural racism. Our culture is the result of our behavior, our personal commitments, and the ways we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same. To cultivate an antiracist culture, we seek employees who will engage in the Race and Social Justice Initiative by working to dismantle racist policies and procedures, unlearn the way things have always been done, and provide equitable processes and services.

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Here is a resource for Application and Interviewing tips (Download PDF reader) with the City of Seattle. 

• A PDF of your current resume which illustrates your related skills, experience, and abilities
• Cover Letter explaining your interest in this opportunity with OED and your ability to perform in this role

This position is open to all applicants that meet the minimum qualifications. The department values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, medical condition, or pregnancy. OED encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. If you have questions, please contact Nicolette Hornbeck at Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov 

#LI-Hybrid

Salary : $42 - $49