Director of Grants

TITLE:  DIRECTOR OF GRANTS 

 DEPARTMENT:  Planning and Development

 GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

This is responsible administrative work involving needs analysis, grant research and development, coordination, monitoring and satisfying the reporting requirements for various federal and state grant programs. 

 Work involves preparing grant applications, monitoring and overseeing grant projects and assessing their effectiveness in meeting community needs.  Duties include preparation of federal and state grant applications, monitoring and evaluating funded programs and preparing all required summaries and reports.  This position also has the responsibility for making programmatic decisions involving grant application preparation, monitoring of grants and processing of requests for payment.  The work requires that the employee have considerable knowledge, skill and ability in the administration of government funded programs. 

 SUPERVISION RECEIVED 

Works under the general supervision of the City Planner or his/her designee 

 SUPERVISION EXERCISED 

Directs and monitors the work of Grant Writer(s) and Assistant Grants Writer

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Conducts community needs analysis utilizing variety of sources to determine those needs and priorities (e.g. Mayor's office, Commissioners of Planning and Development, Public Works, Human Resources, etc.)  Researches the availability of grants, making use of several publications, directories and contacts. 
2. Prepares and processes federal and state grant applications and corporate and foundation givers.  Develops schedules related to application processing.  Prepares resolutions for appropriate local authorities.  Develops application packages and distribution lists for the solicitation of proposals.  Initiates notices and schedules meetings and public hearings related to the application process. 
3. Prepares requests for payment and provides such supporting documents and budget modification requests as may be required.
4. Prepares ad hoc and recurring reports.  Handles technical correspondence.  Attends meetings and acts as liaison between department and other agencies and the public.
5. Prepares and processes federal, state, and other required filing as mandated by grantors.
6. Review of contracts and memorandum of agreement with sub recipients of grants.  Approves and processes amendments.
7. Prepares other related work as required.

 NOTE: The above description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job and shall not be construed as a complete listing of all duties or as a contract.

 QUALIFICATIONS 

Bachelor’s degree from and accredited college or university; master's degree in public administration or public policy is preferred; Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in grant writing, administration, and reporting’ or equivalent combination of training and experience.

 Previous experience applying and administering Federal, State, or private grants is a plus.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Ability to publicly present proposals to legislative committees, elected officials and donor organizations.
2. Ability to lead and develop a highly effective team.
3. Experience working in a deadline driven environment.  Able to work well in team environment, handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
4. Considerable knowledge of grants program requirements and regulations.
5. Good knowledge of computers and ability to learn various software programs.
6. Considerable research and analytical skills.
7. Considerable ability to adapt to changing priorities and requirements.
8. Considerable ability in oral and written communications, including the writing of grant applications and attendant reports.
9. Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other agencies, community organizations, citizen groups and granter sources.

 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 

Must have a valid Connecticut driver's license. 

 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED 

Motor vehicle, calculator, computer and standard office equipment. 

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and listen.  Occasionally the employee is required to walk, use hands and fingers to operate office equipment and reach with hands and arms.  The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

 WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Work is generally performed in typical office surroundings with virtually no disagreeable features.  The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet.   

 GENERAL GUIDELINES 

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. 

 The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 

 THE CITY OF WEST HAVEN IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/ EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER