What are the responsibilities and job description for the GRANT MANAGER position at Forest Preserve District of Cook County?
Under the general supervision of the Director of Strategic Initiatives in the Office of the General Superintendent, the Grant Manager will develop strategies to raise funds and resources that contribute to accomplishing the Forest Preserves’ short- and long-term goals. Working closely with a variety of Forest Preserve departments, as well as other organizations, including federal, state, and local agencies and non-governmental organizations, the Grant Manager will develop grant proposals that advance the mission and vision of the Forest Preserves. The Grant Manager will be responsible for managing all grant application and management processes. The Grant Manager will support the coordination of donation programs conducted in partnership with the Forest Preserve Foundation. The position will work closely with the Strategic Initiatives Division, project managers, and finance and administrative staff. This is a full-time, year-round position.
Typical Duties
Oversees, plans and implements efforts to secure grant funding through federal, state, local and private sector opportunities, including developing and maintaining partnerships that facilitate such fundraising
Effectively communicates the Forest Preserves’ vision, mission, goals and accomplishments to prospective funders and partners
Manages all aspects of the pre-award/grant application process including writing, editing and completing proposals and preparing support materials
Oversees post-award reporting process and ensures compliance with private, local, state and federal grant requirements
Engages in ongoing research to identify and evaluate funding opportunities that are in alignment with the Forest Preserves’ mission and priorities
Participates in the development of collaborative grant proposals and efforts with partner organizations
Collaborates with project management and finance staff to create project budgets and financial reports that align with the requirements of the grant program
Maintains grant files and databases and ensures grant records are properly archived
Assists in supporting collaborative fundraising efforts with the Forest Preserve Foundation
Monitors emerging issues that impact funding that is relevant to the Forest Preserves
Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Must possess Bachelor’s Degree or higher in communications, business administration, marketing, or other related field from an accredited college or university AND at least 3 years of full-time work experience in grant writing and management, including government, foundation, and corporate grants; OR a high school diploma or GED AND at least 7 years of full-time work experience in grant writing and management, including government, foundation, and corporate grants
Must possess at least 2 years of experience working with Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Possession of a Master’s Degree in communications, business administration, marketing, or other related field OR 1 season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County; OR at least 1 season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member; OR at least 1 season of work experience on property of the Forest Preserves of Cook County with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago; OR at least 1 season of work experience with other partners such as, Friends of the Forest Preserves or the Student Conservation Association
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS:
As an attachment to your online application, upload three writing samples (1000-3000 words) that demonstrate your ability to write grant proposals.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics
Excellent written, verbal, administrative, and organizational skills.
Knowledge of local, state and federal grant programs and the region’s philanthropic community.
Knowledge and understanding of environmental issues and terminology used to describe open space, forest preserves, outdoor recreation, and community engagement.
Possess critical thinking and analytical skills
Keeps calm under pressure and acts in a professional and kind manner.
Ability to present proposals, ideas, policies and projects orally and in writing.
Ability to use tact and diplomacy.
Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
Ability to prioritize, maintain tight schedules, and be responsive to deadlines.
Highly organized and attentive to detail.
Ability to communicate and work well with others.
Ability to multi-task effectively and productively.
Has enthusiasm for conservation and for connecting people to nature.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of District information.
The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.
Veteran’s Preference
When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:
Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
Identify him/herself as a Veteran on his/her employment application by answering “Yes” to the question “Are you a military veteran?”
Attach a copy of his/her DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).
Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.
Benefits Package
Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
Basic Term Life Insurance
Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
Employee Assistance Program
Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:
http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/
General District Employment Requirements
PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.
