Asst. Grant Manager

Position Overview

This Executive 2 position provides technical assistance and guidance within the Illinois Office of Broadband, its grant program applicants, and its grantees. The ideal candidate will show initiative and take on work efficiently and effectively, completing tasks in a timely manner. The Illinois Office of Broadband is building the capacity to administer $1.5 billion or more in state-driven broadband and digital equity grants. This dynamic environment provides a steady workload and is a key aspect of the grant process for Office of Broadband programs. We welcome interested applicants who can manage this important workflow inside this exciting environment to apply.

Essential Functions

• Implements program policy for the development of multiple grant projects. 
• Manages the implementation and oversight of grant project maintenance policies. 
• Assists in providing direct training to DCEO personnel and grantees.
• Confers with Program Managers, DCEO leadership and other agency management staff on program status and grant approvals on a routine basis.
• Completes requirements associated with carrying out complex Federal grant programs.
• Participates in Broadband Workshops and Conferences.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with courses in business or public administration.
• Requires two (2) years of responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.

Specialized Skills

• Requires at least six (6) months of experience in grant management reviewing extensive application documents, including program narrative and budget analysis, and obtaining numerous approvals required for successful completion of the review. 
• Requires at least six (6) months of experience with executing and managing broadband grants.
• Requires at least six (6) months experience with monitoring fiber-based projects, knowledge of digital equity, and training in the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Capital Projects Fund.
• Requires working knowledge of the Federal BEAD program, Capital Projects Fund, requirements for implementing and reporting on a broadband or digital equity program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers six (6) months of experience in grant management reviewing extensive application documents, including program narrative and budget analysis, and obtaining numerous approvals required for successful completion of the review.
• Prefers six (6) months of experience with executing and managing broadband grants.
• Prefers six (6) months experience with monitoring fiber-based projects, knowledge of digital equity, and training in the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Capital Projects Fund.
• Prefers working knowledge of the Federal BEAD program, Capital Projects Fund, requirements for implementing and reporting on a broadband or digital equity program.
• Prefers at least six (6) months of experience reviewing extensive application documents, including program narrative and budget analysis, and obtaining numerous approvals required for successful completion of the review.
• Prefers six (6) months or more of professional experience with handling a large volume of projects simultaneously while meeting required timelines.
• Prefers six (6) months or more of professional experience with extracting pertinent information from extensive submitted documents in order to successfully process grant projects through review to establishment.
• Prefers six (6) months or more of professional experience with providing detailed technical assistance, including written and oral instruction of complicated requirements, in a clear manner.
• Prefers six (6) months or more of professional experience with public grant and program administration activities.
• Prefers intermediate level proficiency utilizing software such as Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, and especially grant reporting/tracking systems.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires appropriate, valid driver’s license.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Overtime is a condition of employment, and you may be requested or required/mandated to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, or last-minute overtime. This may require the ability to work evenings and weekends. 

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.