What are the responsibilities and job description for the Programs Associate-1 position at The State of Oklahoma?
Job Posting Title
Programs Associate-1
Agency
628 CNTR. FOR ADVANC. OF SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY
Supervisory Organization
Main OCAST Offices
Job Posting End Date (Continuous if Blank)
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)
Full/Part-Time
Full time
Job Type
Regular
Compensation
$80,000 - $95,000
Job Description
Basic Purpose
The Programs Associate is responsible for engaging with businesses and providing tailored support to help them access financial resources, capital investments, and entrepreneurial ecosystem services. This position will assess business needs, offer one-on-one coaching, and advise on financial management and business development. Additionally, the role will oversee the administration and monitoring of federal and state grants, ensuring compliance, tracking performance, and maintaining communication with stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and program success.
Typical Functions
- Key Responsibilities:
- Outreach: Engaging with businesses owned by VSB and SEDI
- Collaboration: Working with partners to accept and process referrals
- Eligibility assessment: Determining if a referral is eligible for the program
- Connecting businesses: When appropriate, connecting businesses to other resources within the entrepreneur ecosystem
- Business assessment: Completing an initial assessment for businesses
- Coaching: Providing one-on-one coaching to help business owners prepare for loans and capital investments
- Financial advisory services: Helping with banking relationships, financial services, and applications for government programs
- Identifying sources of financing: Helping businesses identify sources of credit, capital, grants, and other financing
- Financial management: Advising businesses on financial management
- Developing presentations: Helping businesses develop presentations, financial models, and business plans for investors
Grant Administration & Monitoring:
- Supports the day-to-day management of awarded federal and state grants, ensuring compliance with program guidelines, budgets, and deadlines.
- Monitors grant deliverables and milestones, helping ensure that all required actions are completed within specified timelines.
- Tracks financial expenditures and program performance to ensure adherence to the grant budget and goals.
Reporting & Documentation:
- Assists in preparing and submitting required federal and state reports, including financial, performance, and progress reports.
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date records of all grant-related documentation, including agreements, invoices, and financial statements.
- Prepares internal status updates for leadership and external reports for grantors and other stakeholders.
Compliance & Risk Management:
- Ensures compliance with federal and state grant regulations, including the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines, federal acquisition regulations (FAR), and state-specific guidelines.
- Conducts internal audits and risk assessments to identify potential non-compliance and recommend corrective actions.
- Supports the coordination of external audits and prepares documentation for federal or state oversight agencies.
Stakeholder Communication & Coordination:
- Serves as a liaison between internal departments, external partners, and federal/state granting agencies to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
- Facilitates regular meetings and status updates with program managers and project leads to discuss grant progress, challenges, and solutions.
- Supports outreach and partnership development activities to promote grant-funded programs and engage key stakeholders.
Level Descriptor
At this level employees are assigned responsibilities involving the direction or management of a major statewide specialized agency program which is large in size and scope and involves the planning, development, coordination, and implementation of program functions and activities by other federal, state, or local governmental organizations.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies
- Working knowledge of federal and state regulations governing grants, including OMB Circulars and federal acquisition regulations.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple grants and deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills to draft reports, applications, and correspondence.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and departments while ensuring accountability for grant outcomes.
- Strong analytical skills to assess program performance, financial compliance, and identify potential risks.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel for budget tracking and data analysis.
- Special Requirements:
- Willingness to travel as needed to support grant-funded projects, conduct site visits, or meet with stakeholders.
- Preferred Experience: Experience working with federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Treasury, Department of Health and Human Services, Economic Development Administration, or National Science Foundation.
- Previous experience in state-level grant administration and compliance monitoring
Education and Experience
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Finance, or a related field. A master’s degree in a relevant area is a plus.
Experience:
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in grant management, including federal and/or state grant administration. Experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and working with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies. Familiarity with grant application platforms (e.g., Grants.gov) and financial management software is preferred.
Special Requirements
Some positions will require that applicants be willing and able to perform all job-related travel.
Some agencies may require a specific type of degree.
Some agencies may require a specific type of professional experience related to the position.
Some agencies have determined that certain positions in this job family are safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8.
Some agencies may give preference to candidates with a specific type of degree(s).
Some agencies may give preference for a specific type of professional experience related to the position.
Additional Job Description
This position is only guaranteed through January 11, 2027. Position may be renewed through the duration of the applicable grant contingent upon availability of grant funds.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday
Jobs Hub
.Salary : $80,000 - $95,000
