What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grant and Contract Specialist position at Yolo County Children's Alliance?
ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT
Yolo County Children's Alliance (YCCA) vision is to protect and empower children by strengthening families throughout Yolo County. We recognize that better futures for our children start by building thriving environments to live, learn, and grow. YCCA ensures everyone in Yolo County has access to the resources they need to build meaningful ties to their communities and each other. To accomplish this, YCCA has expanded on our foundational role as the designated Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) of Yolo County. Today, we serve as an inter-agency coordinator, building networks of support throughout Yolo County to deliver programs funded by numerous community and government grants, as well as individual donations. Our work focuses on three family-strengthening pillars : Family Support, Parent Education, and Community Collaboration.
ROLE IMPACT
As the Grant & Contract Specialist at YCCA, you will play a vital role in driving funding strategy, ensuring financial sustainability, and strengthening the operational efficiency of our 60-person, $7M social services organization. Reporting to the Director of Development, you will take a proactive approach in managing a diverse portfolio of grants and contracts, conducting research to identify new funding opportunities, and collaborating across departments to align funding with program needs. Your ability to problem-solve, think strategically, and adapt to changing funding landscapes will directly support YCCA's mission of strengthening families and empowering communities.
You will take initiative in writing compelling proposals, strengthening relationships with funders, and ensuring contract compliance, while also researching funding trends, anticipating challenges, and improving internal grant management processes. In this role, you will be both a strategic thinker and a hands-on problem solver, taking primary responsibility for certain proposals while supporting larger, more complex applications. You will work closely with the Finance Department to track budgets, prepare invoices, and ensure seamless financial reporting. Collaboration will be key as you partner with program managers, direct service staff, and leadership to track program outcomes, measure impact, and craft data-driven narratives that enhance YCCA's ability to secure long-term funding.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GRANT & CONTRACT SPECIALIST
Daily duties may include :
- Oversee a portfolio of approximately 40 grants & contracts, tracking terms, award amounts, amendments, reporting & invoicing dates, deliverables, and other pertinent information.
- Support program managers and direct service staff in understanding contract deliverables and in tracking and reporting outcomes. This may include assisting with tracking and evaluation tools.
- Develop relationships with funders
- Identify and review and evaluate potential grant and contract opportunities
- Prepare proposals in response to grant and contract opportunities from the Federal, State, County, City, and Tribal governments, as well as from foundations and businesses.
- Collaborate with YCCA direct service staff, program managers, Finance Director, and Executive Director on various aspects of proposal development.
- Oversee proposal development process including timeframes, required attachments, exhibits, budgets, and coordination of the team.
- Oversee Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), grant portals, and certification requirements, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations
- Track and evaluate grant and contract budgets in collaboration with Finance Department and Program Managers to meet deliverables and program needs.
- Prepare and coordinate with Finance Department to prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual invoices and financial reports.
- Train program managers and staff in using data tracking and program management tools such as Salesforce and HMIS. Provide refresher trainings as needed.
- Create reports for YCCA's Board of Directors to keep them informed about status of grants and contracts.
- Complete various administrative task such as data entry, mail, SAM registration management, maintenance of licenses and registrations, resource reconciliations, etc.
- Must work YCCA sanctioned community events that assist in delivering program services to the communities we serve
- A nd any other assigned duties needed to help drive our Vision and fulfill our Mission
CHARACTERISTICS & SKILLS FOR A CANDIDATE TO SUCCEED IN THE ROLE
Core Characteristics
Must Have Skills / Qualifications
Nice to Have Skills
Essential Physical Requirements
Candidates must be able to perform tasks which involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work as well as lift up to 20lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Experience & Educational Background
Candidates must have five (5) or more years of successful work experience in all or some the following areas : managing grants and contracts, grant writing, project management, report writing, budget development and management, data analysis and evaluation. A Bachelor's degree is preferred.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
At Yolo County Children's Alliance, a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace is one where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feels valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all our departments, programs, and worksites. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.
We're committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for our industry sector, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.
County or State Required Documentation : Due to the nature of this role that may involve interaction with youth or require YCCA meet certain guidelines stipulated in federal and state funding, a fingerprint and background check is required.
Salary : $27 - $29
