Contract/Grant Specialist
About The Position
This position is within the Public Assistance Program, one of the State’s largest grant initiatives, managing a diverse portfolio of projects. The role serves as a vital advocate for communities seeking Federal Public Assistance funds following a disaster. The specialist will help local communities assess damage, apply for aid, and execute recovery and mitigation efforts, spanning the entire grant lifecycle to ensure projects are documented, executed, and closed out in a timely and accountable manner. The Public Assistance Program is a primary source of Federal grant funding for the State and operates within the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). This position reports directly to the State Public Assistance Officer.
Requirements
- Knowledge of Emergency Management practices, the Grants Management lifecycle, and government structures (State, Federal, and Local).
- Familiarity with budget methodologies, financial techniques, data processing, and information services.
- Ability to interpret program trends and data to formulate strategic recommendations.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
- Ability to analyze complex programmatic and financial data quickly and accurately.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Minimum: Education, training, and/or experience demonstrating competence in contract or grant administration.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated experience in grant management, procurement, financial reporting, and data analytics.
Responsibilities
- Offer disaster recovery expertise to applicants regarding program eligibility, procurement, compliance, extensions, appeals, closeouts, and audits.
- Attend in-person and virtual meetings statewide to support applicants in public infrastructure recovery efforts.
- Track applicant progress through the Public Assistance process to ensure adherence to State and Federal regulations.
- Monitor evolving laws, regulations, policies, and guidance tied to the Public Assistance grant program.
- Create accessible reference materials and conduct training for applicants and partner agencies on disaster recovery and policy updates.
- Assist with planning and executing Damage Assessments to support the Federal disaster declaration process.
Benefits
- 13 paid holidays
- 12 days of sick leave
- 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
- Health Insurance Coverage (State pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums)
- Health Insurance Premium Credit (Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%)
- Dental Insurance (State pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums)
- Retirement Plan (State contributes 14.06% of pay to MainePERS)
- Gym Membership Reimbursement (up to $40 per month)
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility
- Living Resources Program (employee assistance program)
- Forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation (MaineSaves 457(b) account)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
