Grant Specialist

CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE•Wheat Ridge, CO

3d•$69,416 - $100,654•Onsite

About The Position

The Grant Specialist researches and identifies grant opportunities; develops, writes, and submits grant proposals in collaboration with program and project teams; and manages and reports on grant awards supporting the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. Most of the role focuses on parks and recreation funding initiatives, including capital projects, programming, trails, open space, conservation, recreation access, and community wellness. The position also supports grant research, proposal development, and coordination for other City departments, as well as other Parks and Recreation Department and City initiatives. The position is primarily administrative and is based in a typical office environment at a City building. Work is completed indoors using a computer, office phone, printer, and other standard office equipment. Occasional travel to meetings, project sites, and conferences using a personal or City vehicle is necessary. The position is full-time, experienced-level, and has a day shift. The listed salary range is $69,416 to $100,654 per year, with an anticipated hiring range of $69,416 to $85,035. Final hiring salary depends on qualifications, experience, internal equity, and other applicable considerations; exceptional candidates may in infrequent cases be considered above the anticipated range.

Requirements

Professional-level experience managing grants for an aligning organization, such as a public agency or similar nonprofit, or professional-level experience in a Parks and Recreation Department with increasing responsibility; the posting specifies three years for either experience path.
Experience in grant writing and administration.
Experience developing and managing public involvement and civic engagement processes.
Experience preparing and managing budgets, including projected matching funds, project expenses, and grant revenue; general budget management and expense tracking experience.
Project management experience, particularly on projects involving state or federal grant funds.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local grant processes and compliance requirements.
Strong technical and persuasive writing skills.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and complex funding requirements.
Knowledge of municipal budgeting and public-sector financial procedures.
Ability to collaborate across departments and build partnerships.
Strong organizational and project management skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Public Administration, Business, or a related field from an accredited university or college.
A master’s degree may substitute for two years of the minimum experience requirement.
Additional appropriate experience may substitute for the minimum education requirement.
Familiarity with parks and recreation funding sources, such as LWCF and GOCO.
Local government experience.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with team members to identify areas, programs, and projects needing funding.
Research local, state, federal, and private grant and funding opportunities.
Prioritize opportunities based on organizational needs and return on investment.
Lead development and submission of competitive grant proposals, including budget development, identifying matching funds, narrative writing, and preparing required attachments.
Manage grant administration, reporting, compliance, documentation, and close-out of awarded grants.
Develop and maintain productive relationships with past, current, and future funding partners.
Maintain grant calendars and funding pipelines for current and future organizational needs and initiatives.
Assist with project management and coordination when grant funding is involved.
Prepare project spreadsheets and manage project information, including payments for special projects.
Participate in long-term planning to identify future funding needs.
Prepare written staff reports, agenda memoranda, and award nominations.
Support development and preparation of the annual department budget, focusing on secured and anticipated grant revenue and related expenses.
Prepare department communications and disseminate information through various mediums.
Assist other City departments with proposal preparation, budget development, and submission.
Support interdepartmental grant coordination and ensure alignment with City priorities.
Coordinate with Finance on grant budgeting, accounting, and audits.
Develop internal grant procedures and best practices.
Maintain grant records and documentation in accordance with City policies and funder requirements.
Perform other duties assigned as appropriate to the position.