Grants And Contracts Specialist

State of Connecticut • Hartford, CT

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Connecticut Department of Children and Families is hiring a Grants and Contracts Specialist in the Division of Fiscal Services, Grants and Contracts Unit, at its Central Office in Hartford. The unit oversees POS and PSA contracts, federal, state, and private grants, and Youth Service Bureaus. The position reports to the Fiscal Administrative Supervisor and performs specialist work in planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating complex grant programs, including program development, coordination with government and community organizations, administration, monitoring, and assessment.

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After successful completion of the working test period, a hybrid telework schedule of up to 70% may be available.

The role involves grant research and preparation, oversight of grant funds and program activities, technical assistance to grantees, grant-related contract preparation, and reporting. The Specialist also evaluates proposals and applications, recommends funding, and coordinates with state, local, and regional organizations. The department’s mission is to partner with communities and empower families to raise resilient children who thrive.

Requirements

• Seven years of experience in planning, implementation, and/or management of grant programs at the community, state, or federal level.
• College training may substitute for general experience at 15 semester hours per one-half year of experience, up to a maximum of four years for a bachelor's degree.
• A master's degree in a closely related field may substitute for one additional year of general experience.
• Considerable knowledge of grant preparation and administration, program evaluation and monitoring, research methods and techniques, and budget preparation and monitoring.
• Considerable interpersonal, oral communication, and written communication skills.
• Ability to use computer software.
• Supervisory ability.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with contract development, negotiation, and administration, including drafting, reviewing, and interpreting contract language and scopes of service.
• Experience with procurement processes and preparing and evaluating RFPs/RFQs in compliance with applicable statutes, regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Experience using Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams, including analyzing and organizing data and using advanced formulas and functions.
• Experience managing multiple priorities, solving problems, and working independently and collaboratively in a changing work environment.
• Experience training, leading, or developing staff, including effectively delegating tasks.
• Experience analyzing financial or administrative information, such as accounts payable/receivable or reporting systems, to support decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Perform specialized grants management duties.
• Research grant applications and disbursements, including needs analyses, literature reviews, and critiques of regulations; identify problems and determine priorities.
• Develop alternatives and gather information related to the program area.
• Develop program goals, objectives, evaluation standards, timetables, and other program components and departmental policies for program areas and individual projects.
• Prepare grant proposals.
• Monitor grant funds awarded to the agency to ensure compliance with terms and conditions.
• Facilitate the direct grant process and provide technical assistance and resource support to grantees.
• Evaluate program proposals and applications for compliance with regulations and state goals, and recommend funding.
• Prepare contracts and agreements related to grant activities.
• Monitor and assess programs for compliance with reporting requirements, budget and timetable guidelines, and program effectiveness.
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports and a statewide annual plan or relevant section of the plan.
• Attend relevant state, local, and regional organization meetings and perform liaison functions to coordinate program efforts.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.
• A healthy work-life balance.
• The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer; qualifying employees may be eligible for student loan forgiveness after 10 years of service.
• A hybrid telework schedule of up to 70% may be available after successful completion of the working test period.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed