DHSEM Grants Specialist III

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Grants Specialist III works in the Grants Management Office within the Preparedness Grants and Contract Section. The office supports federal and state grant programs through all phases of the grant life cycle, including applications, awards, grant agreements, subrecipient support, monitoring, and close-out. The position manages and coordinates grant agreement documents from request through final dissemination, interpreting federal grant guidance and state legislation, coordinating information across Division sections, and reporting agreement information to leadership. It also updates the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) SubAward Reporting System (FSRS) for Division grants and assists the Grants and Agreements team with other grant responsibilities. The role works with the Office of the State Controller’s Central Contracts Unit, grant program managers, Division colleagues, and external partners to maintain agreement templates, develop and implement subrecipient agreements, and ensure agreements contain appropriate requirements and modifications. It also administers grant information and records, supports subrecipients, and assists with reimbursement and environmental-historic-preservation submissions. The position may provide pre-disaster support to State Emergency Operations Center training and exercises for up to 5% of work time. During a state-declared disaster, it may provide operational support to the Center, and when directed, serve on the State Recovery Task Force until relieved. The work unit’s core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility. The role follows a hybrid work model and requires in-office attendance at least three days per week, typically Tuesday through Thursday. This position is open only to current Colorado residents and is grant funded, with a high probability of renewal when funding expires; the employee must sign a waiver of retention rights.

Requirements

Meet one of the following minimum qualification options: six years of professional experience in grants, accounting, or finance administration that included monitoring or administering grants or other restricted funds; or a bachelor’s degree and two years of such professional experience; or a master’s degree and one year of such professional experience.
If using education to meet the minimum qualifications, attach transcripts at the time of application.
Ability to prioritize and be accountable.
Demonstrated strong critical-thinking skills.
Ability to make independent and creative decisions.
Ability to multitask.
Strong organizational and follow-up skills.
Self-sufficient, highly motivated, and able to work as a team player.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment with consistency and reliability.
Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application.
Must successfully complete a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, fingerprint-based criminal history search, reference checking, and driving history review.
Must be able to participate in State Emergency Operations Center and Recovery activations as assigned.
Must sign a waiver of retention rights.

Nice To Haves

Recent and successful experience in grant management, grant compliance, and administration of federal, state, local, and foundation grants.
Working knowledge of grant compliance processes.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
Exceptional self-motivation and ability to facilitate collaborative working partnerships.
Microsoft Office and Adobe skills, including spreadsheet and word processing, security, and advanced formatting controls.
High standards of work and personal ethics and integrity.
Good to excellent judgment and discretion.
Commitment to providing high standards of customer service and support.

Responsibilities

Lead coordination with the Office of the State Controller’s Central Contracts Unit to update Division agreement templates in accordance with applicable guidelines and state regulations.
Guide and assist Grant Program Managers in creating appropriate agreement documents for grant-management requests.
Lead implementation of agreements for subrecipient awards.
Work with team members to develop agreements that include applicable federal requirements and necessary modification documents.
Collaborate with program managers across sections to finalize agreements and communicate with external partners about questions and status.
Ensure the agreement process is completed from start to finish and update systems that manage grant awards.
Develop and foster positive relationships with subrecipients at local, regional, and state levels, including Tribal Nations.
Ensure grant information is entered into the Bi-Annual Strategic Implementation Report (BSIR), EMGrants Pro, FSRS, and the Colorado Operations Resource Engine (CORE).
Maintain paper and electronic grant files for assigned subrecipients in compliance with federal and state records and retention rules.
Assist in reviewing Requests for Reimbursements (RFRs) and Environmental Historical Preservation (EHP) submissions.
Represent the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and/or Office of Grants Management at meetings as assigned.
Provide pre-disaster support to State Emergency Operations Center training and exercises for up to 5% of work time, as directed.
Provide operational support to the State Emergency Operations Center during a state-declared disaster, as directed.
Assume an assigned role on the State Recovery Task Force when directed, until relieved by the Task Force Leader or Director of DHSEM.

Benefits

Medical and dental options for permanent employees and their dependents.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Life insurance, including Basic Life and AD&D coverage provided at no cost to employees, as well as legal resources and discounts.
State of Colorado Wellness Program, including personalized health coaching and skill groups; participants may earn a $20 monthly health insurance premium discount.
BenefitHub discounts, promotions, and special programs from retailers, restaurants, travel, and entertainment venues.
State contribution to a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.
Eligible employees have access to leave under FMLA and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI).
Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the role.
PERA Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution retirement plan, with optional 401(k) and 457 plans.
Eleven paid holidays annually, accrued annual and sick leave, and four annual wellness days.
Employee Assistance Program offering short-term counseling, referrals, resources, training, and organizational development services.
Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.