Grant Program Manager

The City of Thornton is looking to hire a Grant Program Manager.  Planning, coordinating, and applying for grants isn't new to the City, but the position and emphasis on this important function is!

  In this position, you'd work collaboratively with all departments at the City with a focus on grant planning, coordination, and training.  In this job you'll enjoy a significant amount of independence with a flexible work environment, all while working within a passionate and dynamic team in the City Manager's Office.

Under direction, provides high-level management of the grant program and participating staff by developing annual grant application plans, researching grant opportunities, coordinating with and supporting relevant departments, and aligning grant opportunities with city priorities.

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics.  The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

Stays informed of City Council, City Manager, and department priorities to recommend appropriate grant opportunities.

Researches and stays informed of grant opportunities on the local, state, and national levels, including federal grant opportunities.

Consults with and provides direction to city departments on program needs, determine grant eligibility, and recommend funding options.

Develops and manages an annual grant program plan, which identifies and prioritizes grant opportunities and projects.

Manages the process to coordinate grant opportunities to staff across multiple city departments. Provides timely information on grant opportunities to staff.

Manages the grant review and approval process governed by city grant policy through the award/rejection stage.

Manages the planning and pre-proposal development process to identify and support new projects and frame them in ways that maximize funding opportunities.

Reviews and evaluates grant announcements and regulations for applicability to city needs and priorities as well as ensuring the benefits of the grant outweigh the costs of administering the grant through closeout.

Develops relationships with granting agencies, foundations, and not-for-profits to further the city's goal of utilizing grant funds as much as possible.

Assists in the grant training, planning, development, writing, review, approval, application, and post-application review process. Reviews grant proposal drafts.

Writes and submits grant proposals for departments when needed. Provides training in grant writing and grant-related matters.

Maintains a database that includes grant referrals for the city and the status of grants for which the city applies.

Communicates regularly with City Council, the City Manager's Office, and departments to review status of grant activities, applications, and awards.

Maintains knowledge of different grant compliance requirements.

Improves the city's grant program by continually evaluating the program and process with activities to include, but are not limited to, surveying departments for feedback, and reviewing failed grant proposals.

Develops policies that define City goals related to expending grant funding and administrative procedures for grant development and approval.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field from an accredited college or university. Four years of previous experience in municipal grant management, policy, or budget. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Licensing/Certification Requirements:

May need the ability to travel to various locations in a timely manner as the job requires.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the goals and objectives of the Thornton City Council.

Knowledge of the policies and procedures of the city of Thornton.

Knowledge of city of Thornton departmental operations

Knowledge of city of Thornton budget and financial policies and procedures.

Knowledge of city of Thornton grant administration structure.

Knowledge of the theories, methods, and practices of municipal grant administration.

Knowledge of general principles and practices of public administration, including organizational development and budgeting.

Skill in performing grant research, evaluation options, and writing.

Skill in independent analysis, making recommendations, and writing reports.

Skill in operating independently, setting priorities, solving problems, and implementing initiatives.

Skill in managing contracts and directing independent consultants.

Skill in bringing together resources and breaking silos to implement programs or solve problems.

Ability to accurately and efficiently review grant submissions for completeness, sufficiency, and adherence to City council goals.

Ability to effectively develop and recommend grant administration policies and guidelines.

Ability to research, develop, and lead formal and informal presentations and discussions with diverse groups.

Ability to direct and train employees.

Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment.

Ability to create and distribute grant guidelines, training materials, and forms.

Ability to effectively collect, review, verify, and analyze grant opportunities and proposals.

Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software including word processing, presentation, database management, spreadsheet applications and electronic mail.

Ability to interpret, understand, and comply with ordinances, regulations, standards, and laws.

Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, and members of the general public.

Ability to pursue and maintain partnerships with external organizations.

Ability to represent the city on intergovernmental committees, and to serve as an authority in all areas of work responsibility.

Ability to develop and articulate new ideas to solve problems.

Ability to advise the City Manager and senior staff on grant policy issues, and to interact at a high level with City Council.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, finger, grasp, talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly sedentary work; exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

The employee is required to have close visual acuity. Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources.

Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration.

As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.