Grants Specialist

Time Type: Full-Time

Under the supervision of the Long-Range Planning Manager, this position is responsible for identifying, researching, applying for, and managing external grant funding to support a variety of existing and planned projects for the City of Amarillo. The position will support funding requests related to public works, transportation, planning, community development, and other areas as assigned. The position will also manage projects related to long-range planning, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization within the Planning Department.

This position requires strong written and verbal communication skills. Extensive interaction is required with other departmental staff to identify needs that may be funded with grant revenues and to determine potential funding sources (federal, state, and local agencies, etc.). This position will also perform grant administrative functions, working with the Finance Department for properly tracking grant revenues and expenditures. The nature of the work is performed under minimal supervision, maintaining effective working relationships with assigned supervisor(s), peers, consultants, and citizens.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated and highly enthusiastic with strong attention to detail. An ability to complete multiple projects in a timely and effective manner is essential. The position may require a flexible schedule and the ability to attend occasional evening meetings.

• Identifies existing and future city program needs and researches grant funding opportunities.
• Manages and supports multi-departmental and multi-agency grant priorities.
• Researches, develops and maintains known grant-funding databases and resources such as federal, state and private programs.
• Researches other grant funding opportunities to assess potential for enhancing city resources.
• Conducts outreach and communication to consultants, state and federal agencies in support of city grant priorities.
• Assists departments in determining eligibility for grant funding and provides technical and advisory assistance to departments in project definition.
• Develops grant applications for a variety of departments and programs that thoroughly address grant program requirements, while creatively highlighting project strengths.
• Manages ongoing project timelines ensuring departments meet grant program requirements such as funding agreements and expenditure deadlines.
• Supports the city’s administrative and financial procedures and controls for implementing grant funding activities.
• Manages special projects in the Planning Department related to long-range planning, economic development and neighborhood revitalization as assigned.
• Coordinates communications, outreach, and procedures for department projects such as incentive programs, grants, and small area plans.
• Conducts research for and writes technical documents, marketing materials, and other informational material regarding plans, programs, and projects.
• Researches, collects, and displays demographic and other community data.
• Consults and coordinates with other city departments, external agencies, and citizen groups in furthering interest and/or action regarding plans, programs or projects.
• Responds to related inquiries from city employees, appointed/elected officials, governmental entities, and the general public.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business, English, Communications, Political Science, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field, and a minimum of three years related experience in project management and grant writing/administration including one year of experience in researching, developing, and applying for grants.

Valid Texas Driver’s License required.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Five+ years of experience is preferred with 1-3 years researching, developing, and applying for competitive state, federal, and private grant programs.

• Knowledge of grant writing and…