Grant Writer/ Administrator

Salary : $60,715.20 Annually
Location : City Hall 819 1st Avenue South Fort Dodge, IA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 313
Department: Development Services
Opening Date: 11/03/2023
Closing Date: 12/1/2023 5:00 PM Central
Description
General Duty Statement
Search and review grant opportunities for the City of Fort Dodge from federal, state and other sources. Create and maintain a list of potential grant opportunities for management's consideration. Create repository of commonly needed grant application documents and ensure state and federal basic requirements are completed. Performs grant implementation activities for community development projects. Research and evaluate best practices to improve grant submission outcomes.
Distinguishing Features Of The Class
Responsible for the development, writing, and management of grant proposals for submission to public and/or private organizations or foundations based on the needs of the City. The primary focus of this position will be to explore, prepare and administer grants. Work with City staff regarding special programs, identify funding needs and funding resources. Submit grant applications on behalf of the City and provide updates on the status of grant submissions. If awarded, assist in completing due diligence items for the grants by coordinating with implementing department and communicate the hand off the grant to the implementing department. If not awarded, follow instructions to obtain feedback on application for improvements for the next application.
Supervision Received
Works under the general supervision of Community and Economic Development Director or designated subordinate supervisor. Duties are performed with a substantial degree of independence within the framework of prescribed policies and procedures.
Supervision Exercised
None.
Essential Functions & Competencies

• Works with department personnel to identify funding needs and funding resources.
• Identifies available grant sources from federal, state and private sources and communicates information to departments. Reviews the Federal Register and other publications; participates in state, county and community activities or organizations.
• Assist with the coordination of grant applications across all City departments. Writes grant proposals for submission and follows through with granting agencies. Ensures applications are completed and submitted as specified. Monitors reporting procedures and timelines.
• Attend webinars regarding grant opportunities and processes for submitting applications, as well as other relevant workshops and meetings.
• Coordinate meetings regarding information needed from other departments to complete applications by setting deadlines, following up with relevant staff, and compiling information for grant opportunities; receive and hand off to relevant department.
• Develops and coordinates grant funded programs for city services and area development efforts.
• Assists staff with administration duties and implementation of state and federal grants through financial management of the grants to include reviewing eligible costs, cost reasonableness, and reimbursement requests of pass-through grants; prepares financial and programmatic grant reports, ensuring that all state or federal eligibility requirements of the grant are followed; reviews applications for rehab or other City programs to ensure all required documentation is provided and calculates income eligibility if applicable.
• Research best practices for program implementation of Community Development programs for competitive grant applications (i.e., policies, procedures).
• Evaluate programs and internal processes and make recommendations for improvements.
• Assist the City in the development and maintenance of adequate internal controls related to grant reporting procedures; assists in resolving audit finding and costs questioned for federal awards; reviews reimbursement requests as required.
• Assist with monitoring budget/fiscal expenditures for a department or work unit; may recommend budget allocations.
• Reviews literature dealing with funds available through grants from governmental agencies and private foundations to determine feasibility of developing programs to supplement local annual budget allocations.
• Discusses program requirements and sources of funds available with administrative personnel.
• Confers with personnel affected by proposed program to develop program goals and objectives, outline how funds are to be used, and explain procedures necessary to obtain funding.
• Works with Department Directors in preparing narrative justification for purchase of new equipment and other budgetary expenditures. Proofread drafts prepared by department staff to ensure adherence to grant specifications, edit documents for proper formatting, grammar and punctuation, and submits proposal for review and approval.
• Directs and coordinates evaluation and monitoring of grant funded programs or writes specifications for evaluation or monitoring of program by outside agency.
• Assists department personnel in writing periodic reports to comply with grant requirements and maintains related files.
• Maintain positive relationships with potential sources of grants.
• Provides regular reports to management on grant activity as requested.
• Direct group involvement, where appropriate, in developing and implementing grants.
• Demonstrates strong ethical and character standards.
• Understands the City's goals and objectives and assures that all work performed meets the City's standards for customer service, accuracy, quality and efficiency; supports continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrates an ability to make decisions both independently and in collaboration with supervisor and/or coworkers.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices.
• Performs related job duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and judgement skills to apply the appropriate procedure or policy to duties at hand.
• Advanced ability to read and analyze literature, books, reviews, scientific or technical journals, abstracts, financial reports, and/or legal documents; interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Advanced ability to write reports, business correspondence, editorials, journals, speeches, manuals, or critiques and procedure manuals.
• Ability to work efficiently with very little direct supervision, exhibit initiative, prioritize work responsibilities and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Effective presentation skills to share information and respond to questions from groups of managers, elected officials, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to exhibit courteous behavior and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, outside agencies/organizations and the public, using strong customer service skills in an effective manner.
• Skill in using tact and discretion when conveying information to others.
• Proficiency with PC's and computer software and applications; knowledge of accounting software, excel based spreadsheets, pivot table manipulation, and complex financial formulas. Must additionally possess the abilities and willingness to learn new software programs.
• Ability to perform administrative work primarily in an office environment.
• Knowledge and ability to use general office equipment, including but not limited to photo copier, scanner, fax machine, and telephone.
• Strong English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills.

Essential Physical & Mental Abilities
Requires the following with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Maintain mental capacity to exercise good judgment for sound decision-making, applying prescribed policies, procedures and methods to address routine matters and ensure safety; to problem-solve, to calculate mathematical equations, and apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits employee to communicate effectively with staff and the general public.
• Must be open and honest in all communication.
• Vision at the level of 20/40 or better (preferably 20/20) with or without corrective eyewear.
• Manual dexterity which allows the employee to operate a personal computer or other similar device used in the performance of the job, with the exertion of force of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally to move objects.
• Emotional intelligence that allows one to be an engaged team member who motivates others to excel; personal courage and resilience to deal with a wide range of challenges.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace or citizens encountered during work.
• Regular, dependable attendance to work at the designated time and place.

Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in English, Public Administration, Economics, Business Administration, Accounting, Communications, Political Science or related discipline required. One to three years of progressively responsible related experience or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Must possess a valid Iowa Driver's License or have the ability to obtain prior to employment and meet the requirements of the City's motor vehicle policy. Must be able to effectively communicate (orally in person and over the telephone and in writing using electronic devices and handwritten) in English with others.
The City of Fort Dodge offers a wide variety of attractive benefits to employees. Click the link below for more information:
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In the event of employment, I understand that false or misleading information given in the employment application or my interview(s) will result in discharge. I understand that I am required to abide by all policies, rules and regulations of the City of Fort Dodge, IA.

• Yes
• No

Required Question