Grants Specialist

Work Period:

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Attends occasional night meetings.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in public administration, accounting, planning, or related field preferred. Must be able to manage work independently and work effectively with a wide variety of staff, federal and City officials, outside agencies, vendors, auditors and the public. Experience with grant administration and grant writing preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

Must have an Oklahoma Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record. Must obtain City of Norman Cash Handlers Certificate within six (6) months of the probationary period.

Knowledge:

Administrative practices, including operation of standard office equipment and proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office software. Communication skills, both verbal and written. Basic accounting, organization, and prioritizing tasks.

Skills:

Strong written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills. Possess well-developed decision-making skills, and attention to detail with a high level of accuracy; a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential client and employee information and situations. Able to multi-task and remain calm in demanding and unpredictable situations; to maintain a professional, customer service-oriented attitude at all times. Possess excellent time management skills and the ability to work with minimum supervision.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions:

Assists with the day-to-day administration of CDBG and HOME programs and other assigned grant-funded programs within the Grants Division; in the development and implementation of the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, Citizen Participation Process, CAPER, and other federal, state, and local grant plans and reports. Prepares and reviews grant applications, project proposals, and requests for funding for compliance with applicable City, federal, and program requirements. Coordinates the implementation and administration of assigned grant-funded programs and projects from application through completion. Provides technical assistance and guidance to City departments, nonprofit agencies, contractors, applicants, and other stakeholders regarding grant requirements, eligible activities, program procedures, and applicable regulations. Administers assigned housing and community development programs including the Housing Rehabilitation Program. Collects, analyzes, and reports program performance and accomplishment data and assists with the development of performance measures and program evaluations. Must be able to maintain confidentiality with information regarding the recipients of CDBG and HOME Assistance. Maintain division webpages and assist with public engagement tools as directed. Independently manages multiple projects, deadlines, funding sources, and competing priorities. Represents the Grants Division professionally when communicating with City departments, elected and appointed officials, federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, contractors, consultants, applicants, and members of the public. Exercises sound judgment when interpreting regulations, evaluating financial and program documentation, and resolving routine program issues. Attends training, seminars, conferences, and professional development activities to maintain current knowledge of grant administration, HUD requirements, municipal finance, planning, and related fields. May be required to work evenings, nights, or extended hours as necessary to attend assigned meetings, public hearings, outreach events, or meet grant and program deadlines. Performs other related work as required.