Specialist, Grants

Primary Role

Responsible for identifying grant opportunities, preparing grant applications, securing grants of all types, and assisting in the management of approved grants in specified functional and program areas.

Responsible for grant proposal development, submission, and tracking, as well as grant reporting and compliance. Responsible for maintaining grant databases, calendars, and files, as well as communicating with stakeholders and staff.

Research and abstract information and supporting data in preparation of grant applications and administration, projects, and reports, including data compilation, research, tables and graphs.

Important Information

•    This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and contracted increases as determined by the collective bargaining agreement, and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan,
•    Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!  American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally! 
•    Posted range is $65,208-$108,966
•    The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. 
•    In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! 
•    American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally! 

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for researching, developing, and managing complex applications for new grant and low interest loan programs; composing, editing, and finalizing grant proposals, agreements, contracts, and project progress reports for funding agencies.
• Assisting in administering labor compliance and procurement programs in compliance with federal and state regulations and established local policies and procedures, reviewing and editing various types of technical reports; and preparing internal status reports.
• Additional responsibilities include:
• Analyzing current grant and loan agreements for program compliance.
• Responding to mandated third-party audits of awarded grant project administration and management
• Assisting with documenting internal written procedures related to grant compliance on state and federal grant programs.
• Gathering, compiling, analyzing, interpreting, and organizing qualitative and quantitative data, reports, and tables
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create clear, concise, well-structured, and comprehensive technical documents, agreements, reports, guidelines, and contracts

Knowledge/Skills

• A basic knowledge of grant writing and budgeting
• Knowledge of finance/budgeting
• Knowledge of procurement/contracting
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including grant writing experience, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to varying audiences.
• Excellent critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Time management
• Grants and/or project management skills, including experience managing administrative projects.
• Software skills (Word, excel, PowerPoint, Smartsheet, DocuSign, financial management software)
• Communications skills (works closely with engineering, operations, finance staff)
• A collaborative work style, and the ability to perform in a cross-functional team.
• Ability to work independently and report out findings.
• An ability to work well under pressure, with interruptions and changing priorities under tight deadlines, while producing quality results with attention to detail.

Experience/Education

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, accounting, political science, economics, urban planning, environmental studies, engineering, geography, communications, or a related field.\
• Two years of general experience working with agencies that provide grant funding. Five years of professional upper-level analyst experience preferred.
• Experience with state and federal code, regulation requirements, and risk mitigation techniques for sub-awards and agreements.

Travel Requirements

• Limited
• Travel is predicated on attending confrences, meetings etc. 
• May also travel throughout the state. 

Work Environment

• Primarily an office environment with a few field visits.
• Hybrid eligibility (office 3-days and remote 2-days per week)

Competencies