Grant Writer

Job title: Grant Writer
Organization: Great Parks of Hamilton County
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Industry: Local Government, Parks, Recreation & Education

Job Description

Great Parks of Hamilton County’s Mission
To preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations.

DISTINGUISHING JOB CHARACTERISTICS
Pursues relevant funding opportunities for new and existing programs, services and capital projects related to assets and infrastructure. Collaborates with staff to ensure programs and projects are implemented according to the funding agency’s grant criteria and defined outcomes, and reporting obligations are completed as required by the funder.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty listed below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Establishes and oversees the grant application and management process for the park district including writing grants, developing budgets and collaborating on grant applications with staff and outside organizations to achieve the most competitive proposal within the required timeline.
  • Develops forms, processes, procedures, and policies for the purpose of implementing a consistent grant application methodology.
  • Prepares final application package for upload or printing, assuring all required information, forms and supporting documentation is addressed in the format required by the proposal and outlined by the funder.
  • Oversees processing, monitoring and coordinating required report evaluations on existing grants.
  • Manages a timeline for development of application segments with involved staff including establishing internal deadlines and tracking.
  • Researches and reviews current sources for funding opportunities and identifies potential new funding sources and the development of funding resources for existing and proposed programs, services and capital projects.
  • Develops a diversified network of funding organizations and adapts to the fluctuating availability of funding.
  • Develops and manages a record keeping, tracking and retention process for all grant proposals through financial software, database management and file servers.
  • Researches evidence-based and best practice approach documentation or other new information needed to support an application.
  • Cultivates and sustains positive, productive relationships with stakeholders and a peer network.
  • Represents Great Parks at appropriate networking and information exchange opportunities including bidding conferences, training sessions and seminars.
  • Evaluates degree of match between listed grant priority areas and the needs of Great Parks for the purpose of matching needs with funding sources.
  • Leads internal meetings and workshops for the purpose of conveying, sharing and gathering information required to perform grant writing functions. Presents information for the purpose of gaining the required administrative and executive management approvals including providing progress reports, funding sources and/or advising other staff of potential funding sources.
  • Coordinates with the Great Parks Forever Executive Director on partnerships and funding opportunities including reporting to the Great Parks Forever Board as needed.
  • Performs job duties in accordance with Great Parks of Hamilton County’s policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
  • Maintains confidentiality of confidential and sensitive information.
  • Works assigned schedule, exhibits regular and punctual attendance and works outside of normal schedule as required.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Completes special projects assigned by the Chief of Planning, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer.
  • Represents Great Parks by serving on internal and external committees.
  • Utilizes and promotes environmentally sustainable practices and processes.
  • Performs other job duties as assigned.

SCOPE OF SUPERVISION
None.

EQUIPMENT OPERATED
Fleet vehicles; mobile devices; computer; presentation devices; standard office equipment; standard industry related equipment.

CONTACT WITH OTHERS
GPHC staff and volunteers; Great Parks Forever staff; general public; foundations and non-profit organizations; vendors; consultants; government agencies; elected officials; local agencies, both public and private; and other job contacts.

CONFIDENTIAL DATA
Financial records pertaining to grant revenue; financial software passwords; funder information as required by funder.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Normal office working conditions; occasional exposure to normal outdoor conditions when visiting various parks and facilities.

USUAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The following physical demands are typically exhibited by position incumbents performing this job’s essential duties and responsibilities. These physical demands are not, and should not be construed to be job qualification standards, but are illustrated to help the employer, employee and/or applicant identify tasks where reasonable accommodations may need to be made when an otherwise qualified person is unable to perform the job’s essential duties because of an ADA disability.

  • The employee regularly exhibits manual dexterity performing job duties, and regularly talks and hears when working and interacting with job contacts.
  • The employee regularly sits for extended periods of time, and occasionally stands and walks.
  • Employee typically exhibits normal vision demands.
  • Employee regularly lifts items up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lifts items up to 25 pounds.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Process management and planning; developments, laws and policies in grant management; database management; budget planning and management; data collection and analysis; grant research tools and resources related to non-profits and foundations; local, state and federal public and private industry related funding sources.

Ability to: Be focused when achieving goals and targeted outcomes; be resourceful and find opportunities to develop creative solutions; be persistent and always follow through; be organized with meticulous attention to detail; manage time and resources effectively to meet project deadlines; perform and coordinate multiple tasks; collaborate with other departments to accomplish shared projects exhibit good problem solving and good judgement in keeping with the mission of the park district; maintain confidential and sensitive information; understand and demonstrate respect for cultural and socio-economic differences; support a working atmosphere consistent with Great Parks’ equal employment opportunity; embrace and support constructive change; consistently follow safety and security procedures and practices; contribute toward building a positive team working environment; establish and maintain an effective working relationship with associates, officials, general public, and other job contacts.

Skill in: Completing grant applications and reports including exhibits and attachments; grant research, writing, tracking and reporting; operation of computer; written and verbal communications; writing clearly and informatively and varies style to meet needs; reading and interpreting written information; preparing comprehensive records and reports; project management; maintaining accurate and complete records; preparing financial reports; preparing and making presentations; application of job specific and industry standard software.

QUALIFICATIONS
An appropriate combination of education, training, course work and experience may qualify an applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is:
Bachelor’s Degree in English, Journalism, Communications or related field and 5 years’ professional grant writing experience. Experience in natural resources/conservation, nature education and public parks and recreation is a plus.

Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

LICENSE OF CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License that meets GPHC current carrier guidelines. Must obtain membership to Grant Professionals Association within 1 year of employment.

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