Grants & Contracts Specialist

Job Summary: 

Researches and identifies government funding (city, county, state and federal) opportunities and evaluates appropriateness for Corps and Social Service Centers; completes grant and contract funding requests and renewals; prepares narrative and quantitative application information to support requests; gathers and analyzes program data comparing actual results to projected or targeted performance; prepares and submits periodic reports as required by the grants and contracts; develops and maintains thorough knowledge of unit or command wide programs, services and outcome measures; creates and updates program descriptions; facilitates the completion and submission of renewals.  

Essential Functions: 

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive.  It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position.  The incumbent may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. 

Grant Writing Responsibilities (55%)  

Develops and maintains thorough knowledge of programs and services; creates and updates program descriptions and utilizes Standard Operating Procedures that have been developed by program management; ensures applications are reflective of current and projected programming. 

Completes grant and contract funding requests and renewals; prepares narrative and quantitative application information to support the requests; provides assistance in the preparation and submission process of memorandums of understanding, formalized partnerships and collaborations. 

Assembles all pertinent materials in packages for final submission for internal approval; facilitates the review and approval process; ensures overall accuracy and quality of all documents leaving the organization. 

Grant and Contract Reporting Responsibilities (30%)  

Gathers and analyzes program outcome and reporting data in order to identify performance trends. 

Evaluates program performance, comparing actual results to projected or targeted performance. 

Prepares and submits periodic reports as required by the grants and contracts. 

Assists the Corps with maintaining and gathering required data to ensure compliance with grants reporting requirements. 

Grant and Contract Funding Research Responsibilities (15%)  

Researches public funding opportunities for Salvation Army programs; develops local unit or command wide funding proposals; assesses the fit with the requested services and those provided by The Salvation Army programs;.  

Makes strategic recommendations to the Director of Operations as to which grants and contracts to pursue. 

Conducts research on National program baseline data and best practice methods. 

Conducts research regarding the unmet need for social services in the local community by analyzing community statistics, including demographic and socioeconomic trends as well as services provided by other organizations. 

Other Responsibilities: 

Maintains current copies of grants and contracts, application materials, and related reports.  

Creates and maintains a grants and contracts master calendar. 

Assists in additional projects as requested by the Director of Operations to support grants and contract administration. 

Participates in continuing education opportunities, conferences and seminars to enhance professional growth. 

Performs other duties as assigned. 

Materials and Equipment: 

Personal Computer  General Office Equipment 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

Knowledge of effective and efficient methods for organizing and maintaining records and ability to perform the same. 

Knowledge of the principles and practices of grant administration and grant writing skills. 

Ability to read and understand complex application documents. 

Ability to prepare and maintain reports in an accurate, complete and timely manner. 

Ability to work independently and with limited supervision. 

Ability to present a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army. 

Ability to maintain security of confidential records and information. 

Knowledge of Excel and MS Office software applications. 

Must have strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. 

Ability to pay attention to detail and ensure compliance with complex reporting and agreement specifics. 

Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work in order to accomplish work in compliance with quality standards and deadlines. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: 

Education and Experience: 

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, communications, human services, social services, or an appropriate field, 

and 

Three years related work experience in successful grant writing or applicable field, 

or  

Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. 

Certifications: 

Valid State Drivers License 

Physical Requirements: 

Ability to meet attendance requirements. 

Ability to read, write and communicate the English language effectively. 

Ability to conduct all duties in accordance with the ministry of the organization and its Christian principles; conduct all communications and job duties with the highest level of professionalism. 

Ability to travel to various locations in order to participate in meetings at Corps/Social Service Centers, community meetings, conferences, etc. 

Duties are usually performed seated.  Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking. 

Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting, and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.) 5-10% of work time. 

Working Conditions: 

Work is usually performed in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like. 

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.