Title: Grant Administration Specialist
Position Classification: CED Planner 1
Department: Community and Economic Development
Reports to: Director, Community and Economic Development
Represented - Non-Exempt
Studies have shown that candidates that are female and/or BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications, they find in the job description. We are seeking the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be a person who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every minimum qualification described or are unsure if your experience could be considered related experience. Bilingual English/Spanish Encouraged
ABOUT OREGON CASCADES WEST COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (OCWCOG)
OCWCOG manages a variety of local, State, and Federal programs to serve residents, local governments, and businesses in our tri-County Region. OCWCOG is recognized by the State of Oregon as an Area Commission on Transportation (ACT) and a Type B Medicaid Transfer Agency. Additionally, the association is recognized by the Federal Government as an Area Agency on Aging (AAA), an Economic Development District (EDD), an Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund Coordinator, a U.S. Department of Agriculture Revolving Loan Agency, and staffs the two Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in the Region. These designations increase OCWCOG’s ability to serve our communities’ needs.
As an Oregon intergovernmental entity, in addition to the programs and services that OCWCOG is required by State or Federal contract to provide, OCWCOG helps businesses find appropriate capital; facilitates seniors and persons with disabilities plan for independent living; coordinates local road improvement priorities; and assists with administration and technical support for its member governments.
Each program works towards OCWCOG’s mission of helping the Region’s communities collaborate to solve problems and connect member governments, businesses, and individuals with a wide array of resources.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Historically, OCWCOG has administered federal infrastructure (CDBG, etc.) grants for its members across Lincoln, Benton and Linn counties. With recent federal legislation creating
numerous opportunities, OCWCOG desires to re-establish grant administration services, as well as add grant identification and procurement services to the organizations business lines.
This position will be responsible for tracking, understanding and drafting grants at the state and federal level, as well as working directly with member governments to apply for and administer
successful grant projects. The position will potentially support other programs across the agency as well and serve as an administrative and technical support specialist related to infrastructure
and community facility projects and various other community and economic development support. The position will also be responsible for administering the housing rehabilitation loan program in
Linn, Benton, and Lincoln County. The Grant Administration Specialist routinely handles confidential information.
Performs position duties in a manner, which promotes customer service and harmonious working relationships, including treating all persons courteously and respectfully. Engages in effective team participation through willingness to assist and support co-workers, supervisors, and other work related associations. Develops good working relationships with division and agency staff and supervisors through active participation in accomplishing group projects and in identifying and resolving problems in a constructive manner. Demonstrates openness of constructive feedback and suggestions, in an effort to strengthen work performance. Contributes to a positive, respectful and productive work atmosphere. Regular attendance is required to meet the demands of this job and to provide necessary services. This position is a Mandatory Reporter by statutory requirement.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Grant Research and Application Functions: 50%
• Research grant opportunities for infrastructure and/or other community projects.
• Work with member agencies (local cities/counties/Tribe/Port) to match opportunities with agency needs.
• Develop “calendar” of state and federal grants to give adequate time for members to review and discuss capacity and match funding and obtain approval locally if needed.
• Prepare and submit grant applications.
• Conducts research and analysis related to supporting a variety of community and economic development projects.
• Collaborate with CED GIS Analyst to develop data and mapping resources for OCWCOG’s stakeholders in an effort to identify grant needs.
Grant Administration Functions: 40%
• Responsible for understanding state and federal grant requirements including details related to reporting, invoicing and reimbursement, contractor/consultant procurement, etc.
• Responsible for managing infrastructure grants of various sizes (likely $10 million or less) from concept through to completion, ensuring all requirements are met and stakeholders satisfied with final product.
• Monitors approved grants to ensure projects are completed in accordance with applicable funding conditions and reporting requirements are met.
• Provides reporting as required to maintain compliance with all grant conditions.
• Administers all aspects of grants, including meeting with applicants, assisting clients in hiring contractors, and monitoring contractor work to ensure compliance with all program requirements.
• Responds to inquiries and agency requests; attends public meetings.
• Maintains cooperative working relationships with COG staff, member organizations, other organizations, and the general public.
OTHER JOB DUTIES
10% Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility. Duties involve moving materials weighing up to 5 pounds on a regular basis such as files, books, office equipment, etc., and may infrequently require moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Manual dexterity and coordination are required less than 50% of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, calculator, and standard office equipment.
Work is generally performed in an office environment with routine computer and telephone usage. Position requires sitting and typing for long periods of time. Position may require attendance at occasional evening meetings. Occasional travel throughout the three-county area may be required to pick up meeting supplies, run errands for the program, attend training, or visit other COG work sites.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Receives general supervision from the Community Economic Development Director
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: While supervision is not primarily a responsibility of this position, the employee may occasionally oversee CED Interns, contractors and/or RARE
participants.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience & Training
Graduation from a four-year college or university in planning, public or business administration, or field related to job duties and a minimum of three years related experience; or any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the job required. Experience must have provided a thorough knowledge of federal and state grant programs, Oregon land use planning laws and issues, and community and economic development techniques.
Certification as a Project Management Professional, or experience in Project Management is
preferred but not required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Experience with writing and/or administering local, state or federal grants.
• Experience with or working knowledge of local, state and federal grant programs.
• Experience with or working knowledge of federal and state development finance programs such as Community Development Block Grant programs.
• Familiarity with major public infrastructure finance programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in written reports and oral presentations.
• Ability to work effectively with the general public, professional staff from other public agencies and elected and appointed officials.
• Ability to perform basic research and analyze data.
• Knowledge and experience with personal computers including the ability to use word processing and to utilize the internet for research and other purposes.
Licenses, Certificates, & Other Requirements
Possession of a Valid Oregon Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain reliable transportation in order to travel throughout the area.
Position requires successful completion of a criminal history check.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by an employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities. To successfully perform this job, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.
COMPENSATION PACKAGE
Starting salary is $29.78 - $39.90/ hourly DOQE. A step increase will be awarded upon successful completion of a probationary period (typically six months), and then annually thereafter to the top of the range. OCWCOG offers an attractive benefits package including:
Retirement – OCWCOG pays both the employer’s percentage, and employee’s six percent (6%) contribution into the Oregon Public Employees System (PERS). In addition to PERS, OCWCOG pays into Social Security.
Insurance – For select plans, OCWCOG currently pays one hundred percent (100%) of the insurance premiums for the employee and their eligible dependents. The insurance package includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, alternative care, life, accidental death and dismemberment, as well as long-term care.
Holiday Leave – OCWCOG provides eleven and one half (11 ½) fixed holidays, plus two (2) personal days during each fiscal year.
Additional Benefits – Deferred compensation options, Long-term care Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Credit Union memberships, and options to participate in pre-tax Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account.
Sick Leave – Full-time employees accrue eight (8) hours of sick leave each month.
Vacation Leave – Full-time employees accrue vacation leave each month according to the following schedule:
0-36 months - 8 hours/month
37-72 months - 10 hours/month
73-144 months - 14 hours/month
145 months and above - 16 hours/month
GENERAL INFORMATION
This position is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
TO APPLY
You must submit the following application materials to be considered as a viable candidate:
- A current resume that clearly describes your experience, skills, and/or knowledge related to the requirements of the position and demonstrates that you meet qualifications of the position listed above.
- A cover letter explaining how your background, experience and training qualify you for this position. Please describe your experience and training specifically as they relate to the Desired Attributes.
If you are an eligible veteran and wish to claim veterans’ preference points AND you also meet the minimum qualifications for this position, the points will be added to your score. To receive veterans’ preference points, you MUST attach to your application materials the following required documentation:
• A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; OR a letter from the US Dept of Veteran’s Affairs indicating you receive a non-service connected pension for the five (5) point preference.
• A copy of your DD214/DD215 form; AND a copy of your veteran’s disability preference letter from the Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs for the ten (10) point preference.
OCWCOG provides veterans’ preference in employment to all eligible veterans. For more information, please go to the State website:
Veterans Information
OCWCOG is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer and is strongly committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce. Assistance will be provided in the recruitment, application, and selection process to applicants with disabilities who request such assistance. Please call (541) 967-8720 as early as possible regarding any assistance you may require.
If you have any questions please contact HR at hrrecruit@ocwcog.org. In the subject line please include the position title and the posting number #202324.
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