Grant Writer

SUMMARY

The Grant Writer will work with Compliance Coordinator to support all program development and grant procurement activity in all Tribal departments. This position will also assist with department-specific strategic planning and evaluation to help define Tribal needs, gaps and overlap in services, and program and policy strengths and areas for improvement.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Associates Degree in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Public Health, Business Administration or related field. (must produce degree)
• Certificate in Grant writing (must produce degree)
• Three (3) years of proven experience in grant writing and experience with writing successful grant applications to federal, state, local, tribal, and foundation funders.
• Experience in the management and/or administration of state or federal grants.
• Experience with evaluation, strategic planning, and quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Valid Michigan Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development & Grant Writing

• Annually obtain and review Tribal and department priorities for types of grant funding to seek.
• Seek funding opportunities to meet identified needs and priorities.
• Monitor federal, state, local, tribal and foundation funding opportunities.
• Review potential funding opportunities daily for eligibility and fit with tribal needs and priorities.
• Communicate potential funding opportunities to Department Managers.
• Set up and conduct meetings with stakeholders, internal and external potential partners to discuss potential funding opportunities.
• Schedule and conduct Tribal Council working sessions when necessary to discuss potential opportunities.
• Prepare and submit grant applications to various funding sources as authorized by Tribal Council.
• Draft and review budgets, budget narratives, create work plans, timelines, and assign tasks if needed to obtain assistance to complete grant applications by deadlines.
• Review and provide feedback on drafts of all proposals/sections of proposals drafted by Department staff.
• Draft sections of proposals as agreed upon by Department Managers and grant writers.
• Draft and/or review position descriptions for new positions proposed in grant applications.
• Prepare initial internal OPDE paperwork grant checklist and grant format checklist.
• Prepare accurate Tribal Council agenda requests, resolutions, resolution information sheets, budgets, abstracts & legal forms, position descriptions, and match request forms for Tribal Council approval of grant submissions.
• Attendance and presentation of potential funding opportunities at the Tribal Council, Tribal Advisory and Community meetings.
• Develop relationships with federal, state, local, tribal and foundation funders and serve as the point of contact with all funders for questions regarding potential grants.
• Create detailed grant application outlines and templates for the team to follow when developing new applications.
• Conduct literature reviews and collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative local data (state and national when applicable) to support need sections of proposals.
• Request/Create letters of support/commitment/memorandum of understanding for grant applications if applicable and draft templates when necessary.
• Complete appropriate grant application forms as required by the funding agencies.
• Assemble all pieces of completed grant applications and obtain appropriate authorizing signatures.
• Mail grant applications or upload applications on-line by funder deadlines.
• Distribute copies of complete signed grant application packets to Tribal Manager, Department Managers, and any other partners.
• Complete internal electronic and hard copy OPDE grant files, including pre- and post-submission with all appropriate documentation.
• Respond to technical deficiencies in grant applications or other funder requests for additional information.
• Follow up with funders regarding funding decisions.
• Facilitate grant acceptance when funding is approved.
• Coordinate new grant reviews to discuss newly funded projects with Department Managers, Grants Management Department and other partners.
• Participate in training provided by funding agencies and others to help improve grant applications.
• Provide comprehensive monthly written reports on the grants applied for and received.
• May have to work after normal office hours or on weekends as needed to meet grant opportunity deadlines.
• Strict adherence to the GTB Personnel Policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Evaluation

Under the direction of the Program Compliance Coordinator, the Grant Writer will assist with the following activities:

• Implement evaluation plans designed to answer tribal leadership's questions including assisting with data collection, management, and analysis.
• Assess the current data landscape at the Tribe including what data is currently being collected, by whom, how it is being gathered and stored, and how it is analyzed, reported, and utilized.
• Create data collection tools (surveys, intake forms, etc.) for data that is needed but are not already being collected.
• Create data management systems including user-friendly Excel spreadsheets that department staff can use to enter, manage, and analyze data on a continuous basis.
• Provide training and technical assistance to department managers and staff to increase the capacity of department to evaluation their own programs on an ongoing basis, including creating measurable goals and objectives; creating ongoing evaluation plans; developing and implementing data collection tools; review data for quantitative and qualitative data points; managing, analyzing, reporting and utilizing findings on a regular basis.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Evaluation, data collection, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills are required.
• Strategic planning and program development skills are desired.
• Work requires advanced proficiency in computer literacy, preferably in Windows, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, Adobe/PDF, and use of associated peripherals, and other Microsoft office products and database applications.
• Good time management and organizational skills are critical.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect.
• Exceptional attention to detail and follow-up skills.
• Able to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to develop realistic and accurate program budgets.
• Basic knowledge of business and accounting systems and methods.
• Must be a self-starter, and able to work independently.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associate's Degree in Public Administration, Social Sciences, Public Health, Business Administration, or related field.
• Certificate in Grant writing
• At least three (3) years of experience in grant writing and experience with writing grant applications to federal, state, and foundation funders.
• Experience in the management and/or administration of state or federal grants.
• Experience with evaluation, strategic planning, and quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid Michigan Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory responsibility.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment; calculators, computers, modem, copiers, scanners, fax machines, and phone systems.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires sitting, reaching, walking, and lifting up to 25 pounds. Also requires manual dexterity to operate office equipment, keyboarding, copiers, etc.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

The employee uses judgment in identifying and selecting the most appropriate procedures to use or in determining which of several established alternatives to use. Considerable analytical and interpretation skills are needed. Deadlines are involved and there is time pressure on occasion.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work in general office setting, which sometimes requires sitting for sustained periods of time. Local travel is regularly required. Some state and interstate travel is also required for training.

COMMENTS

Native American preference will apply. Must be able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time through motion with Tribal Council approval. Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Grant Writer Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians