Colorado Nonprofit Association

Grants Specialist

Apply by: 8/22/2024

HIRING RANGE: $30.96 – $38.15/hr

The Grants Specialist financially supports the efforts of the City of Lakewood’s staff, programs and services through research, development, and coordination of prospecting and applying for grants from private, corporate, state and federal government sources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion. Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Develops funding plans for City departments and divisions as appropriate.  Works with City staff to identify fundable projects and conducts research to prepare grants on local, state and federal levels as well as to private and corporate foundations.
• Interprets grantor guidelines, regulations, and procedures in order to provide technical assistance with application and reporting processes, and acts as the primary liaison to resolve related issues and concerns.
• Facilitates and acts as liaison with assigned specialty areas across City departments and divisions for grant compliance and reporting, reviews grant reports as required and maintains files for grant awards.
• Builds strong working relationships with metro area foundations by establishing opportunities to meet and provide general information on the City of Lakewood.
• Coordinates and maintains a resource library and donor management system.
• Maintains an active role in the fundraising community, remains abreast of new developments, and practices new ideas as applicable.
• Prepares and disseminates reports and information as needed.
• Prepares awards and recognition applications as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Supervision Received:  Resource Development Supervisor.  May take direction from Grants Administrator.

Supervision Exercised: None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Solid knowledge of grant writing fundamentals and ability to interpret federal, state and local government regulations regarding project eligibility and grant administration.
• Ability to understand and apply complex guidelines, and to do additional independent research as necessary to ensure thorough and accurate comprehension.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, ability to present complex information in a clear manner, strong grammar skills, solid leadership skills, and high level of diplomacy.
• Effective organization and time management skills, including ability to track complex multi-part proposals and adhere to time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse audiences, including donors, foundations, program staff, private residents, community groups and all levels of the organization.
• Ability to perform individually and as part of a team.
• Ability to think creatively and remain flexible.
• Ability to transport oneself to off-site locations as required.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check.

Technological Skills

• Efficient PC skills, including proficiency in MS Office suite.

Education and Experience

An equivalent combination of related education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability required to effectively perform the functions of this position may be considered, as determined by management.

• Education:  Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, English, Nonprofit Management, Political Science, Public Administration, Marketing, Business Administration or other related discipline.
• Experience: Three or more years’ experience in grant writing, fundraising, or similar role.

Certification/Licenses/Specialized Training

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are preferred.

Must successfully complete and maintain required state or departmental physical standards and certifications.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

LIGHT WORK:  Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.  If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Physical Demands

• Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa
• Sit, stand or be stationary
• Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information
• Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, grasp, move, feel, inspect, etc.
• Walk, ascend, descend on both even and uneven terrain
• Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color

Environmental Conditions may include

• Office settings

Physical Requirements – No Physical Needed

• Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or positions from all levels up to 30 lbs with or without assistance

The City of Lakewood is a drug-free workplace that provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws. All Lakewood employees are expected to work and complete all tasks in a safe manner consistent with training, standard operating procedures, City or Department policies, and common sense. Working in a safe manner includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with all City and/or Department safety rules. Horseplay on-the-job is strictly forbidden. The failure to work in a safe manner, use PPE, follow standard operating procedure, or comply with a safety rule will result adverse employment consequences ranging from verbal discipline to termination from employment, including any applicable reduction in benefits under the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act. Employees are also expected to encourage safe work practices by all co-employees, and to report any unsafe work practices immediately to a supervisor. 

The City of Lakewood celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of our workforce. Accordingly, the city is committed to creating, nurturing and sustaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our community and employees.  

Background and reference checks will be conducted for all regular and some variable/seasonal positions.