Grant Writer

Education/Experience/Training: Bachelor's Degree in finance, accounting, public administration or a liberal arts field demanding excellent writing and analytic skills and three (3) years of experience in grant preparation, management and administration or similar program management. or Associate's Degree in finance, accounting, public administration or a liberal arts field demanding excellent writing and analytic skills and five (5) years of progressive experience in grant preparation, management and administration or similar program management. or High School Diploma or HSE and seven (7) years progressive experience in grant preparation, management and administration or similar program management and demonstrated excellent writing and analytic skills. Licenses/Certifications: Must possess a valid driver's license issued by the State of Montana. JOB SUMMARY The Grant Writer functions under the direction of the Cascade County Board of Commissioners (BOC) and is responsible for the County efforts to identify, evaluate and access federal, state, local government and/or non-government grant funding sources for the County. The Grant Writer will work with all staff across the County to research, pursue, write and monitor grant proposals in accordance with the required format and submit the grant applications and the requisite supporting documentation to the government and non-government grant making agencies, foundations and organizations. This position will obtain and maintain a working knowledge and understanding of the history, structure, objectives, programs and financial needs of the County and research grant opportunities from governmental and non-governmental funding sources and prepare and submit grant applications and the requisite supporting documents based on and in accordance with the funding objectives and requirements of the County. The Grant Writer will respond to internal and external queries on drafted and submitted grant proposals and applications, maintain positive relationships with funding providers and other stakeholders and maintain records and submit reports related to grant opportunities. The Grant Writer will provide assistance with the annual fiscal audit by assembling grant related financial documentation as instructed by the BOC and as requested by the Clerk and Recorder's Office and will ensure the effectiveness of County government in obtaining grant funding by providing efficient, innovative services and grant related expertise and analysis in support of all County Offices/Departments. The Grant Writer participates in decisions related to County grant matters and performs other related duties as required or assigned. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Researches, identifies, evaluates and develops potential federal, state, local government and/or non-government grant funding sources and opportunities for the County; Obtains and maintains a working knowledge and understanding of the history, structure, objectives, programs and financial needs of the County and conducts research on grant opportunities from governmental and non-governmental funding sources based on and in accordance with the funding objectives and requirements of the County; Prior to grant application, evaluates and oversees grant requirements to include determining the amount of matching funds required, if in-kind services are to be provided, length of the grant and consequential disposition of service, and related operating expense reviews and presents completed evaluation and submission worthiness to BOC for review and final approval; Prepares and reviews grant proposals in accordance with the required format and submits the grant applications and the requisite supporting documentation to the government and non-government grant making agencies, foundations and organizations in a timely manner; Actively listens to office/departmental needs and researches available grant parameters to determine if needs can align with grant opportunities; Reviews all grant funding requests for the County and coordinates and oversees the review and application processes; Works with and coordinates with the Budget Officer/Grants Coordinator on a limited basis and in a collaborative, team-oriented manner on specific grant-related special projects, initiatives and tasks as deemed necessary and as specifically directed by the BOC and utilizes overall grant-related expertise and, when applicable, knowledge of the subject grant and/or funding source obtained during the application/submittal process to assist in and further the execution of the County's grant strategy and programmatic successes; Assists and guides other County Offices/Departments in a collaborative, team-oriented manner with the grant proposal and application process to access federal, state, local government and/or non-government grant funding sources for the County; Develops, maintains and oversees the grant writing and application processes for the County and establishes the procedures for accessing and developing grant information and reports based on interpretation of available grant programs and trends in federal, state and private grant programs; Maintains an updated and current information file on grants and grant activity, including what grant programs are available, where to apply for which grant programs and trends in federal, state, local and other funding source programs; Researches and remains current on federal, state, local and other funding source grant requirements; Responds to Requests for Proposals (RFP's), Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFA's), and other grant funding opportunity documents and notices in a time sensitive manner; Responds to internal and external queries on drafted and submitted grant proposals and applications in accordance with the standards and guidelines established by the BOC and maintains positive, effective and professional relationships with funding providers and other stakeholders; Identifies and disseminates compliance requirements obtained through the application process to the BOC and Budget Officer/Grants Coordinator, manages and oversees internal/external steps in the approval process, reviews draft applications and make necessary edits to ensure accuracy, completeness and clarity and compliance with federal, state, local government and private funder requirements and conformity with County procurement standards and resolves issues in the application process with grant funding sources; Maintains and operates on-line grant information retrieval systems for grant and funding information and prepares grant-related reports or studies on grants as requested by the BOC; Possesses a thorough knowledge of the laws, rules, regulations and guidelines applicable to governmental, private and other grant programs and sources and the ability to research highly technical issues and the capacity to work with County Offices/Departments in grant related matters; Provides assistance with the annual fiscal audit by assembling grant related financial documentation as instructed by the BOC and as requested by the Clerk and Recorder's Office and will ensure the effectiveness of County government in obtaining grant funding by providing efficient, innovative services and grant related expertise and analysis in support of all County Offices/Departments; Provides administrative oversight and guidance, technical assistance and training and support to County Offices/Departments with regard to the proper preparation of grant applications and the development and implementation of procedures to ensure uniformity and adherence to County policy in the grant application processes/systems; Prepares and implements necessary documentation for grant awards; Manages concurrent grant applications and proposals while adhering to multiple deadlines, maintaining and fostering professional, productive and effective relationships with funding source personnel and representatives; Makes pol