Director, Discretionary Grants

Purpose and Scope

The position of Director – Discretionary Grants works under the direction of the County Commission and the Superintendent of Haywood County Schools to solicit and manage the grant process that includes grant-based funding and ensures that both organization’s programs remain in compliance with regulations and policies established by the grant provider.

Essential Job Functions

· Provides leadership and competency in pursuit of federal, state, local, and private grant opportunities and in quality management of funded grants and is viewed as expert within the field.

· Works collaboratively with other professionals, and management to assist in identifying potential sources of grant funding that align with each organization’s mission, vision, and goals.

· Shares and explains available sources of potential funding to executive leaders within the organization.

· Provides guidance and support for HCC and HCS in the pursuit of grant opportunities and in grant management.

· Prepares and submits applications or proposals with the goal of securing grants through collaboration with the departments within HCC or HCS.

· Drafts and completes grant applications on time and within application parameters.

· Ensures that the workgroup's goals and activities are in sync with and support the broader goals and objectives of the organization; and that the execution of responsibilities is in accordance with lawful and ethical standards.

· Prepares and distributes reports detailing program progress and performance in compliance with the grantor’s reporting requirements. Monitors program expenditures and submits documentation supporting expenses.

· Works with management for the HCC and HCS to prepare monthly, quarterly, and/or annual reports to the school system, government, foundations, and other funders as required.

· Coordinates the monitoring and evaluation of programs and projects that are funded by grants.

· Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Management, Education or Educational Leadership or other relevant field of study plus an additional 3 years related experience, or equivalent, for a total education/experience of 7 years. Requires a valid state driver's license. (PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED).

Verifiable experience of successfully submitting and receiving major federal, state, or county level grants.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Experience in writing and submitting grant proposals.

· Leads and directs the work of other employees in pursuit of grant funding.

· Primarily focused on administering established policies and procedures that may have an impact on departmental budgeting and strategic planning.

· Comprehensive knowledge of the field’s concepts and principles.

· Strong analytic and problem-solving skills, with the ability to understand complex data and perform analysis swiftly and accurately.

· Ability to interpret financial data and prepare budgets and financial grant reports.

· Skilled in developing data-supported solutions and using fact-based logic; ability to translate complex analysis in an easy-to-understand manner and present information to a broad audience.

· Ability to be discreet with personal information that may be needed for some grants such as employee salaries or upcoming projects.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district, city, county, state, and federal partners.

· Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

· Ability to address the operational challenges of HCC and HCS in a complex, changing political and educational environment and provide solutions and/or recommendations.

· Ability to manage daily administrative tasks without losing sight of long-term goa