Grant Writer

GRANT WRITER

FT/REGULAR

EXEMPT - LEVEL 13

SALARY: $32.37

GENERAL DEFINITION: The primary responsibility of this position is to develop grant proposals for new and existing programs, conduct a community needs assessment, prepare and submit funding proposals with state, federal, non-profit organizations, private foundations, etc. Serves as a resource to programs and new program initiatives for the Pueblo of Zuni.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Tribal Administrator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: No supervisory duties.

DUTIES:

Plans, conducts, and compiles a community needs assessment to promote economic development activities in close coordination with other resource programs of the Tribe.

• Coordinates with the Tribal Administrator and Office of Planning & Development in establishing funding priorities to include but not limited to economic and community development.
• Researches and prepares specific data for use in grant proposals.
• Obtains and coordinates current statistical, historical and economic data for planning purposes from various resources – tribal census, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Services, local schools, and others.
• Directs activities such as research, analysis and evaluation of technical information to determine feasibility and economic impact of proposed developments and/or expansions.
• Assists in the review and tracking of program compliance with existing grant and contract requirements.

Develops a comprehensive funding strategy and provides technical assistance for programs of the Tribe.

• Assist tribal program managers in establishing strategic planning initiatives.
• Coordinate and collaborate with various tribal programs in identifying initiatives to address social and economic development opportunities.
• Research grant opportunities and develops and submits funding applications to various federal, state, private agencies for grants and financial awards.
• Provides technical assistance to tribal programs with grant writing activities.
• Establishes and maintains contact with federal and state government agencies as well as foundation/corporate sector for the purpose of keeping abreast of funding requirements, opportunities and changes, and relates information to appropriate sources and programs.
• May conduct or assist in conducting public hearings in accordance with established rules and regulations of the various funding agencies effecting community development.

Responsible for program administration activities.

• Provides support to Tribal Administrator and Program Directors by monitoring various aspects of assigned contracts and grants to assure compliance with funding requirements (i.e. financial and progress reports, etc.) including providing a written implementation plan to guide the department director/manager in administering the grant.
• Oversees expenditures of program funds and accountability to ensure that funds are spent in accordance with established guidelines, rules and regulations.
• Develops and maintains a grant database consisting of grants, funding sources, reporting requirements, funding period, responsible program or department and notifies Directors of grant status and provides technical assistance with grant modifications, as applicable.
• Prepares reports (monthly, quarterly, annually) on project status for management, and grant application activity to the Tribal Council and Tribal Administration.

Establishes and maintains a close working relationship with tribal programs and other agencies.

• Attends conferences, meetings, seminars, and training sessions relevant to the program.
• Represents Zuni tribal interests in such meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Tribal Administrator or as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing. Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and private funding agencies and their proposal development, submittal requirements and contracting procedures. Ability to assess community needs and to identify sources of funding to meet those needs. Exceptional skills in technical or proposal writing. Must have strong research skills and knowledge of information sources. Effective public speaking and presentation skills. Must have excellent writing and computer skills (MS Office Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint), and data management skills. Ability to work in a team environment and function under multiple tasks and deadlines. Must have some knowledge of traditional and cultural beliefs/practices of Native Americans (cultural sensitivity). Extensive knowledge of the tribal government system and structure of the organization. Must have highly developed organizational and negotiation skills. Must be able to establish and maintain good working relationships with tribal employees and the general public.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field. Must have at least three (3) years of successful experience in community or tribal planning, organizational management, grant writing and project administration.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES:Must possess avalid New Mexico drivers' license with no DWI/DUI within the last three (3) years. Driving is an essential part of the duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is primarily in a climate controlled environment with minimal safety/health hazard potential. Sedentary, sitting, walking, occasional lifting (overhead, waist level) from floor, bending frequent near vision use for reading and computer use; frequent stressful conditions (cardiovascular).

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Position is subject to Pre-Employment drug testing. Position is safety sensitive and is subject to random drug screening for duration of employment, in compliance with the Pueblo of Zuni Drug Free Workplace Policy. Subject to a thorough background investigation including FBI fingerprint check.