Grants Management Specialist

This position is located in the Department of Housing and Community Development, Division of Residential and Community Services. DHCD mission is to produce and preserve opportunities for affordable housing and economic development and to revitalize underserved communities in the District of Columbia.

The incumbent will be a member of the team responsible for analysis and monitoring of all phases of the grant cycle: Application and Pre-Award, Award and Performance Period, Pand ost-Award. Programs include housing counseling services (HUD), housing public services, small business technical support, heirs property probate program, and façade improvement program. Incumbent with other team members will work with subrecipients (community non-profit organizations) who receive grant funding through one or more of the above programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Serves as liaison with external customers, recipients, and awardees to clarify, interpret, and resolve issues associated with grant appropriateness, and allocations are in compliance. Negotiate grants following proper District government procedures. Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates grants, applications, plans, and estimates. Monitors services and related activities funded under local and federal grants. Assists higher-level officials in the development and negotiation of subcontracts; develops standardized reporting forms and mechanisms for monitoring sub-grantees; and reviews grant expenditures, both internal and by sub-recipients to ensure the proper expenditure of funds in accordance with costs and principles. Manages and coordinates sub-grants awards and ensures that all grant reporting and financial requirements are strictly adhered to, consistent with local and Federal laws and policies. Maintains contact with grantor agencies and entities, as necessary, to ensure compliance. Participates in the grant planning and sub-grant making process, preparation of policy guidelines, standards and criteria to ensure sub-grantee compliance through program monitoring activities. Assists in the development and refinement of strategies for monitoring grant recipients and conducts site monitoring visits to ensure that grant monies are applied properly.

Monitors grant-related activities consistent with the agency's directives, grantor regulations and District of Columbia grants policies and procedures; establishes and maintains a grants information database; conducts developmental seminars; and provides technical support to program staff. Reviews and evaluates research findings regarding grant-related data and reports. Conducts periodic site visits from a grants management perspective to ensure that the subrecipients have the required infrastructure components (insurance, personnel system, accounting system, licensures, certifications, etc.) in place to administer a grant and a system in place to ensure established timelines and evaluate performance. Maintains grants management planning tools, such as automated databases, reporting requirements, and review/evaluation techniques. Recommends changes to enhance program effectiveness. Investigates and resolves payments disputes; participates in the resolution of audit findings and the development of corrective action plans requested by the grantor. Research and investigate new sources of funds within District and federal governments.

Education and Qualifications

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

Licenses and Certifications

Project management certification or experience with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, Certified Project Manager Programs, or other continuing education or post graduate classes in project management, preferred.

CDBG project management training/education via U.S. Department of HUD, seminars, workshops, other training organizations, preferred.

Certification(s) in Federal grants management preferred.

Possess or working towards Certified Economic Development Specialist ranking, preferred.

Working Conditions/Environment

Work is normally performed in an office setting. Regular monitoring visits to non-profit organizations are required.

This position requires a pre-employment criminal background check.

This position has no known promotion potential.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: Monday – Friday 8:15am to 4:45pm

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS

Duration of Appointment: Career Service – Regular Appointment

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE 2725 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through an automatic payroll deduction.

Area of Consideration: Open to the Public.

Position Designation: This position has been designated as Security Sensitive under the guideline of the DC Personnel Manual. Incumbents of this position are subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations. Accordingly, incumbents must successfully pass a criminal background and consumer credit check as a condition of employment and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of their tenure.

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.