Grant Writer (Senior Planning Specialist, Grade 25)

WHO WE ARE

The Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) works to preserve and increase the supply of affordable housing, maintain existing housing in a safe and sanitary condition, preserve the safety and quality of residential and commercial areas, ensure fair and equitable relations between landlords and tenants, and support the success of common ownership communities—all with a focus on reducing the impacts racial inequities and climate change.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

DHCA is seeking a skilled and results-driven Grant Writer to prepare grant submission to secure funding for our affordable housing related initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a proven history of successfully writing grant proposals in the housing or community development sectors. This position is located within the Director’s Office at DHCA to serve as the Department’s Grant Officer tasked with prospecting, writing, managing grants, and liaising with applicable internal and external agencies associated with grants. Under the supervision of DHCA’s Deputy Director, the incumbent will research, coordinate, prepare applications for submission for Federal and State grant opportunities by collaborating with other County agencies and stakeholders.  

What You'll Be Doing

The Incoming Grants Officer must independently explore, review, analyze, and prepare applications for available grant opportunities to support DHCA’s critical program operations and service delivery. The roles and responsibilities include reviewing and evaluating Federal, State, and other grant funding opportunities, coordinating with department staff, County agencies, and stakeholders, and drafting grant applications, coordinating cross-departmental approvals to secure funding support for DHCA’s programs and policy objectives. The incumbent will ensure that all required documentation is prepared with accuracy and in a timely manner.

The incumbent will lead in establishing internal procedures for completing DHCA grant applications and becoming familiar with the required online grant submission portals. The incumbent must be highly organized and possess excellent writing, coordination, and analytical skills. A work-related writing sample may be required from those selected for final review.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Research and identify relevant grant opportunities to support affordable housing and community development goals.
• Develop and write compelling, well-researched grant proposals tailored to specific funding agency requirements.
• Ensure all grant submissions are clear, accurate, and submitted timely, meeting all funding agency guidelines.
• Coordinate the drafting, technical analysis, and submission of grant applications, including obtaining letters of support and other necessary documentation.
• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of external initiatives to advocate for and secure grant funding.
• Assist in the creation of grant strategies for active and potential projects, while monitoring and coordinating ongoing grant funding opportunities.
• Monitor and attend meetings of external funding agencies, providing insights to internal decision-makers; represent the department at external commission meetings and advisory committees.
• Manage the execution of grant funding agreements and ensure compliance with grant terms.
• Respond to internal and external stakeholder inquiries related to grant planning and development; collaborate with internal teams and external partners to align applications with funding requirements.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of grant writing and management related policies and procedures, recommending improvements as needed; implement approved changes.
• Prepare and present project and funding updates to external partners, as well as internal analytical reports and presentations for leadership as requested.
• Conduct complex technical analysis on current funding trends and identify potential funding gaps issues for assigned projects.
• Coordinate and participate in department discussions related to administrative systems, processes, and operational functions.
• Attend professional group meetings to stay informed on new trends and innovations in grant management and financial analysis.
• Actively seek out potential funding opportunities that align with the department's mission of providing affordable housing and building strong communities.
• Monitor grant award notifications and promptly notify relevant department staff of award status.
• Evaluate and recommend grant opportunities suggested by the Office of Grants Management.
• Coordinate the department's response to incoming grant opportunities and ensure timely follow-up.
• Liaise between DHCA and other County departments, such as the Office of Grants Management, the Office of Management and Budget, the County Attorney’s Office, the County Executive’s Office, and other stakeholders for the internal processing of grant applications.
• Manage and ensure timely post-award reporting and grant closeout requirements for other duties or special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited 4-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in public administration, public policy, community development, communications, or a related field.  

Experience:  Five (5) years experience in a specialization relating to grant writing, affordable housing, community development, or a specialization appropriate to the assignment of the position.

Equivalency:  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.   

Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences

All Applicants will be reviewed by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) for minimum qualifications.  Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be rated “Qualified,” placed on the Referred List, and may be considered for an interview.  Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade or higher will be placed on the Referred List as a “Transfer” candidate and may be considered for an interview.

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following:

• Demonstrated ability to research and identify relevant grant opportunities that align with affordable housing and community development goals. Experience in assessing grant eligibility and matching funding sources with organizational priorities. Proven experience in developing and writing compelling, well-researched grant proposals tailored to specific funding agency requirements. Ability to produce clear, accurate, and timely submissions that meet all grant agency guidelines. Strong organizational skills in coordinating the drafting, technical analysis, and submission of grant applications. Experience in managing cross-functional teams to gather necessary documentation, including letters of support.
• Experience in leading the planning, development, and execution of external initiatives aimed at securing funding. Ability to advocate for the department's grant goals and build relationships with potential funding partners.
• Experience interpreting and analyzing requirements for federal and/or state, and foundation NOFOs
• Skilled at working with internal and external stakeholders, including funding agencies, decision-makers, and community partners. Proven ability to align grant applications with both funding requirements and community development objectives. Experience in researching and working with the regulations and procedures of grant application submittals.  
• Knowledge and familiarity with federal HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships funding.
• Knowledge of grant funding agreements and compliance requirements. Proven experience managing and monitoring grant funds, ensuring adherence to terms and reporting requirements. Strong analytical skills to conduct complex technical analysis on funding trends, identify funding gaps, and manage cash flow for grant-funded projects. Ability to provide strategic insights to leadership regarding funding strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Experience in preparing and presenting grant updates and reports to external partners and internal leadership, including analytical reports and funding presentations.  
• Willingness to engage in professional development through networking, attending conferences, and staying updated on industry trends, new funding opportunities, regulatory changes, and best practices in grant management.