Grants Manager

We are looking for a seasoned grant writer to join our team! Are you looking for an organization that prioritizes integrity, sustainability, inclusivity and most of all, fun? This is your opportunity!

At Great Parks, our team members work together to preserve and protect natural resources and to provide outdoor recreation and education in order to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations. Be a part of an inclusive organization that enriches the region by inspiring nature-based experiences, celebrating cultural heritage and building strong and healthy communities through our dedicated staff, volunteers, and friends.

This position will manage our grants program and pursue relevant funding opportunities for new and existing programs, services, and capital projects related to assets and infrastructure. They will also collaborate with staff to ensure programs and projects are implemented according to the funding agency’s grant criteria and defined outcomes, and reporting obligations are completed as required by the funder. Conservation and sustainability experience is a plus but not mandatory for this position.

The successful candidate will do the following:

Establishes and oversees the grant application and management process for the park district including writing grants, developing budgets, and collaborating on grant applications with staff and outside organizations to achieve the most competitive proposal within the required timeline.

Develops and recommends to the Chief of Philanthropy division goals related to annual giving, corporate sponsorship, planned giving, major giving, and capital/special campaigns.

Researches and reviews current sources for funding opportunities and identifies potential new funding sources and the development of funding resources for existing and proposed programs, services and capital projects. Collaborates with staff in developing and directing proposed programs, services, and projects to align with funding opportunities.

Manages a timeline for development of application segments with involved staff including establishing internal deadlines and tracking.

Cultivates and sustains positive, productive relationships with stakeholders and a peer network.

Develops forms, processes, procedures, and policies for the purpose of implementing a consistent grant application methodology.

Prepares final application package for upload or printing, assuring all required information, forms and supporting documentation is addressed in the format required by the proposal and outlined by the funder.

Oversees processing, monitoring, and coordinating required report evaluations on existing grants.

Develops a diversified network of funding organizations and adapts to the fluctuating availability of funding.

Develops and manages a record keeping, tracking and retention process for all grant proposals and agreements through financial software, database management and file servers.

Ensures compliance with grantor’s restrictions and requirements and monitors internal grant spending in collaboration with Finance and program staff. Completes and tracks reimbursement requests as needed. Ensures public recognition, adheres to grantor’s requirements and best practices.

Researches evidence-based and best practice approach to documentation or other new information needed to support an application.

Represents Great Parks at appropriate networking and information exchange opportunities including bidding conferences, training sessions, and seminars.

Evaluates degree of match between listed grant priority areas and the needs of Great Parks for the purpose of matching needs with funding sources.

Leads internal meetings and workshops for the purpose of conveying, sharing and gathering information required to perform grant writing functions. Presents information for the purpose of gaining the required administrative and executive management approvals including providing progress reports, funding sources and/or advising other staff of potential funding sources.

Participates in project management of district-wide initiatives involving grant funding.

Presents to the Great Parks Forever Board as needed.

Performs job duties in accordance with Great Parks of Hamilton County’s policies, procedures, and performance expectations.

Maintains confidentiality of confidential and sensitive information.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or related field is required and 5 years' professional grant writing experience. Experience in natural resources/conservation, nature education and public parks and recreation is a plus.

Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

LICENSE OF CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License that meets GPHC current carrier guidelines. Must obtain membership to Grant Professionals Association within 1 year of employment.

Benefits include medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, holidays, and sick time; enrollment in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and free or discounted use of many Great Parks of Hamilton County recreational activities.

Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law.