Economic Development Specialist

Rowe Professional Services Company; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay

BCBS medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Generous PTO program

Flex time scheduling

401(k) with company match

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking a Client Funding Specialist in Grand Rapids, MI. This role involves supporting clients in identifying, securing, and managing funding for infrastructure and community development projects. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Public Administration or related fields and at least five years of relevant experience, particularly in grant administration. The position offers a competitive salary along with a benefits package including PTO, medical coverage, and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in grant administration or related fields.
• Direct experience with infrastructure funding programs is preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Support clients in securing funding for infrastructure projects.
• Collaborate to develop funding strategies for community development.
• Lead preparation of grant and loan applications.

Skills

Grant administration

Municipal finance

Project management

Technical writing

Relationship-building

Presentation skills

Education

Degree in Public Administration, Finance, Planning, or related field

Job description

The Company

ROWE Professional Services Company is an employee-owned, full-service professional consulting firm specializing in civil engineering, surveying, aerial photography/mapping, LiDAR, landscape architecture, planning, and land development.

At ROWE, our core values include safety, quality, people, service, and growth. We are seeking a Client Funding Specialist to join our proactive team of ethical, talented, passionate professionals and leaders at our Grand Rapids, MI office.

Position Summary

The Client Funding Specialist supports ROWE clients in identifying, securing, and managing funding for infrastructure and community development projects. This role blends financial strategy, grant writing, regulatory knowledge, and client relationship management to help communities move projects from concept to construction.

Funding Strategy & Planning

• Collaborate with engineers, planners, and clients to develop comprehensive funding strategies for community development projects.
• Identify federal, state, and local grant/loan opportunities (e.g., SRF, USDA‑RD, Safety, TAP, Bridge, TEDF, CDBG, EPA programs, etc.).
• Assist in preparing funding feasibility analyses, rate impact studies, and capital improvement funding plans.

Grant & Loan Administration

• Support business development efforts and proposal preparation.
• Lead preparation of grant and loan applications, including narratives, budgets, schedules, and benefit analyses.
• Coordinate required technical documentation with internal design teams.
• Track legislative and program changes that affect client funding options.
• Work with project managers to align project scopes and schedules with funding requirements.
• Maintain funding opportunity databases and internal best practices.

Job Requirements

• Degree in Public Administration, Finance, Planning, Business, Professional/Technical Writing or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in grant administration, municipal finance, economic development, or A/E consulting.
• Direct experience with infrastructure funding programs preferred.
• Certified Grant Administrator or related economic development credentials preferred.
• Strong technical writing experience preferred.
• Knowledgeable of federal/state procurement and compliance.
• Ability to translate engineering concepts into fundable community benefits.
• Relationship‑building and presentation skills.
• Project management and deadline coordination.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work remotely and in person effectively.

Why Work Here

ROWE offers a highly competitive wage and benefits package which includes:

• Overtime pay at time and a half.
• BCBS medical insurance options with industry-low co‑shares.
• Dental, vision, and employer‑paid life insurance plan.
• A generous PTO program and paid holidays.
• Flex time scheduling and telework opportunities.
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) options with 4% company match, auto‑enroll and target‑based funds.

WE BUILD CAREERS!

Check us out at:

www.rowepsc.com

Direct Contact Information

ROWE Professional Services Company

Attn: HR

540 S. Saginaw St., Ste. 200

Flint, MI 48502

[e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer