CSP Program Manager - (Human Services Specialist III) - Community Resources and Services

Howard County Government; Maryland; On-site; USD 77,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Government seeks a senior professional to oversee the Community Services Partnership (CSP) Human Services Grant Program, managing over $9.5 million annually and guiding funding decisions and program oversight.

The role builds nonprofit capacity, provides training and technical assistance, and coordinates across departments to maximize impact of county investments in human services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and minimum three years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive knowledge of grantmaking principles, grants administration, and performance measurement.
• Ability to develop partnerships and coordinate with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of CSP grantmaking, including funding opportunity development, application reviews, funding recommendations, and grant monitoring.
• Oversee performance management, compliance activities, and required reporting for CSP-funded programs.
• Collaborate with county partners to align funding strategies with County goals.

Skills

Grantmaking

Leadership

Data analysis

Public speaking

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Grants management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for overseeing the Community Services Partnership (CSP) Human Services Grant Program, including the administration, oversight, and continuous improvement of more than $9.5 million in annual grant funding that supports critical human services in Howard County. Leads the development and maintenance of systems, processes, and relationships that support strategic and efficient grantmaking, funding allocation, and program oversight. Oversees CSP grantmaking and funding activities and supports the identification of emerging community needs to inform funding priorities and program responses.

Oversees the development and implementation of a coordinated system of support for Howard County nonprofit organizations providing critical human services. Engages the nonprofit community by providing training, technical assistance, and access to resources that strengthen organizational capacity, support financial sustainability and diversification of funding strategies, and enhance performance measurement and outcome reporting.

Works across the Department of Community Resources & Services and with partner agencies to align resources, coordinate funding strategies, and maximize the impact of County investments in human services.

Provides staff support to the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency and its committees.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$37.22 - $40.70 $77,422 - $84,650

*This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles.*

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs advanced professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work typically includes administrative support of a Division within the Department of Community Resources and Services; supervision over a major phase of citizen services delivery for the department; and planning, implementing, and evaluating program policies and procedures. Work also includes negotiating and administering grants; preparing budgets; designing instruments for use in data gathering; and contacts with public, health, and social service agencies.

*This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months*

Leadership and Strategic Oversight:

• Provides leadership and strategic direction for the Community Services Partnership (CSP) Human Services Grant Program.
• Oversees planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of policies, systems, and processes governing more than $9.5 million in annual grant funding.
• Serves as a member of the Office of Community Partnerships leadership team and provides analysis, recommendations, reports, and presentations to county leadership and stakeholders.

Grantmaking and Program Administration:

• Leads all aspects of CSP grantmaking, including funding opportunity development, application reviews, funding recommendations, and grant monitoring.
• Oversees performance management, compliance activities, and required reporting for CSP-funded programs.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration:

• Collaborates with Office of Community Partnerships leadership and County partners to align funding strategies and investments with County goals.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, funders, and community stakeholders.
• Serves as liaison to promote communication, partnership development, and coordination of services.

Data Analysis, Evaluation and Planning:

• Leads efforts to collect, analyze, and interpret programmatic, financial, and community data.
• Evaluates grant outcomes, identifies trends and service gaps, assesses community needs, and informs strategic planning and funding decisions.

Capacity Building and Technical Assistance:

• Oversees development and delivery of training, technical assistance, and capacity‑building initiatives for nonprofit organizations.
• Supports organizational effectiveness, financial sustainability, performance measurement, compliance, and diversification of funding resources.

Community Engagement and Representation:

• Provides staff support to the Board to Promote Self-Sufficiency and its committees.
• Represents the Office of Community Partnerships and the Department of Community Resources and Services at community meetings, public forums, interagency initiatives, and similar engagements.

Other Duties:

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Potential responsibility for the supervision of some Office of Community Partnerships staff members. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Bachelor's degree and minimum three (3) years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

Possession of a valid driver's license.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of grantmaking principles, grants administration, compliance requirements, performance measurement, and best practices in public-sector and human services funding.
• Knowledge of the nonprofit sector, including nonprofit governance, financial management, organizational capacity, sustainability challenges, and community-based service delivery systems.
• Knowledge of human services programs, community needs assessment, collective impact strategies, and issues affecting economic stability, self-sufficiency, and vulnerable populations.
• Ability to provide strategic leadership and oversight for complex programs, including planning, implementation, evaluation, continuous improvement, and resource management.
• Ability to supervise, coach, and support professional staff; establish priorities; delegate responsibilities; and foster a collaborative, high‑performing work environment.
• Ability to assess organizational capacity, program effectiveness, budgets, and funding proposals and make sound recommendations regarding funding investments and program priorities.
• Ability to analyze financial, programmatic, and community data to evaluate outcomes, identify trends and service gaps, and develop data‑informed recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County leadership, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, community stakeholders, funders, and partner agencies; and to communicate complex technical, financial, and policy information effectively through presentations, reports, and public engagement.
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and consensus‑building skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and navigate competing priorities.
• Demonstrated project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate complex initiatives, exercise sound judgment, and ensure timely completion of work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience using grants management systems, databases, reporting platforms, and other technology tools, with strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis tools, and virtual collaboration platforms.
• Strong cultural competency and knowledge of principles and practices related to equity and inclusion, with the ability to apply these principles across grantmaking, program oversight, stakeholder engagement, and community capacity‑building activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, board members, and members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interests, commissions, proportions and percentages.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.