Grants Specialist

Norman, Ok; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Norman is seeking a Grants Administrator to support day-to-day administration of CDBG and HOME programs within the Grants Division.

You will prepare grant applications, coordinate projects from start to finish, provide technical guidance, and ensure compliance with HUD and local requirements. This role demands independent work, strong communication, and teamwork with city staff and external partners.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in public administration, accounting, planning, or related field preferred.
• Must be able to manage work independently and work effectively with a wide variety of staff, federal and City officials, outside agencies, vendors, auditors and the public.
• Experience with grant administration and grant writing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the day‑to‑day administration of CDBG and HOME programs and other assigned grant‑funded programs within the Grants Division; in the development and implementation of the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, Citizen Participation Process, CAPER, and other federal, state, and local grant plans and reports.
• Prepares and reviews grant applications, project proposals, and requests for funding for compliance with applicable City, federal, and program requirements.
• Coordinates the implementation and administration of assigned grant‑funded programs and projects from application through completion.
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to City departments, nonprofit agencies, contractors, applicants, and other stakeholders regarding grant requirements, eligible activities, program procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Administers assigned housing and community development programs including the Housing Rehabilitation Program.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports program performance and accomplishment data and assists with the development of performance measures and program evaluations.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality with information regarding the recipients of CDBG and HOME Assistance.
• Maintain division webpages and assist with public engagement tools as directed.
• Independently manages multiple projects, deadlines, funding sources, and competing priorities.
• Represents the Grants Division professionally when communicating with City departments, elected and appointed officials, federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, contractors, consultants, applicants, and members of the public.
• Exercises sound judgment when interpreting regulations, evaluating financial and program documentation, and resolving routine program issues.
• Attends training, seminars, conferences, and professional development activities to maintain current knowledge of grant administration, HUD requirements, municipal finance, planning, and related fields.
• May be required to work evenings, nights, or extended hours as necessary to attend assigned meetings, public hearings, outreach events, or meet grant and program deadlines.
• Performs other related work as required.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Decision making

Time management

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in public administration or related field

Tools

Windows

Microsoft Office

Job description

Shift: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Attends occasional night meetings.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor's degree in public administration, accounting, planning, or related field preferred. Must be able to manage work independently and work effectively with a wide variety of staff, federal and City officials, outside agencies, vendors, auditors and the public. Experience with grant administration and grant writing preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

Must have an Oklahoma Driver's License and satisfactory driving record. Must obtain City of Norman Cash Handlers Certificate within six (6) months of the probationary period.

Knowledge

Administrative practices, including operation of standard office equipment and proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office software. Communication skills, both verbal and written. Basic accounting, organization, and prioritizing tasks.

Skills

Strong written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills. Possess well-developed decision‑making skills, and attention to detail with a high level of accuracy; a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential client and employee information and situations. Able to multi‑task and remain calm in demanding and unpredictable situations; to maintain a professional, customer service‑oriented attitude at all times. Possess excellent time management skills and the ability to work with minimum supervision.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

Assists with the day‑to‑day administration of CDBG and HOME programs and other assigned grant‑funded programs within the Grants Division; in the development and implementation of the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, Citizen Participation Process, CAPER, and other federal, state, and local grant plans and reports. Prepares and reviews grant applications, project proposals, and requests for funding for compliance with applicable City, federal, and program requirements. Coordinates the implementation and administration of assigned grant‑funded programs and projects from application through completion. Provides technical assistance and guidance to City departments, nonprofit agencies, contractors, applicants, and other stakeholders regarding grant requirements, eligible activities, program procedures, and applicable regulations. Administers assigned housing and community development programs including the Housing Rehabilitation Program. Collects, analyzes, and reports program performance and accomplishment data and assists with the development of performance measures and program evaluations. Must be able to maintain confidentiality with information regarding the recipients of CDBG and HOME Assistance. Maintain division webpages and assist with public engagement tools as directed. Independently manages multiple projects, deadlines, funding sources, and competing priorities. Represents the Grants Division professionally when communicating with City departments, elected and appointed officials, federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, contractors, consultants, applicants, and members of the public. Exercises sound judgment when interpreting regulations, evaluating financial and program documentation, and resolving routine program issues. Attends training, seminars, conferences, and professional development activities to maintain current knowledge of grant administration, HUD requirements, municipal finance, planning, and related fields. May be required to work evenings, nights, or extended hours as necessary to attend assigned meetings, public hearings, outreach events, or meet grant and program deadlines. Performs other related work as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Majority of work is in a normal office environment where there are minimal physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like. On occasion, there will be in‑home appointments with the Housing Rehabilitation clients for execution of program documentation. Regular attendance at meetings, including evening City Council, Commission, Committee, or Community meetings

Mental and Physical Abilities

Mental/visual effort required due to sustained periods of concentration, working under pressure of deadlines, and continual interruptions in concentration. Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light objects (less than 25 lb.) approximately 5-10% of work time.

Additional Information

Selected applicant must pass a background investigation and drug screen.