Manager, Government Relations and Grants

Brooklyn Public Library; Headquarters (ID); On-site; USD 90,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Brooklyn Public Library is looking for a creative and meticulous Manager of Government Relations and Grants to support crucial efforts and manage public sector discretionary grants. This full-time role has a salary range of $90,000 – $97,000 and reports to the Vice President of Government Relations.

The ideal candidate will have a BA degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include drafting supporting documents, engaging with community priorities, and coordinating grant tracking.

Join a motivating and innovative work environment dedicated to excellent customer service and community partnership.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in legislative affairs, government relations, grants administration, non-profits, or finance.
• Knowledge of NYC and NYS budget processes and elected officials.
• Self-starter able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Support the strategic direction of the Government and Community Relations Department.
• Research and draft testimony and supporting documents for public hearings.
• Develop and implement a government grant memo system.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Project management

Independence

Organization

Interpersonal skills

Education

BA degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Slack

Airtable

Databases

Project management applications

Job description

Brooklyn Public Library seeks a creative and meticulous Manager of Government Relations and Grants with excellent communication skills. The role supports crucial government relations efforts and manages the public sector discretionary grant program, working in close coordination with internal departments and branch staff from pre‑award applications to post‑award tracking and reporting.

The position reports to the Vice President of Government Relations and is a full‑time, exempt, non‑union role with a salary range of $90,000 – $97,000.

Responsibilities

• Support the strategic direction of the Government and Community Relations Department.
• Research and draft testimony and supporting documents for BPL’s leadership and participation in public hearings.
• Research and support library policy issues, draft memoranda of support or opposition, and participate in various library policy committees.
• Prepare and support materials for legislative visits.
• Craft messages to elected officials through direct communications, newsletters, policy agendas, and social posts.
• Assist with community engagement priorities, including meetings, scheduling, special events, and engagement sessions.
• Assist with other Government and Community Relations Department priorities and activities as assigned.

Grants

• Develop and implement a government grant memo system and establish best practices for discretionary grant tracking in coordination with the capital finance team.
• Coordinate with BPL’s capital planning, finance, and public service teams to identify and document needs for future government grants.
• Help guide funding requests in consultation with appropriate departments to ensure timely completion.
• Track expense and capital discretionary grant applications and awards from elected officials across all levels of government (SAM/CREST, Bullet Aid, CCAP, City Capital, City Discretionary).
• Ensure awarded funds are spent according to grant timelines and regulations through regular follow‑up with BPL departments.

Qualifications

• BA degree.
• 3–5 years of experience in legislative affairs, government relations, grants administration, non‑profits, or finance.
• Knowledge of the NYC and NYS budget processes and elected officials.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders.
• High degree of initiative, organization, and follow‑through.
• Self‑starter able to work independently.
• Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to exercise excellent independent judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Slack, Airtable, databases, and project management applications.

We seek professionals dedicated to providing excellent customer service, developing fruitful partnerships in the community, and implementing programs aligned with our mission and vision. The work environment is motivating and challenging, with an emphasis on innovation.

Brooklyn Public Library is an equal‑opportunity employer.