Soil and Water Conservation District - Soil & Water - Conservation Grants Manager

Under the direction of the District Director, the Conservation Grant Manager is responsible for expanding the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District’s revenue base to support capital projects and other programs. This position involves creating, curating, and maintaining an active portfolio of alternately funded monies through grants, agreements, and donations. The Conservation Grants Manager will identify and pursue funding opportunities, manage compliance and reporting requirements, coordinate with District staff and external partners, and ensure that all projects adhere to applicable guidelines. This position is Covered as defined by the Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as the administrative contact for government officials and external agencies focused on funding the Soil and Water Conservation District.
• Identify and pursue funding sources, including grants, agreements, and public or private donations.
• Research and identify alternate funding sources for capital projects and District programs, including grants, bonds, and agreements.
• Administer financial aspects of grants, maintaining compliance with reporting requirements.
• Track compliance with funding program requirements and assist District staff in meeting all reporting, compliance goals, and other conditions of funding.
• Coordinate and communicate with District staff, Board of Supervisors, and County officials.
• Assist District staff in ensuring that alternatively-funded project activities adhere to all applicable rules, policies, and regulatory guidelines.
• Prepare and distribute progress reports, financial updates, and other information as required by funding agencies.
• Assist in coordination for bi-annual financial audits (SBOA), Annual Financial Reports (AFR), and adherence to conservation laws.
• Maintain organized internal records related to grant-funded efforts to obtain and continue alternative funding sources.
• Assist other District staff in planning, executing, and evaluating educational programming and outreach, securing funding as appropriate.
• Provide backup and support for District staff and other program officials (FSA/NRSA/ISDA).
• Maintain calendars and schedules to assist District staff in meeting funding deadlines for grants and agreements.
• Assist, coordinate, and/or perform process documentation and process improvements.
• Coordinate the rental and transportation of equipment to encourage producers to adopt conservation-based practices.
• Work with District staff and collaborating partners to secure funding through grants, inter-agency agreements, and government allocations.

• Communicate and maintain contact with funding agencies, collaborating partners, outside consultants, community contacts, third-party stakeholders, and others involved in alternatively funded projects.
• Work actively with project teams to maintain grant applications and manage grants.
• Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college/university in a related field such as Environmental Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related discipline
• At least 5 years of experience in grant writing, grants management, or a related field
• Proven experience in identifying, securing, and managing funding from grants, agreements, and donations
• Expertise in grant research, application, submission, post-award management, reporting, and resubmission processes
• Capacity for in-depth research to identify and narrow funding opportunities
• Thorough understanding of intergovernmental and intragovernmental roles and responsibilities for efficient operation and effective implementation at Federal and State levels
• Ability to manage multiple proposals and projects with overlapping deadlines, competing interests, and multiple stakeholders
• Valid Driver’s License to operate County owned vehicles with trailer to and from meetings and events required
• Self-motivated with the capability to monitor and manage work efficiency independently
• Strong critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and motivation to complete tasks efficiently
• Strong attention to detail in writing, time management, and numerical accuracy to ensure clarity and professionalism in all projects
• Exceptional use of the English language, including conciseness, accuracy, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Power BI, PowerPoint, Word) and QuickBooks (Intuit)
• Familiarity with federal software packages such as Conservation Desktop, NRCS reporting, and US Geologic Survey technology
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator is a plus
• Ability to use research databases like Grants.gov and other open-access tools
• Must obtain appropriate registrations after hiring, including the Federal NBIS (National Background Investigation) and other permissions required for USDA server access

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

The Conservation Grants Manager is expected to effectively expand the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District’s revenue base through strategic identification, pursuit, and management of grants, agreements, and donations. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to secure significant funding, maintain compliance with all grant and funding requirements, and manage the financial aspects of grants with precision and accuracy.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Conservation Grants Manager is responsible for creating, managing, and maintaining an active portfolio of alternately funded monies, identifying and pursuing funding opportunities, managing compliance and reporting requirements, and collaborating with District staff and external partners to promote the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation District’s programs and capital projects, which aim to promote the wise use of soil, water, and related natural resources.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

The Conservation Grants Manager collaborates closely with District staff, the Board of Supervisors, and external partners, including government officials, funding agencies, and community stakeholders. The manager also provides support to other District staff and program officials, fostering a cohesive and efficient team environment to promote the wise use of soil, water, and related natural resources.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The Conservation Grants Manager role primarily involves desk work and computer use, requiring fine motor skills and repetitive motions continuously throughout the day. The position involves sitting for extended periods, often repeatedly for 5 to 6 hours. Occasional physical activities, such as standing, walking, lifting, carrying, and pushing/pulling, are required for tasks like attending meetings or handling documents and equipment. The working conditions are primarily within a standard office environment with minimal hazardous exposure.

• The position primarily involves sitting, typing, fine motor skills, and occasional lifting up to thirty pounds.
• Expect continuous typing and a need for meticulous attention to detail.
• Tasks are predominantly stationary; focusing heavily on accuracy and involving repetitive hand movements.

The description below outlines the physical requirements specific to the A/V Services Manager role:

LICENSING:

Valid Driver’s License to operate County owned vehicles with trailer to and from meetings and events required.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

The Allen County Soil and Water District Director

HOURS:

8:00 am – 4:30 pm; 37.5 hours/week; overtime as needed

EEO CATEGORY:

0602

WORKERS’S COMP CODE:

9410