Grant Manager

Penobscot County

Commissioners Office

Grant Manager

Job Summary:

The Grant Manager, under the general direction of the Finance Director, oversees Penobscot County's Federal and State grant programs, including closing out the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Responsibilities include grant administration, contract management, compliance oversight, strategic planning, and community outreach related to federal funding. The role collaborates closely with County staff, Commissioners, and external stakeholders to identify priorities, develop program strategies, monitor subrecipients, and ensure adherence to Federal and State regulations. The anticipated workload distribution is approximately 80% Federal and 20% State grant activity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Grant Oversight & Compliance

Administers Federal and State grants, developing policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure compliance with regulations. Creates and maintains monitoring systems, evaluation tools, and reporting processes to ensure funds have intended impact. Compiles and submits required periodic reports to Federal and State agencies. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as County policies.

Financial Tracking & Reporting

Works within the Finance Office to program funds, track eligible expenditures, maintain records, and monitor balances. This position will also be responsible for contract management, in conjunction with Penobscot County's procurement software and policies. Prepares monthly reports for the County Administrator and Finance Director detailing grant status, applications, and funding position. Participates in grant budget preparation and administration.

Subrecipient Management

Monitors and evaluates subrecipients to ensure adherence to Federal regulations from application through grant closure. Conducts risk assessments and maintains audit-ready documentation. Assists municipalities, nonprofits, and other eligible subrecipients with award execution, compliance, and reporting.

Program Development & Stakeholder Coordination

Leads strategic planning and community outreach efforts related to federal funding. Coordinates with local, State, and Federal partners to support effective program implementation. Evaluates program operations and recommends improvements.

Grant Application & Project Support

Assists with the preparation of grant applications. Supports project activities, including public hearings, surveys, and project meetings. Tracks receipt of annual Federal program applications and maintains related databases.

General Duties

Negotiates contracts, agreements, and MOUs with subrecipients. Contacts and collaborates with other agencies as needed. Completes special projects and other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred; background in compliance, auditing, finance, community development, grant management, or public administration may substitute. Minimum three years' experience working with Federal grants preferred.

Strong knowledge of Federal grant programs, public policy, community outreach, budgeting, and local government operations.

Ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Strong problem-solving, analytical, and strategic thinking skills. Excellent financial management and understanding of auditing functions.

Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and time-management abilities.

Proficiency with computers, software applications, and information systems.

Ability to build collaborative relationships, maintain confidentiality, and serve as a resource for compliance and risk issues.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands/Conditions/Requirements:

While performing the duties of this position, employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard. Light to moderate lifting is required (up to 25 lbs.)

Penobscot County provides equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.