Grants And Contracts Specialist

The State of Connecticut Department of Education (SDE) is recruiting for a Grants and Contracts Specialist position located in Hartford.  This is a full time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. position. 

This individual will manage grants and contracts as part of the agency administration of programs under the federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Programs including the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs, Food Distribution Program, After-school snack Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Summer Food Service Programs. This includes: developing and processing grants, agreements, contracts and memoranda of agreements with program sponsors, community organizations, private industry and other state agencies and universities; performing grant management functions including preparation and processing monthly sponsor claims for reimbursement for meals served; serving as the Child Nutrition Program liaison to internal and external stakeholders; developing and implementing related policies and procedures; interpreting and administering pertinent federal regulations and guidance and state statutes and policies; producing federal programmatic and financial reports; participating in agency strategic planning and implementation.

*New State Employees start at minimum salary range.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Kim Barberi at kim.barberi@ct.gov or (860) 713-6691.

Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account. Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. 

This position will be filled in accordance with reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.

In a state agency, this class is accountable for performing as a specialist in planning, implementation, management and evaluation of a large complex grant program or group of programs in one field where responsibilities are assumed for program development, liaison and coordination with federal, state and community agencies and organizations, program implementation and administration, program monitoring and assessment.

Performs specialized related duties in the area of grants management; performs research to support the application for or the disbursement of grants including needs analysis, literature review and regulations critique to identify problems and determine priorities; develops alternatives; gathers information related to program area; develops goals and objectives, evaluation standards, timetables, other program components and department policy for program area and individual projects; prepares grant proposals; monitors use of grant monies awarded to agency to ensure adherence to all terms and conditions; facilitates direct grant process; provides technical assistance and acts as resource person to grantees; evaluates program proposals and applications for conformance with regulations and state goals; recommends funding; prepares contracts and agreements related to grant activities; monitors and assesses ongoing programs for conformance to reporting requirements, general budget and timetable guidelines and program effectiveness; prepares quarterly and annual reports and statewide annual plan or section of plan related to program local area; attends meetings of appropriate state, local and regional organizations and performs other liaison functions to coordinate efforts in program area; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of grant preparation and administration; considerable knowledge of program evaluation and monitoring functions; knowledge of research methods and techniques; some knowledge of budget preparation and monitoring; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize computer software; some supervisory ability.

Seven (7) years of experience in planning, implementation and/or management of grant programs on a community, state or federal level.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

• 10+ years of specific experience with state agency processes in the management of federal health, human services or nutrition grants;
• Considerable knowledge and experience in preparing and monitoring of spending plans and budgets;
• Considerable knowledge and experience with federal and state contracting and procurement requirements and procedures;
• Considerable experience with management information systems contracts including working with contractors for system upgrades and functionality changes;
• Considerable experience in engaging partners, developing effective relationships and maintaining effective public and private partnerships to achieve program outcomes;
• Demonstrated ability to manage tasks for multiple programs and competing priorities and projects;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently in a multi-tasked, large volume office with staff in various disciplines;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain productive working relationships.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.