Grants And Contracts Specialist

Are you looking to take the next step in your career? Are you driven and motivated to making a positive impact?  If so, we invite you to read on and learn more about this exciting opportunity!   

The State of Connecticut, Department of Labor (DOL) is currently seeking a Grants and Contracts Specialist to join our team within the Business Management Contracts Unit.  

You will discover the opportunity to:

• Engage in a rewarding career;
• Showcase your talents in a meaningful role;
• Thrive in an exciting environment;
• Provide support to a division that is passionate about the work we do;
• Make a difference in the public sector;
• Work together in a collaborative team environment.  

Position Highlights:

• Monday – Friday
• 8:00am – 4:30pm
• 40 hours per week
• Hybrid schedule
• Location: Wethersfield, CT

About Us:

We are committed to protecting and promoting the interests of Connecticut workers. In order to accomplish this in an ever-changing environment, we assist workers and employers to become competitive in the global economy.  We take a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of workers and employers, and the other agencies that serve them.  We ensure the supply of high-quality integrated services that serve the needs of our customers.  

The mission of Business Management is to develop and provide quality financial and administrative services, which support the agency's overall mission and goals. We will work to maintain a high level of performance and excellence in all services areas.

We hope you take this opportunity to continue your career with us and make an impact by serving your state!

In order to be considered for this job opening you must be a current State of CT employee who has worked for the state for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.   

These positions will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.  

In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify their qualifications on their application. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. 

Please note you will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system. Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. 

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process. 

Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account.   

Note:  At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.  Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position. 

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Julie Barker at Julie.Barker@ct.gov.

All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period.  It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception.  Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.

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.

• Manage contracts from development to execution through coordination with internal and external partners and contractors.   
• Research legislation and identify relevant statutes that fund grants/contracts.   
• Identify contract needs, goals and define measurable outcomes in collaboration with management, administration, and contractors.   
• Coordinate planning and facilitate communication between relevant parties involved in contracting internally and externally including DOL units, the Office of Attorney General (OAG) for contract execution, the Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) or other contractors as needed.   
• Prepare all components of the contract (including but not limited to Part I face sheet, Part II Description of Services/Specific Terms, Part III Budget) in accordance to current policy and procedures, utilizing relevant/applicable information specific to the award and contracted services.   
• Communicate expectations and identify areas of issue during contract development process.    
• Function as a resource person and liaison to contractors and internal units.   
• Prepare reports related to program local area.   
• Attend meetings with partners representing CTDOL as needed.   
• Function in specialized duties as required for individual grants or contracts as assigned.   
• Also performs related duties as required.   
• Additional information can be found here.  

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.

• Experience managing fiscal spending within budget allotments; operating within and managing workgroup budget allocation and reporting. 
• Experience with Microsoft Excel creating spreadsheets with formulas.
• Experience working in CORE CT financial modules to input or extract financial data and reports. 
• Experience reviewing and reconciling vendor payments to project/contract audit reports; reconciling project expenditure information to established funding allotments and budgets. 
• Experience developing and maintaining effective programmatic and financial controls to assure the integrity of the cooperative agreements and grants. 

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.