Disaster Grants Specialist (FEMA)

Plexos Group is currently seeking a Disaster Grants Specialist to work with cross-functional work groups composed of internal and external department, local, state and/or federal stakeholders to manage and oversee the grant application and administration process for wildfire and flood recovery programs. This role involves coordinating with various stakeholders, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and providing technical assistance to maximize the effectiveness of grant-funded projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of disaster recovery grants, from application to closeout, ensuring all requirements and deadlines are met.
• Assist communities and organizations in preparing and submitting grant applications, including reviewing and providing feedback on proposals.
• Ensure all grant activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including FEMA guidelines and other relevant policies.
• Provide technical assistance and training to grantees on grant management processes, reporting requirements, and best practices.
• Monitor and manage grant budgets, ensuring funds are used appropriately and efficiently. Prepare financial reports and documentation for audits.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as non-profit organizations, to support disaster recovery efforts.
• Prepare and submit required reports to funding agencies, detailing progress, expenditures, and outcomes of grant-funded projects.
• Conduct site visits to monitor project progress and ensure compliance with grant terms and conditions.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for all grant activities, utilizing grant management software and databases.

This document represents the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. Other duties may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Emergency Management, Finance, or a related field is required. Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in grant management, preferably in disaster recovery or emergency management. Strong knowledge of federal and state grant regulations, excellent organizational and project management skills, proficiency in grant management software, and strong analytical abilities are essential. Professional certifications such as Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) or similar are preferred. Additionally, candidates must have the ability to work under pressure, possess excellent communication skills, and be willing to travel to disaster-affected areas.

Preferred:

Candidates with experience in FEMA’s Public Assistance Program or similar disaster recovery grant programs are preferred. Additionally, knowledge of hazard mitigation planning and federal/state disaster recovery regulations is highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to learn and effectively apply working knowledge of government organizations, operations and emergency management programs at the federal, state and local levels.

• Must exemplify the firm’s core mission and the values of integrity, teamwork, accountability and excellence.

• Must exercise excellent interpersonal skills – position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact, diplomacy, and an ability to establish and maintain effective working/professional relationships with internal and external customers.

• Must be organized, flexible, and able to prioritize in a multi-demand and constantly changing environment.

• Demonstrated ability to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines without sacrificing accuracy or timeliness; ability to work independently; and to understand and effectively apply complex oral and written instructions and procedures.

• Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written), as well as to construct and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations to a variety of audiences and/or individuals.

• Must be analytical, detail-oriented, and able to multi-task without sacrificing accuracy or timeliness.

• Ability to analyze problems, identify causative factors, and apply actions to effectively resolve current issues and prevent recurrences of problem conditions.

• Must possess appropriate levels of proficiency with utilized software and systems and be able to learn new software/systems.

• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Plexos Group LLC is an Equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Plexos Group recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce that considers the needs of the communities we serve, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace environment free from discrimination.