Under the direction of the Superintendent/President, the Director of Innovation and Grants is responsible for proactively identifying external funding sources, leading teams in pre-award grant proposal development, and writing competitive grant proposals. The Director of Innovation and Grants will effectively manage multiple grant applications at once, and coordinate the development of proposals in conjunction with appropriate staff using a clear timeline-driven organizational approach. The Director of Innovation and Grants will demonstrate proficiency in writing and developing all aspects of grant materials, including grant narratives, budgets, forms, attachments. This position will meticulously package grants for submittal according to grantor instructions, online portal requirements, and all other grant criteria and deadlines. The Director of Innovation and Grants works with the campus community, as well as external partners, to help identify connections between grant opportunities and priorities of departments and programs in connection with the College’s Strategic Plan goals, objectives, and other priorities. As a classified administrator, the Director of Innovation and Grants is a strategic, hard-working, and entrepreneurial professional who understands the College, its programs, its culture, and funding needs. Exhibits enthusiasm and commitment to personal and professional excellence. Performs other duties as assigned.

  E = denotes essential elements of the position

• Develops, writes, and submits all manner of grant proposals and strategically completes application forms, in accordance with Requests for Applications and/or other funding and award opportunities under the supervision of the Director. (E)
• Serves as an engaged, diligent, productive part of the College team, demonstrating a community- and campus-minded approach to strategic grant writing. (E)
• Creates accurate, compliant budgets for grant proposals, prepares budget narratives, and complies with related requirements from Grants Accounting. (E)
• Conducts timely research to identify external funding sources including government agencies, corporations, and foundations. (E)
• Works closely with the Superintendent/President to deliver all assigned grant elements and projects promptly according to stated deadlines and grant milestones, effectively using technology skills to edit and upload forms through online submission portals. (E)
• Works with the college community to understand and identify program needs, secure funding for key priorities and participate in relevant committees and groups. (E)
• Disseminates information on funding opportunities, including summary sheets and grant outline templates, and provides grant status updates. (E)
• Assists in building coalitions and cooperative working relationships with other colleges, community organizations, private sector companies, and other partners identified as relevant to grant opportunities. (E)
• Assists with preparing and conducting presentations and increasing campus awareness about, and engagement with, funding opportunities. (E)
• Establishes and maintains a grant tracking database, the department website, and relevant electronic and hardcopy records. (E)
• Creates a supportive environment when assisting and collaborating with prospective project directors and team members in program planning efforts related to grant development. (E)
• Demonstrates superior document management skills, a high level of proficiency with relevant office software, technology, and online tools, and outstanding organizational skills to support grant processes. (E)
• Provides quality customer service, following through on commitments and assisting potential grant applicants by developing grant digests, templates, and other aids to facilitate an organized and timely grant submission process. (E)
• Coordinates meetings and events under the ultimate supervision of the Superintendent/President. (E)
• Provides grant writing support for Foundation-related projects, or other award opportunities, as appropriate. (E)
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two years of successful professional/technical writing experience.  Knowledge of grant application procedures for a variety of government and private funding sources is desirable.
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, differing abilities, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, passion for the pursuit of DEIA principles and how that positively impacts the organization, and how positive leadership successfully promotes achievement of institutional goals

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Commitment to equity-based leadership and programming that grows access and support to address disproportionate impact gaps
• Grant writing experience and/or program development experience.
• Experience in the promotion and development of partnerships with industrial, educational, and community organizations. 

• Equity-based principles and leadership in higher education.
• Demonstrate understanding of Student Learning Outcomes and ACCJC Accreditation Standards for higher education.
• A commitment to the student success related to basic skills, student success, and student equity.
• Experience in the effective use of data to drive decision-making.
• Higher education in community colleges, including the mission of the California Community Colleges.
• Participatory governance within the California Community College System.
• Methods to organize, develop and seek grant proposals.
• Government funding sources.
• Private funding sources.
• Computers and other forms of advanced technology utilized in providing high quality services.
• A sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and the community.

ABILITY TO:

• Accomplish objectives with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to support success of the degrees, certificates and objectives of the different educational sites.
• Travel to multiple educational sites to fulfill duties.
• Conduct analysis of workforce and educational/training needs based on information from college and community stakeholders, labor market data, and surveys.
• Evidence of a commitment to building an equity centric district.
• Effectively communicate both orally, electronically, and in writing across a variety of audiences and constituent groups.
• Effectively function in a setting with tight deadlines and a heavy workload.
• Work a flexible schedule that requires occasional evening and/or weekend assignments.
• Proactively identify, contact, and meet with potential funders regarding upcoming projects.
• Proficiently operate a desktop computer using word processing, high-speed typing, database, spreadsheets, graphics, presentation, Internet and desktop publishing software.
• Prepare clear, concise, accurate and comprehensive written documents.
• Make effective oral presentations.
• Analyze data and work with detailed information.
• Synthesize information from a broad range of sources.
• Work productively and harmoniously with a wide variety of people and organizations.

WORK DIRECTION, LEAD AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: