Grant Specialist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the Grants Manager and Alternative Fuels Team with all aspects of the grant management process. This includes assuring compliance with grant requirements, managing communications and providing technical assistance to potential applicants and grantees, overseeing grant reporting and payment requirements, updating yearly grant cycle calendar, and creating grant-related correspondence and reports as assigned.
• Assists dealers and their customers with the preparation of all components of each grant submission, ensuring that the application is formatted, packaged, and submitted in accordance with granting agency requirements.
• Serves as liaison between Grants Manager and internal departments such as Marketing, Finance, IT, and Legal at Blue Bird as well as with outside granting agencies. Maintain positive relationships with these partners including the Blue Bird dealer network.
• Processes all paperwork related to Clean School Bus applications (applications, payment request forms, and close out forms) for awardees and communicates consistently with the applicant to ensure deadlines are met and funds are used appropriately
• Communicate internally and with dealer network on proposed and pending Fed/State legislation for alternative-powered school buses
• Maintains Grants Department Financial records and communicates with Finance Department as needed regarding EPA Clean School Bus funding. Ensures the two departments have the same information.
• All other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong communication and intrapersonal skills
• General knowledge of grant application processes and proposal submission
• Ability to comprehend and make inferences from written materials
• Strong research skills and knowledge of information sources
• Multitasking, organizational, project management, and time management skills
• Ability to handle confidential matters with utmost integrity
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and CRM software
• Sense of humor preferred
• Inquisitive; desire to learn new things

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Advertising/Communications, English, creative writing or a related area
• A minimum of three years' experience in Advancement/Development or related field

WE VALUE

• Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance;
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters;
• Strong project management skills. Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus;
• Ability to influence stakeholders;
• Effective communication and ability to communicate complex compensation details in a clear manner;
• Flexible workspaces and work hours that help you unleash the best you;
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

Blue Bird's winning culture is fueled by our ability to respect, encourage, celebrate and embrace the unique perspectives of all of our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer who is committed to providing all of our employees with a work environment free of discrimination or harassment. We base our employment decisions on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, national, social or ethnic origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, past or present military service, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.