Grants Officer

About Us :

Ararat Rural City Council is located 2 hours northwest of Melbourne and is a growing regional centre, a trend which is predicted to continue as more people pursue a tree-change lifestyle with all essential services at their fingertips.

We recognise that our employees are the key to making a difference and delivering our vision for a vibrant and sustainable community. Council is committed to serving our community in a friendly and professional way and offers fantastic employee conditions including a 9-day fortnight, flexible working options, a health and wellbeing program, professional development opportunities, and much more.

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion, allowing our staff to thrive and grow.

About You :

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or significant practical experience.
• Demonstrated high-level experience in grant management.
• Knowledge and experience of government funding programs and departments.

Position Summary :

The Grants Officer works across the organisation providing direction and leadership in securing and the administration of grant funding.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Grants Officer will provide specialist advice and support to maximise the level of external funding received by Council for infrastructure and services from other levels of government and other stakeholders. The role works closely with project owners and delivery managers to provide project planning assistance, research, and support as well as advice on management of grants.

Key Requirements :

Accountability & Extent of Authority

• The freedom to act is not limited simply by standards and procedures, and the quality of decisions and actions taken will often have an impact upon the performance of staff being supported.
• Develop systems to ensure grants under control of others are managed so timeframes are achieved.
• Provide specialist advice to others.
• Report regularly regarding progress towards outcomes.

Judgement & Decision Making

• The position requires significant problem-solving ability to deal with local government issues, including the ability to critically analyse and develop projects as part of a successful submission strategy.
• Apply specialist knowledge and techniques to new situations.
• Use initiative based on experience and/or knowledge in determining suitable action.
• Guidance and advise are generally available within the time required to make a choice.
• Ability to make daily operational decisions to achieve the strategic outcomes of the organisation.

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Well-developed skills in analysis, research methods and ability to appraise information.
• Capacity for initiative and innovation in approach to the position.

Management Skills

• Undertake networking and research to identify funding opportunities for Council.
• Capacity to gain cooperation and develop networks with key stakeholders, project owners and delivery staff with Council and relevant external organisations to prepare high quality funding submissions and applications.
• Ability to organise and plan workflow, set priorities, and meet deadlines to satisfy the objectives of the position.
• Ability to operate with minimal supervision and show high levels of initiative.

Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate with a range of groups, funding bodies, council staff and relevant agencies.
• Demonstrated analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills with a high degree of initiative and flexibility.
• Demonstrated initiative, including the ability to initiate and respond effectively to change.
• Demonstrated project management skills and the ability to manage multiple high-profile projects with competing deadlines.

Job Responsibility :

• Establish and maintain a grant management system on behalf of Council for the effective coordination, administration, financial management, and acquittal of grants.
• Develop networks and relationships with government, funding bodies, and the private sector to identify future and current grant opportunities.
• Prepare grant and funding submissions for major projects.
• Work with internal teams to improve awareness of grant applications and related processes and implement measures to improve information sharing and collaboration between staff.
• Monitor and action funding agreement milestones and coordinate key milestone events with relevant departments across the organisation.
• Keep up-to-date and provide advice on current funding trends, practices, and policy direction.
• Research grant opportunities, ensuring the organisation is aware of the funding opportunities.
• Work closely with senior leadership to identify funding advocacy opportunities.
• Work with finance to understand long-term financial plans to plan for co-contribution requirements.
• Provide subject matter advice when required to relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders by communicating information and updates clearly, concisely, and professionally.
• Ensure compliance with Council’s Risk Management Policy, Risk Management Framework and OH&S Policy.    
• Observe all policies and procedures of Council.  
• Any other duties as required within the scope of the position.    

Job Functions :

Local

Job Benefits :

• Part Time ongoing role – 3 days per week (48hrs per fortnight).
• Days are flexible.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.

Selling Point :

The opportunity to further develop your career at a rural Council with big plans for the future.

Contact :

Paula Davidson