Manager Grants and Economic Development

Job Description

Job Description

• Research and identify federal grant opportunities relevant to the electric utility industry, including infrastructure, renewable energy, grid modernization, energy efficiency, and disaster resilience.
• Monitor grant announcements, Request for Proposals (RFPs), and Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) from federal agencies such as the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Develop and manage a statewide program that utilizes funding from Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)’s Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant (REDLG) Programs.
• Develop and write high-quality, persuasive grant proposals, narratives, budgets, and supporting documents tailored to specific federal grant requirements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including project managers, engineers, financial analysts, and legal teams, to gather information and ensure accurate, compelling content.
• Coordinate the submission process, ensuring compliance with all guidelines and deadlines set by federal agencies.
• Work with senior management to develop a strategic approach for securing federal funding that aligns with the company’s goals and long-term plans.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including federal agency representatives, industry partners, and local government officials, to stay informed about upcoming funding opportunities and policy changes.
• Oversee the management of awarded grants, including tracking progress, monitoring compliance, and preparing periodic reports for federal agencies.
• Collaborate with the finance department to ensure proper allocation and tracking of grant funds, as well as adherence to federal auditing requirements.
• Analyze grant performance and provide feedback to improve future applications and project execution.
• Stay current on federal energy policies, funding priorities, and regulatory changes that impact grant opportunities for electric utilities.
• Provide insights and recommendations to the leadership team based on trends in federal funding and industry best practices.
• Promotes, markets and coordinates projects involving specific C&I sites and / or buildings in cooperative territory to businesses considering Arkansas as a new location.
• Coordinates community and economic development activities with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) and assists them in assimilating current data and other site and demographic information.
• Works with local and regional (city, county, regional alliances, etc.) community and economic development organizations to develop and implement economic development programs.
• Performs any other related duties as required or assigned.
• Due to our obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to our customers, the ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance and the ability to work outside your regularly scheduled office hours when necessary is an essential function of the job.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Energy Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in grant writing, with a focus on federal grants for the electric utility or energy sector.

Proven track record of successfully securing federal funding for energy, infrastructure, or utility-related projects.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Certification in grant writing or project management (e.g., GPC, PMP).

Experience with multi-million-dollar grant proposals and managing large-scale, complex projects.

Understanding of regulatory and compliance issues affecting electric utilities.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Moderate diversity, low physical. Work activities which allow for a moderate amount of diversity in the performance of tasks which are not as varied as those positions with high-level diversity and decision-making.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk or hear; and occasionally required to stand, walk. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, and color vision.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

In pursuant of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Act 593, this position is a designated safety- sensitive position according to AECC / AECI standards and processes.

Strong understanding of federal grant processes, requirements, and compliance regulations, particularly in the context of the electric utility industry.

Exceptional writing, editing, and analytical skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling narratives and detailed project budgets.

Proficiency in using grant management software and online submission platforms (e.g., Grants.gov, SAM.gov).

Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and work collaboratively across departments.

Knowledge of federal agencies such as DOE, DOT, FEMA, EPA, and their funding programs relevant to electric utilities.

Familiarity with industry-specific topics, such as renewable energy, smart grids, energy efficiency, and sustainability initiatives.

Benefits

EEO / AA / M / F / VETS / DISABLED

Should you elect to apply for this position, AECC / AECI will review your qualifications. If after reviewing the qualifications and experience of all applicants, your skills and credentials meet our needs, someone from our organization may contact you. Please be advised that the time required to complete the applicant review process typically takes between 30 and 90 days but could extend beyond that. Once the position has been filled, all applicants will be notified via email.

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation and Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. are Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other protected category.