Grant Program Manager

The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) is seeking a Grant Program Manager to manage and administer the Maryland Clean Energy Center Maryland Solar for All grant program with a total budget of $62,450,000. This grant program runs from contract implementation to grant closeout—up to five years.

MCEC is a not-for-profit corporate instrumentality of state- created statutorily by the Maryland General Assembly. A Board of Directors, appointed by the Governor, provides oversight for the organization.

MCEC serves as a statewide green bank with a mission to transform the energy economy in Maryland by increasing clean energy jobs, driving commercialization of technological innovations, and enabling consumer adoption of clean energy products and services. MCEC facilitates access to capital through leveraged or direct investment and operates financing programs targeted to serve various consumer audiences, and underserved communities. The Center provides specialized procurement and technical services in order to facilitate and expedite project implementation.

The responsibilities of this position include working closely with the EPA, Executive Director of MCEC, the Grants Administration & Compliance Officer and our grant partners to build and implement an effective and efficient program. The Grant Program Manager will ensure compliance with the terms of grant agreements, maintain fiscal responsibility, and provide exceptional customer service to the public and grantees.

The ideal candidate for this position will have multi-tasking skills and demonstrate attention to detail, with the ability to balance priorities to meet deadlines with accuracy. Strong interpersonal skills and prior grant administration experience are desired.

CLASSIFICATION: Management

REPORTS TO: Grants Administration & Compliance Officer

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Manage and administer MCEC’s Maryland Solar for All Program (MSFAP) federal grant. This includes administration of sub awardee grant agreements and deliverables, approval, and classification of payments, follow-up with partners/recipients, and federal results assessment.
• Evaluate ad conduct due diligence on grant application
• Conduct site visits and material audits to ensure MSFAP grant deliverables are on target
• Provide direction and oversight to other staff who may be assigned to assist with the administration of elements of the MSFAP grant
• Implement plans, budgets, and effectiveness monitoring, among other programmatic elements, for the MSFAP grants program
• Work and maintain a positive relationship with grantees, partner organizations and other funders and to facilitate broad support of the MSFAP grant program
• Maintain a positive relationship with community leaders, organizations, and the press regarding the program
• Stay informed on programmatic and legal developments relevant to this work; inform the Board, Executive Director, and the Grants Administration & Compliance Officer as appropriate
• Provide programmatic and administrative support, oversight, and coordination for other grant programs, as assigned by Executive Director of MCEC

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience with grants management and administration, and a demonstrated ability to execute the life cycle of a grant, from application to implementation to completion, including budgetary oversight
• Knowledge of organizational governance, management, and administration.
• Commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work with a variety of people, engage in challenging conversations, and be sensitive to multiple perspectives
• Ability to work independently, be proactive and self-directed
• Skill in clearly presenting supporting facts and data justifying the rationale for specific recommendations and alternatives
• Excellent organizational, time management, and project management skills.
• A high level of attention to detail
• Ability to create, monitor and adhere to a fiscally responsible budget
• Excellent written, oral communication, and public speaking skills
• Ability to present and explain program information in plain language to applicants, grantees, partner organizations, community groups, MCEC Board and staff
• Proficient in standard office procedures, software, and communications technology
• Ability to effectively and efficiently use Microsoft Office, Google-Suite, and standard communications platforms. Experience with grants management software platforms preferred
• Ability to work with an elected Board of Directors and successfully navigate a political environment
• Ability to ensure compliance with MCEC’S policy, state, federal and local requirements

Work Environment:

The position involves primarily indoor office work, with some outdoor field work, and frequent travel to offices of partner organizations and project sites. If site visits are required, the work may require walking long distances across sloped, uneven terrain, sometimes in inclement weather.

Requirements:

To perform the duties of this position, the Grants Program Manager must serve as an incidental motor vehicle operator. This requires the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark, including during inclement weather. Valid driver’s license and driving record which meets MCEC’s insurance standards is required. Individual vehicle insurance must be maintained. Mileage will be reimbursed at the federally recognized rate.

Guidelines:

Performance of assigned duties is completed in accordance with established procedures. Procedures that cover the assigned work include MCEC’s policies and procedures.

The individual who holds or desires the position must be able to perform all tasks and responsibilities in this job description unaided, or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Educational Requirements:

A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and a minimum of 5 years of grant oversight and administration experience in a professional environment; or a combination of equivalent lived experience and related professional background.

Licenses, Certifications:

Possession of a valid driver’s license meeting the requirements of Maryland law, as well as all MCEC Policies.

Other Responsibilities:

Individual may attend and participate in external events and meetings on behalf of MCEC as requested.

Supervisory Requirements:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and sit. The employee is also regularly required to use their hands. The employee may be required to walk, stand, climb, or lift/carry heavy items.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to focus.

Work Environment:

The Maryland Clean Energy Center’s office is located in College Park, MD. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

SALARY RANGE: $85,000 to $100,000 per year based on prior experience.

To Apply:

Qualified candidates should send resumes with cover letters, noting salary requirements, to [email protected]. The anticipated start date is August/September 2024.