Grant Specialist at CO 07-15-2026

POSITION: Grant Specialist

LOCATION: Central Office

DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Coordinator of Grants, the Grant Specialist provides leadership and coordination for the complete grant development and management process for Worcester County Public Schools. Responsibilities include researching funding opportunities, coordinating district-wide grant planning, developing competitive proposals, assisting with program design and budgeting, monitoring compliance, supporting implementation, maintaining required documentation, and ensuring timely reporting throughout the grant lifecycle. This position works collaborates extensively with district administrators, school leaders, finance staff, community organizations, and external funding agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

• Investigate, research, and identify potential federal, state, local, and foundation funding opportunities that align with district priorities and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with district leadership to identify funding priorities and develop competitive grant strategies that support instructional, operational, and organizational goals.
• Develop, write, and submit competitive grant proposals, applications, narratives, and supporting documentation to federal, state, and private funding agencies.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary grant development teams by working with curriculum, finance, student services, operations, technology, school administrators, and community partners to develop high-quality proposals.
• Analyze district data, conduct needs assessments, and develop measurable objectives, evaluation plans, and performance measures that strengthen grant competitiveness.
• Develop grant budgets and budget narratives in collaboration with district departments and the Finance Office to ensure fiscal accuracy and compliance with funding requirements.
• Establish and maintain relationships with funding organizations, community partners, institutions of higher education, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies.
• Maintain grant calendars, databases, records, and tracking systems for proposals, awards, reporting requirements, and project timelines.
• Coordinate post-award grant administration, including grant amendments, budget revisions, reimbursement requests, performance reporting, and grant closeout activities.
• Monitor grant compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, grant award conditions, and district policies, and provide technical assistance to district staff.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), state regulations, and funding agency requirements.
• Coordinate grant reporting, program evaluations, audits, monitoring visits, and documentation required by funding agencies
• Prepare and maintain documentation, including proposals, budgets, reports, contracts, correspondence, and supporting records.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and supporting documentation for district leadership, the Superintendent, the Board of Education, and funding agencies, as requested.
• Manage numerous grant applications, active awards, reporting requirements, and completing deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Serve as a resource regarding grant funding opportunities, compliance requirements, grant procedures, and funding strategies.
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to schools and departments regarding grant development, implementation, fiscal compliance, reporting requirements, and project sustainability.
• Remain current on federal and state grant regulations, emerging funding opportunities, and best practices through ongoing professional learning and participation in professional organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in English, communications, business, education, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated success in securing competitive grant funding from federal, state, or private funding sources preferred. Knowledge of federal and state grant processes, guidelines, and regulations.
• Knowledge of federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and education grant compliance preferred.
• Excellent written, oral, research, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple complex projects and meet competing deadlines
• Experience developing grant budgets, budget narratives, and performance reports preferred.
• Proficiency in database, spreadsheet, and word processing applications.
• Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data and communicate findings through persuasive written narratives.
• Ability to work independently and while collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience administering federal education grants, including Title programs, ESSA, IDEA, Perkins, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, or similar grant programs, preferred.

DUTY YEAR AND SALARY:

This is a 12-month benefitted position. Salary is commensurate with experience, education, and budget.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

• Each candidate meeting the employment qualifications for the Grant Specialist position must submit an internal application available on our website at www.worcesterk12.org.
• Please upload a letter of interest that addresses the essential functions of the position along with a résumé.
• Applications received by the vacancy announcement deadline will be prescreened.
• The selected applicants will be invited for an interview.

If you have any questions or require assistance in completing the online application, please contact Debbie Powell at 410-632-5120 or email us at wcpshr@worcesterk12.org.

If accommodations are needed for the interview, they will be provided with an advance request.

Applications must be received by Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

The Worcester County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Supervisor of Human Resources, Worcester County Board of Education, 6270 Worcester Highway, Newark, MD 21841, 410-632-5000.