Strategic Planning & Grants Administration Director

Position Summary

The Strategic Planning & Grants Administration Director is a senior leadership position responsible for advancing the County's strategic priorities through long-range planning, project management, government relations, and comprehensive grants administration. This position provides vision, leadership, and oversight for countywide strategic initiatives while identifying, securing, and managing grant funding opportunities that support the Board of County Commissioners' goals and improve services to the community.

Reporting directly to the County Administrator, the Director oversees high-priority projects from concept through implementation, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with all applicable regulations. The position serves as the County's primary liaison on legislative and regulatory matters, providing policy analysis, strategic recommendations, and advocacy to protect and advance the County's interests at the local, state, and federal levels.

The successful candidate will possess exceptional leadership, communication, organizational, and analytical skills, along with extensive knowledge of governmental operations, grant administration, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Project Management

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the County's strategic initiatives and long-range planning efforts.
• Plan, organize, direct, and oversee special projects from inception through completion while ensuring alignment with County priorities, strategic goals, timelines, and budgetary requirements.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, schedules, budgets, performance measures, and risk management strategies.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential obstacles, and implement corrective actions to ensure successful project delivery.
• Coordinate cross-departmental initiatives and facilitate collaboration among County departments, elected officials, community organizations, and external stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strategic planning documents, project reports, presentations, dashboards, and final evaluations to support informed decision-making.
• Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with consultants, contractors, vendors, and outside agencies to secure resources necessary for successful project implementation.

Government Relations & Legislative Affairs

• Serve as the County's chief liaison and spokesperson on legislative and governmental affairs.
• Develop and implement legislative strategies that support the County's priorities and policy objectives.
• Monitor proposed federal, state, and local legislation and evaluate potential impacts on County operations, finances, and services.
• Conduct legislative research and prepare analyses, briefing papers, policy recommendations, and reports for the County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners.
• Represent the County before legislative bodies, governmental agencies, partner organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure all lobbying activities, legislative advocacy, and communications comply with applicable ethics laws, lobbying registration requirements, and disclosure regulations.
• Foster productive relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, professional organizations, and community partners.

Grants Administration

• Develop and implement a comprehensive countywide grants strategy that aligns with the Board of County Commissioners' strategic priorities, Comprehensive Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, and other long-term planning initiatives.
• Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities from federal, state, regional, and private funding sources.
• Coordinate grant application development, including project planning, budget preparation, supporting documentation, and submission.
• Collaborate with County departments to identify funding needs and develop competitive grant proposals.
• Provide technical assistance, guidance, and training regarding grant development, administration, and compliance.
• Monitor awarded grants to ensure compliance with all funding requirements, reporting deadlines, financial regulations, and performance measures.
• Prepare grant reports, reimbursement requests, amendments, and closeout documentation.
• Maintain complete and accurate grant records in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Leadership & Communication

• Provide leadership and direction to project teams, department representatives, and consultants.
• Facilitate meetings with County leadership, department directors, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to the County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, advisory boards, community organizations, and funding agencies.
• Communicate project status, grant performance, legislative updates, and strategic initiatives through written reports and public presentations.
• Build collaborative relationships that foster innovation, transparency, and organizational effectiveness.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with budgeting, financial forecasting, and fiscal management for strategic initiatives and grant-funded projects.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive governmental, financial, and personnel information.
• May be designated as an Essential Employee and required to work during declared emergencies or disaster events.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the County Administrator or designee.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The successful candidate should possess:

• Comprehensive knowledge of strategic planning principles and project management methodologies.
• Thorough understanding of local government operations, policies, and administrative procedures.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local grant programs, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of legislative processes, governmental relations, and public policy development.
• Understanding of Florida Sunshine Laws, Public Records Laws, ethics requirements, and governmental transparency standards.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate complex legislative, financial, and organizational issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public presentations.
• Exceptional organizational and time management abilities with the capacity to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Budget development, financial management, and resource allocation experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or similar applications.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and make decisions under pressure.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in:

• Public Administration
• Public Policy
• Government
• Political Science
• Business Administration
• Planning
• Or a closely related field.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, legislative affairs, strategic planning, grants administration, project management, or a closely related field.
• Experience working within local, state, or federal government is preferred.
• Experience securing and administering federal and state grants is highly desirable.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in lieu of the minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Grant Professional (GPC)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Public Manager (CPM)
• Experience managing federally funded grant programs (FEMA, HUD, DOT, EPA, USDA, CDBG, etc.)
• Experience presenting before elected officials or governing boards.
• Experience developing strategic plans or comprehensive organizational initiatives.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with frequent interaction with County officials, department directors, community partners, and the public. The position requires attendance at meetings, public hearings, and occasional travel for conferences, legislative sessions, grant meetings, and professional development. Evening or weekend work may be required to attend Board meetings or community events. The employee may be required to serve as an essential worker during emergency or disaster response operations.