Grant Writer and Government Affairs Coordinator

Department: City Manager's Office Reports to: City Manager

Summary: The Grant Writer & Government Affairs Coordinator serves as the City of Odessa's central resource for identifying, securing, and managing grant funding while also leading government relations and legislative efforts. This role acts as a liaison between the City and state and federal entities, tracks legislation, supports policy development, and oversees the full lifecycle of grant administration while monitoring and analyzing public policy impacts to municipal operations.

The position works collaboratively with City leadership, City departments, Finance, and external stakeholders to advance strategic priorities, secure funding opportunities, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Research, identify, and evaluate federal, state, regional, and private grant opportunities aligned with City priorities
• Write, prepare, and submit high-quality grant applications, proposals, and supporting documentation
• Coordinate citywide grant development efforts with departments and leadership
• Develop and maintain a centralized grant tracking system (deadlines, awards, compliance requirements)
• Oversee post-award administration, including reporting, reimbursements, compliance, and closeout
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, including audit and financial requirements
• Collaborate with Finance to monitor grant budgets, allowable costs, and expenditures
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, regional partners, and community stakeholders
• Coordinate with departments to identify funding needs and align projects with grant opportunities
• Represent the City in meetings, workshops, and public forums as needed
• Support interdepartmental collaboration on strategic initiatives and special projects
• Prepare reports, presentations, and briefings for executive leadership and City Council
• Develop policies, procedures, and best practices for grant and compliance management
• Provide training and technical assistance to City staff on grant processes and requirements
• Support long-term strategic planning through funding analysis and policy insight

Government Affairs & Legislative Relations:

• Acts as the liaison between the City and state/federal governments, tracking legislation, and managing policy development
• Monitors bills and advises city leadership on legislative impacts, monitors federal and state legislation, and prepares detailed summaries and reports on impact.
• Assist in creating, revising, and implementing the City's legislative agenda.
• Identifies and tracks grant opportunities and funding opportunities for local initiatives related to the legislative agenda.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business, Finance, Communications, Political Science, or related field
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in grant writing, grant administration, government affairs, or related work
• Municipal or government experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of grant funding sources and regulatory compliance (federal, state, and local)
• Understanding of legislative processes and public policy analysis
• Strong technical writing, research, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial tracking, and grant accounting principles
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with leadership, officials, and external partners
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and standard business systems

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office environment with occasional travel to meetings, trainings, or project sites
• May require attendance at evening or weekend meetings as needed
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and perform sedentary work

Salary : $71,590 - $100,957