STRATEGIC PLANNING AND GRANTS ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR $79,864 (DOQ)–Administration

Serves as a skilled leader responsible for directing the County’s strategic development initiatives and overseeing all grants administration functions. The Strategic Planning and Grants Administration Director manages high‑priority projects from inception through completion, ensuring alignment with community goals. Work is performed under the direction of the County Administrator.

Essential Job Functions:

• Manages the planning, execution and delivery of special projects, ensuring they meet the organization’s goals, deadlines, and budgetary constraints.
• Leads teams, defines project goals, communicates with stakeholders, and oversees projects through completion.
• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for government relations and advocacy initiatives and serve as the County’s chief spokesperson on legislative and regulatory matters.
• Performs research and prepares legislative summaries, briefing documents, reports, and recommendations for the County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, and other governing bodies.
• Ensure all lobbying activities and interactions with public officials comply with applicable ethics, lobbying registration, and disclosure laws.
• Develops and maintains strategic planning documentation—including project plans, progress reports, presentations, and final evaluations—to support long‑term organizational goals and informed decision‑making.
• Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with external vendors, consultants, and contractors to secure necessary resources and services.
• Designs and implements a countywide grants strategy that aligns with the Board of County Commissioners’ priorities, statutory requirements, and long‑range planning documents such as the Comprehensive Plan and Capital Improvement Plan.
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to departments regarding grant writing, project development, and strategic planning.
• Identifies federal, state, and regional funding opportunities, including programs through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and federal agencies such as FEMA, HUD, and DOT.
• Monitors and ensures compliance with all grant requirements, regulations, and reporting deadlines.
• Facilitates project meetings, providing clear communication between project stakeholders, team members, and senior management.
• Prepares reports, presentations, and recommendations for the County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners, and other governing bodies.
• May serve as an essential worker during declared disasters.
• Performs miscellaneous job duties as assigned by the County Administrator or designee.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related marginal duties as required.)

Minimum Qualifications:

• In-depth understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Considerable knowledge of laws and regulatory requirements impacting the County.
• Understanding of local government procedures and Sunshine Laws.
• Ability to understand complex legislative issues and identify potential impacts to the County.
• Strong budget and resource management skills.
• Budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal management pertains to strategic projects and grant-funded programs.
• Expertise in grant writing, grant management, and compliance requirements for federal, state, and private funding sources.
• Expertise in stakeholder engagement and public relations.
• Analytical skills for identifying and managing project risks.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet)
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.

Education and Experience

Okeechobee County