Grants Director, Exempt

Grants Director, Exempt Location: Natural Resources Building - Olympia, WA. Work hours and partial telework flexibility may be available and considered. Relocation compensation may be available and considered. Salary: $113,592.00 - $132,492.00 annually. To allow for growth and salary progression, the full salary range is: $113,592.00 - $139,452.00. Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/25/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Employee and Enterprise Division to develop and implement policies that will lift up all Washingtonians. This position leads the agency's grants strategy development, policy coordination, and implementation in coordination with teams throughout the agency that administer grant programs. The Grants Director provides grants management expertise and support, and recommendations to grant programs and agency leadership. The Grants Director is responsible for the development and successful implementation of DNR's proactive strategy to attract and maintain non-state funding resources to accelerate the impacts of DNR policies and programs to meet agency goals and assist with securing resources to fill gaps and needs required to meet those goals. This role supports all divisions, programs, and regions with subject matter expertise on grant seeking, administration, and compliance. The Grants Director is the primary point of contact for all federal funding affairs. Responsibilities Provide subject matter expertise on federal, state, and philanthropic grant activities. Maintain strong knowledge of the federal, state, and non-governmental funding landscape and grant reporting processes. Act as the primary point of contact on federal funding affairs. Participate and represent DNR in statewide and subcabinet workgroups, strategy groups, technical and funding communities of practice. Ensure compliance with grant funding agreement conditions and reporting requirements by coordinating across the agency and with external partners, agencies, and departments. Develop agency policies, procedures, and tools to ensure compliance with state and federal grant administration guidance. Develop policies, procedures, and tools to assist staff with grant coordination and administration, including providing letters of support and the approval process by leadership before applying for funding. Provide regular updates and communication to leadership on the status of grants, administration, new or updated policies, procedures, and tools, and relevant information. Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of a federal, state, local, and philanthropic grants strategy for the agency. Work with the executive team, programs, divisions, regions, community partners, and stakeholders to advocate for grant funding, track and communicate policy issues, and other impacts related to funding. Maintain an ongoing needs assessment of agency gaps and needs related to grant funding and resources. Assess in partnership with executive staff, including the Chief Financial Officer, State Forester, and State Geologist, actions to prioritize agency grants strategy. Oversee coordination of DNR’s grant applications, status, and outcomes for federal, state, and philanthropic funding opportunities with programs, divisions, regions, and external partners to ensure consistency, reduce redundancy, and improve effectiveness. Develop and maintain an agency-wide procedure and tool to monitor federal, state, and non-governmental activities that could result in grant funding. Communicate regular updates to leadership and staff on the status of grant opportunities and activities. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or related field; OR a combination of education and/or experience equivalent. At least 5 years of experience developing and implementing grant programs. Demonstrated leadership related to the full spectrum of creating, managing, and completing federal grant opportunities, including financial program analysis, compliance, policy development, innovation, and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and/or philanthropic grant-making processes and experience in government and philanthropic partnerships. Proven experience writing, securing, and managing federal grants of more than $5 million. Expertise in environmental justice practices and programs. Knowledge of federal and state regulatory processes and experience with federal regulatory rules, guidelines, enforcement, and administration. Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders in complex policy and program delivery settings. Ability to think strategically while implementing and executing on initiatives and influencing outcomes. Strong written, verbal, and graphic communication skills, including briefing memos, presentations, and public speaking. Ability to analyze proposed legislation or regulations to determine impacts on funding opportunities for the agency. Expertise in drafting grants strategies or prioritization frameworks, working with multi-sectoral leadership. Demonstrated experience building and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including business and private industry partners, Tribes, government officials, agency staff, senior managers, and the public. Active listening skills and the ability to resolve conflicts and convey information clearly. Ability to manage multiple short-term and long-term projects simultaneously. Ability to work as part of a team and to coordinate, facilitate, and manage work for ad hoc cross-agency teams. Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices. Perform assigned duties in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention and requests. DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability, Value Others, Compassionate Communication, Inspire Others, Commitment to Excellence. Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment This position is hybrid and may be allowed to telework. Occasional in-state travel required, which could include evenings and weekends. Desired Qualifications A bachelor’s degree or higher in political science, law, public policy, business administration, communications, environmental science, finance, accounting, or another field relevant to the position’s responsibilities, OR at least 5 years of relevant experience may substitute for a degree. Application Requirements: Apply online: at (Click on the APPLY button above). Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position requirements. Resume: detailing your experience and qualifications. References: 3-5 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your two most recent supervisors. Important: Do not attach documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.). Complete all supplemental questions. Candidates who move forward may be contacted via email with interview information and scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder. Questions? Please contact Annette Meyer at or email . Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email . Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384. About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive. Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations. Our Core Values: Safety and Well-Being Public Service Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving Leadership and Teamwork DNR provides excellent benefits including: commitment to health and wellness, work/life balance, employee resource groups, leadership, professional development, loan forgiveness eligibility, and a comprehensive benefits package. For more information, visit the benefits page. Additional Information: This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future vacancies for up to 60 days. DNR does not use E-Verify. More information is available on USCIS. Veterans may claim preference; attach a copy of your DD-214 or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching documents. Equal Opportunity Employer: We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. After submitting, you can check your status by logging into your account. For technical difficulties, call or email CareersHelp. Check us out on: DNR’s website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, WordPress. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-10-06