Tourism Grant Program Administrator (Program Specialist Vi) 2023-54

How to Apply: The State of Texas application is required and is only received through Work In Texas

https://www.workintexas.com/vosnet/Default.aspx

• Opening Date: 2/14/2023
• Class: 1575
• Position Location: Austin, Texas
• Travel Required: 5%
• Group Step: B23
• TWC Job #: 15843645
• Monthly Salary: $5,833.34 - $6,250.00/mo

Veterans, Reservists or members of the Guard can compare this position to Military Occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office.

Omission of data on the state application is grounds for disqualification of the application.

Only interviewed applicants will receive notice of the final disposition of the selection process.

OOG employees applying for a position in the same pay group, if selected, will be laterally transferred with a maximum increase in salary of 3.4%.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance - State pays 100% of the health plan premium for eligible full-time employees and 50% of the premium for their eligible dependents. State pays 50% of the eligible part-time employee’s premium and 25% for eligible dependents.
• 8 hours sick leave per month and 8 hours vacation leave per month with potential to earn more with longevity. Part-time employee’s hours are proportional with no longevity.
• Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts.
• Defined Retirement Benefit Plan.
• Optional Benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Telework Program – telework opportunities are available upon request. Reliable internet is required. Alternate work schedules and telework may be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview process.

General Description

The Tourism Grant Program Associate Administrator works within the Office of the Governor (OOG), Economic Development and Tourism Office (EDT) - Economic Development Finance, and reports to the Tourism Grant Program Administrator. Performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical assistance work for federal grants awarded to the State of Texas through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Work involves preparing, maintaining, and reporting of grants; coordinating grant applications; reviewing incoming applications to determine compliance with requirements and standards; monitoring grant awards; and serving as a liaison between funding sources and the state or federal government. Writes and edits reports, briefs, plans, and other documents. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Duties

• Assists the Tourism Grant Program Administrator in coordinating the workflow of Tourism Grant Program activities.
• Attends conferences, training and other professional development opportunities to increase job knowledge and technical expertise.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.
• Identifies, presents and implements effective and ethical business solutions as needed.
• Negotiates changes with potential grantees to make adjustments that ensure accountability, and that project scope meets the requirements and priorities established by EDT or the federal government.
• Independently reviews and recommends approval of requests for payments involving multi-million-dollar state and federal appropriations. Initiates contact with applicants to discuss potential ineligible items or to request additional documentation to support requested funds.
• Analyzes grant applications to determine eligibility and compliance with state/federal statutes and best practices.
• Actively monitors Program reporting to ensure timely filing of all required Program reports; may collect and review programmatic information from grant managers to prepare and submit required reports.
• Represents the Governor’s Office at meetings related to Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program, assists in strategic program development, and fosters collaborative working partnerships to effect positive change.
• Manages the collection, organization, and analysis of grant-related data using Excel and Access databases.
• Develops, establishes, and maintains productive and effective working relationships with stakeholders as required to fulfill the objectives of this position.
• Analyzes performance data to identify discrepancies and ensure follows-up with grantee to revise data, as appropriate.
• Works with Tourism Grant Program Administrator to develop funding plans and priorities that align with designated federal sources of funding.
• Analyzes Program activities, identifies problem areas, and works with grantees to correct and update application related questions and documentation.
• Provides guidance to Tourism Grant Program team, grantees, applicants, and others, including via conferencing and other means.
• Professionally communicates with city and county leaders; state agency executives; and other professionals about Program priorities, guidelines, and requirements.
• Develops and maintains clear, accessible, and updated training and operations manuals, educational materials and information.
• Effectively plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the Tourism Grant Program.
• Provides training for new staff and guidance in the development and integration of new methods and procedures.
• Maintains regular work schedule.
• Prepares administrative reports and studies and performs specialized research projects.
• Provides training to potential and current grant recipients on the application process and reporting requirements.
• Works collaboratively with vendor and other OOG divisions, including Financial Services and Information Services, to meet Program requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in government, marketing, public administration, business or related field; and
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the area of grants or program management.

Note: Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of the state’s Uniform Grant Management Standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements

• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
• Thorough knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to grants and contract administration.
• Ability to develop and evaluate program policies.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships within and outside the agency.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and management.
• Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Skill in grant preparation, development, evaluation, and monitoring.
• Thorough knowledge of state priorities as well as grant management practices and procedures.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives, to devise solutions to grant management problems.
• Skill in verbal and written communications.
• Skill in identifying measures of program performance.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Skill in writing and compiling plans and reports.
• Working knowledge of automated information tracking systems.
• Skill in planning.
• Working knowledge of the legislative process which includes analysis and interpretation of legislation.

Registration, Certification or Licensure

Valid Texas Driver’s License.

Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions

This classification functions in a standard office environment. Ability to move up to 20 Ibs. Ability to drive and travel as needed. Will need to move about the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, set up conference rooms for meetings, etc. Must be able to communicate and exchange accurate information via phone, computer and in person. Must be able to observe and evaluate data in a variety of formats, including hard copy, electronic and media formats. Must be able to work hours during a legislative session that include holidays and as needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $5,833.34 - $6,250.00 per month

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Retirement plan
• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person