Grant Writer

Job Description:

Performs professional work in the research, identification, development, and preparation of grant opportunities for the Department of Public Safety. Prepares, administers, and coordinates all grant information. Writes all grant applications in order to successfully secure new and renewal funding for Public Safety services and programs and prepares financial reports.  Performs other general administrative, accounting, and budget work as needed. Position reports to the Director of Public Safety.

Essential Job Functions

Researches grant opportunities (e.g. facility improvements, professional development, training, equipment, apparatus, etc.) for the purpose of developing additional funding resources for both current and proposed services, programs and administrative operations as well as serving as a clearinghouse for potential grant funding opportunities.

Coordinates project activities; prepares and processes grant requests and proposals, grant budgets, finance reports letters, correspondence, presentation materials, and manuscripts; maintains funding opportunity databases, activity tracking system, and related confidential files to ensure compliance with state, local and federal guidelines.

Maintains comprehensive knowledge of particular areas involved in identifying and soliciting grants; may collaborate with various internal and external departments.

Communicates with State, Federal, and other grant resources; monitors publications and newspapers for new sources of grant money; makes changes in grant reporting. Establishes and maintains personal contact with Chiefs and Administrative Officers from Fire-Rescue-EMS Departments and other Public Safety entities. 

Answers questions and provides accounting and grant advice and direction. Develops forms, processes, procedures, and policies for the purpose of implementing a consistent grant application methodology.

Monitors and maintains the financial management of grants (e.g. budget preparation, budget adjustments, expenditures, etc.) for the purpose of complying with all program and funding guidelines of awarding organizations.   

Participates in and leads, if appropriate, meetings, workshops, and seminars for the purpose of conveying, sharing, and/or gathering information required to perform functions.

Works closely with staff in developing and transforming ideas into grant proposals; interacts with constituencies involved in grant-funding activities; serves as liaison to Finance and Budget.

Prepares and submits an audit on an annual basis to the County Commissioners of Calvert County and the individual Fire-Rescue-EMS Department(s).

Performs other administrative, accounting, budget and related work as needed within the department.

Coordinates with Finance and Budget and Procurement to ensure procurement process is followed and bids are completed where necessary.

Coordinates grant requests for approval with the County Commissioners of Calvert County.

Learns and understands the New World Software regarding Fire-Rescue-EMS response statistical recordkeeping software in order to provide statistics for grant applications.

Assists with annual budget process, requisition processing, and invoice payments for the Department of Public Safety.

Assists with daily administrative duties, answering the telephone, greeting visitors, filing, etc.

Other Duties

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills (These are pre-employment KASs that apply only to Essential Job Functions.)

Knowledge of--

• Accounting principles and practices as applied to accounting and fiscal reporting for public agencies.
• The availability of grants, grant accounting practices, and grant application processes, practices, principles, and procedures.
• Modern office procedures and practices including operation of calculators and computers.

Ability to--

• Determine eligibility for a variety of grant proposals.
• Write high-quality grant proposal narratives, applications, and supporting documents.
• Secure grant funds and obtain new sources of funds.
• Maintain accurate financial reports and statistical records.
• Demonstrate proficiency in researching, interpreting, and analyzing diverse data.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others encountered in the work.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Required Qualifications (Note: Any acceptable combination of education, training and relevant experience that provides the above knowledges, abilities and skills may be substituted on a full-time year for year basis.)

Training and/or Education:

Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, business, statistical research, business writing, or related field.

Experience:

Two years grant writing experience.

Licenses or Certificates:

Valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements:

Operation of County owned vehicle.

Physical Demands:

Requires ordinary physical effort to sit, walk, stand, bend, reach, or to carry light items.

Unusual Demands:

May be required to attend evening meetings and local, state, and regional seminars and conferences.

FLSA Status:

Nonexempt

Compensation Steps:

Pay rate: $30.60 - $35.08 per hour; $55,692 - $63,846 annually

Grade 721, full-time position, 35 hours per week

Department of Public Safety

Position closing date: December 3, 2026

Please Note: This position will close at 11:59 p.m. on December 3, 2026. To be considered for the role, ensure that your application is submitted before the deadline. The position will be removed from the website as of 12:00 a.m. on December 4th.

This position allows for telework, meaning the employee may be able to work from home or another offsite location for part of the workweek, but they are still required to come into the office regularly. This arrangement is at the supervisor's discretion and may change based on business needs.

Calvert County Government offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include:

• 15 days of sick leave
• 10 days of annual leave
• 5 days of personal leave
• 13 paid holidays *14 in an election year
• Defined Contribution Plan
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Up to 80% tuition reimbursement
• Gym membership discounts

Please Note: A complete application is required to be considered for a position within Calvert County Government. All prior work experience, education, and other certifications should be entered into the application and supplemental questions should be answered completely. Attachments are not provided to hiring managers unless you are selected for an interview.

Calvert County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] with as much notice as possible.