DEPUTY INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS OFFICER - GRANTS LIAISON (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV))

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION: INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
REPORTING LOCATION: 901 BAGBY, 1ST FL.
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.*   
*Subject to Change
 
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Deputy Intergovernmental Relations Officer (Grants Liaison) leads the City’s strategic efforts to identify, pursue, and secure federal, state, philanthropic, and private grant funding for City programs and major capital projects.

The position serves as the central Citywide coordinator for grant strategy, working across City departments to identify funding opportunities, support the development of competitive grant proposals, and strengthen Houston’s capacity to secure external funding. The role collaborates closely with City leadership and departments to align grant opportunities with major City priorities, including infrastructure investment, resiliency and disaster mitigation, transportation improvements, public safety initiatives, and community development programs.

In addition, the individual will identify potential funding sources, write and package grant applications, and build internal capacity by providing guidance and training to City staff on grant strategy, proposal development, and compliance. 

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

• Research potential grant opportunities, analyze legislative and regulatory changes, and develop grant funding strategies aligned with the City’s goals.
• Respond to and resolve sensitive inquiries and complaints from both internal and external sources. Provide solutions to complex problems and work to resolve difficult issues between involved parties.
• Research and monitor City impact, consult with the City’s Legal Department, provide analysis, and develop an advocacy for the City’s agenda.
• Develop and implement short-and-long-range plans, policies, procedures, and programs.
• Develop and implement a citywide grant strategy that aligns funding opportunities with the City’s strategic priorities and capital investment needs.
• Identify and prioritize high-value grant opportunities and coordinate cross-departmental teams to pursue competitive funding.
• Support City departments in preparing competitive grant proposals, including proposal strategy, narrative development, budget preparation, data analysis, and compliance review.
• Develop and maintain a citywide grant opportunity tracker and quarterly report identifying funding opportunities, applications submitted, and funds secured. Act as the Intergovernmental Relations Officer in their absence to include serving as an official departmental representative to other City departments, elected officials and outside agencies.
• Prepare business planning reports, memoranda, and correspondence on departmental policies and activities.
• Track federal and state funding opportunities and deadlines, including discretionary grants, infrastructure funding programs, and legislative appropriations relevant to City priorities.
• Develop tools, templates, and internal processes to improve coordination and capacity for grant development and management across City departments.
• Provide oral and written testimony.
• Serve as a resource to City leadership and departments regarding federal and state funding opportunities and grant strategy.
• Manages the Intergovernmental Relations team.

Application Instructions:

• A résumé and cover letter are required but will not substitute for a complete employment application.
• In your cover letter, please include any additional skills and interests you would like to share.
• The City of Houston employment application is an official document; please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• A detailed, complete employment application helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. Describe your specific experience for each position including all job duties/responsibilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Requires lifting of moderately heavy items weighing up to 40 pounds. May experience long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces.  May be exposed to various weather conditions on outside assignments.