Plexos Group, LLC has a position available for a Community Technical Assistance Team Lead. The Community Technical Assistance Team assesses gaps and assists recovery operations through resources provided by two funding sources: 1) USDA grant awarded to the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) to fund grant writers and technical assistance providers to DR-4652-NM disaster-impacted communities; and 2) New Mexico State-appropriated funds under House Bill 1, to provide economic recovery technical assistance to small businesses, local governments, and regional revitalization efforts in response to DR-4795 disaster-related impacts.
This position takes a holistic view of the disaster recovery process, with a focus on reenergizing economic and community-based drivers, including, but not limited to regional industry (e.g., timber, tourism), small business, local messaging, community engagement, facility repair, etc. When partners such as the FEMA Interagency Recovery Coordination, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Administration, the Councils of Government, and U.S. Department of Agriculture identify new grant opportunities, the Community Technical Assistance team is responsible for evaluating and pursuing those opportunities.
At its core, technical assistance must prioritize strong roots in the community. The Community Technical Assistance Team Lead is responsible for sowing and cultivating seeds in community groups - from grassroots initiatives to local governments to regional coalitions - to bring locally relevant efforts to fruition. This includes coordination with many local stakeholders including local Emergency Managers, Economic Development Directors, Planning and Zoning Coordinators, etc.
Responsibilities:
Work with the Deputy Project Manager and Senior Project Manager to establish a cohesive strategy with objectives and milestones to effectively fulfill the terms of the USDA grant and the House Bill 1 appropriation of funding.
Provide training, mentorship, support, and supervision to a team of up to eight staff, including: two Economic Recovery Specialists; two Small Business Specialists; and four Grant Writers.
Write and implement strategic documents, policies, and procedures which govern the operations of the Community Technical Assistance Team.
Meet and build relationships with a range of stakeholders, including local governments, small businesses, community groups (e.g., non-governmental organizations, universities, non-profits), state government agencies, federal government agencies, etc. to build the network needed to support community technical assistance.
Develop, leverage, and document both existing and new methodologies to assess local unmet needs and gaps in recovery efforts.
As appropriate, develop planning documents and memoranda which capture the strategies, programs, and activities needed to accomplish recovery objectives.
Research right-fit grant and funding opportunities for approved jurisdictions, as well as small businesses in the area to support disaster recovery.
Write grant applications and provide training, guidance, and technical assistance to Specialists and Grant Writers on grant-writing, implementation, and administration.
As appropriate, provide grant management workshops to interested stakeholders.
Develop regular monthly reports which capture both quantitative and qualitative information on the team's activities and progress in meeting defined milestones.
Qualifications:
Strong technical writing skills (a writing sample will be requested)
A proven track record of writing and receiving grant funding
The ability to mine, analyze, and interpret data and to use data to tell a story
Attention to detail while adhering to deadlines
Knowledge of local, state, and federal grants and programs and/or ability to seek them
Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel), Teams, SharePoint
Must possess a valid New Mexico driver license
Able to pass a federal background check
Willingness to learn federal reporting systems
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, or related field
Minimum three years of grant and/or government experience
Disaster recovery grant writing experience
Grant management software experience
Plexos Group LLC is an Equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Plexos Group recognizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce that considers the needs of the communities we serve, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace environment free from discrimination.