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Tourism Grant Program Associate Administrator (Program Specialist VI)

Job #: 2023-54

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

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

  • Defined benefit retirement plan
  • Optional 401(k) and 457 Plans
  • 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
  • Optional Benefits such as dental, vision, and life insurance
  • Paid vacation and sick leave that accrues from your first day worked
  • Longevity pay
  • Confidential and personalized Employee Assistance Program services
  • 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.

This position is a federally funded position and is not intended to exceed the end of FY 2024.

Essential Duties

  • Effectively plans, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the Tourism Grant Program.
  • Analyzes grant applications to determine eligibility and compliance with state/federal statutes and best practices.
  • 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.
  • Works with Tourism Grant Program Administrator to develop funding plans and priorities that align with designated federal sources of funding.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Analyzes performance data to identify discrepancies and ensure follows-up with grantee to revise data, as appropriate.
  • Professionally communicates with city and county leaders; state agency executives; and other professionals about Program priorities, guidelines, and requirements.
  • Develops, establishes, and maintains productive and effective working relationships with stakeholders as required to fulfill the objectives of this position.
  • Analyzes Program activities, identifies problem areas, and works with grantees to correct and update application related questions and documentation.
  • 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.
  • Provides guidance to Tourism Grant Program team, grantees, applicants, and others, including via conferencing and other means.
  • Prepares administrative reports and studies and performs specialized research projects.
  • Manages the collection, organization, and analysis of grant-related data using Excel and Access databases.
  • Assists the Tourism Grant Program Administrator in coordinating the workflow of Tourism Grant Program activities.
  • Works collaboratively with vendor and other OOG divisions, including Financial Services and Information Services, to meet Program requirements.
  • Provides training for new staff and guidance in the development and integration of new methods and procedures.
  • Develops and maintains clear, accessible, and updated training and operations manuals, educational materials and information.
  • Provides training to potential and current grant recipients on the application process and reporting requirements.
  • Identifies, presents and implements effective and ethical business solutions as needed.
  • Attends conferences, training and other professional development opportunities to increase job knowledge and technical expertise.
  • Maintains regular work schedule.
  • Performs all other related duties as assigned.

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

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

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.

How to Apply

Applications are received only through Work In Texas. The OOG requires all sections of the state application to be completed. Omission of data on the state application is grounds for disqualification of the application. Requests for accommodation should be made to the Human Resources office as early as possible in the application/employment process. 

Apply Online at Work in Texas

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Office of the Governor is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires all new employees to present proof of eligibility to work in the United States within three (3) days of being hired. The Office of the Governor participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Male candidates between 18 and 25 years of age are required to show proof of Selective Service registration (or exemption) prior to an offer of employment being extended. Such proof is not required to be filed with an application but must be provided upon request by the Human Resources office. For additional information pertaining to Selective Service registration, you may visit www.sss.gov. View a copy of the Agency's Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report.

Notice to Applicants Who May Require Reasonable Accommodation in the Interview Process

Applicants with disabilities who may need to discuss special accommodations during the interview process should email the OOG’s Reasonable Accommodation Program Manager or call 512-463-8315 in the Human Resources Department. If reasonably possible, please call at least 48 hours in advance to afford our representative and the hiring division sufficient time to properly review and coordinate your request.

Contact Human Resources

(512) 463-5873

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