Community Sector Senior Grant Specialist/SME

position summary

The Senior Grant Specialist plays a critical role in advancing Merjent's Strategic Plan by supporting the continued growth of our Community and Public Engagement team. This position is responsible for expanding Merjent's community-sector initiatives by developing funding strategies, identifying grant opportunities, and securing grant funding for clients in collaboration with our subject matter experts (SMEs).

As a grant funding leader, the Senior Grant Specialist oversees the full grant lifecycle-from opportunity identification and proposal development to award administration and compliance. This individual serves as Merjent's internal subject matter expert on grant strategy and management, partnering with multidisciplinary project teams to maximize funding success while establishing best practices, strengthening internal processes, and mentoring staff to enhance the firm's grant development capabilities.

This is a full-time benefits eligible opportunity with the flexibility to work from Merjent's Minneapolis or Wisconsin Office, or remotely from a home office. Candidates living in the upper Midwest U.S. are preferred. The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $145,300 and $183,400 annually, depending upon qualifications and experience. This position is also bonus eligible.

why Merjent?

Merjent is a medium-sized consulting company dedicated to creating an environment where both people and projects succeed. Merjent has staff located across the United States who may choose a remote, in-office, or hybrid work arrangement. At Merjent, all full-time employees receive 4 weeks of paid vacation regardless of seniority, prorated according to their start date. In addition, employees receive 10 paid holidays and a generous benefit and compensation package. Merjent supports annual career-related training for employees to become or continue as leaders in their field of expertise. Merjent facilitates organic growth within the company and encourages employees to bring their ideas forward to grow existing and create new service lines within and beyond the currently served sectors of energy, mining, transportation, manufacturing and construction, land development industries, and government. Merjent also invests in its company culture by supporting travel for remote employees to attend in-person team meetings and all-staff events.

The Merjent difference is real – it's based on a commitment to our values, which guide us in how we work with clients and each other. Our commitment to quality and professional integrity encompasses everything we do. We are proud of our reputation for delivering quality work and building long-term, trusting relationships with our clients and with regulatory agencies.

responsibilities

• Lead the development, management, and pursuit of strategic client relationships within the Community Sector to support Merjent's growth initiatives and long-term business objectives.
• Develop and implement funding strategies and grant development plans that strengthen Merjent's Community Sector services, enhance the firm's market presence, and support successful client outcomes.
• Serve as Merjent's Subject Matter Expert (SME) for funding strategy and grant development by managing the firm's grant development portfolio.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across Consulting, Engineering, Field Services, and Restoration to integrate funding strategies and grant development into client projects and business development pursuits.
• Build and maintain strong relationships across Merjent's divisions, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and engagement in Community Sector initiatives and client outreach efforts.
• Participate in Growth Leadership activities to help develop and execute business development strategies that support the continued growth of the Community Sector.
• Support business development by contributing to proposals, presentations, marketing initiatives, and thought leadership while identifying emerging funding opportunities and market trends.
• Mentor and encourage staff participation in funding strategy, grant development, client engagement, and professional growth opportunities.
• Partner with leadership to identify staffing needs and support strategic recruiting efforts that strengthen complementary service offerings and future growth.
• Represent Merjent in client meetings, industry events, professional organizations, and other external engagements to strengthen relationships, promote the firm's capabilities, and expand business opportunities.

qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, natural resources, planning, public administration, communications, social sciences, or a related field, with relevant experience supporting the markets served by Merjent.
• Advanced degree, continuing education, professional certification, licensure, or other credentials applicable to the candidate's area of expertise.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive consulting and/or industry experience with a demonstrated focus on client service, funding strategy, grant development, and successful project execution.
• Proven success developing funding strategies and securing grant funding for projects of varying size and complexity, including large, multidisciplinary initiatives as well as small- and medium-sized projects.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach and a commitment to mentoring and developing others.
• Demonstrated experience in market development, business development, and project management.
• Experience developing successful proposals, marketing strategies, and client-focused pursuit materials.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage clients, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Progressive experience representing an organization through external interactions with clients, government agencies, community organizations, professional associations, and other stakeholders.
• Recognized technical expertise within a specialized discipline, with the ability to serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and provide strategic guidance to project teams and clients.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams, with the ability to create professional documents, manage data, develop reports, and collaborate effectively in a digital work environment.