Grants & Strategic Initiatives Manager

SUMMARY

The Grants and Strategic Initiatives Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office (OPSO) by managing grants and cultivating partnerships that align with the organization's strategic goals. This role will oversee the development, submission, and management of grant proposals, while also fostering relationships with key stakeholders, including community organizations, government agencies, and funders. The Manager will lead innovative initiatives to support the agency's objectives and ensure the successful implementation and evaluation of strategic partnerships and programs.

The Grants and Strategic Initiatives Manager serves as the liaison between the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office, and its investors and partners. The Grants and Strategic Initiative Manager reports to the Director of External Affairs and is responsible for researching, preparing, submitting, and managing grant proposals/reports that support OPSO goals and meet funder guidelines and criteria. The incumbent serves as the primary grant writer, manages funder relationships, engages in compliance reporting, and supports special project initiatives. This position requires strong writing, data analysis, program budgeting, project management skills, with an emphasis on outcome measurement.

SALARY

The salary for the Grants and Strategic Initiatives Manager will be aligned accordingly and commensurate with an applicant's knowledge, skills, experience, certifications and education requirements of the subject position. The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision and life insurance as well as dental coverage and participation in the Louisiana Sheriff's Pension Fund. Moreover, we offer supplemental insurance coverage through various vendors.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Grant Research and Development:
  • Research local, state, and federal funding opportunities that align with OPSO's goals.
  • Draft, organize, and submit grant proposals and applications in collaboration with the finance and programmatic teams.
  • Maintain and build relationships with funders, ensuring strong communication and compliance with requirements.
• Proposal and Budget Creation:
  • Collaborate with internal staff and leadership to develop comprehensive grant proposals, budgets, and program narratives.
  • Ensure all applications meet funder guidelines and criteria, and track the submission and progress of grants via master calendars.
• Compliance and Reporting:
  • Monitor and maintain compliance with all grant-related reporting requirements.
  • Track organizational and programmatic outcomes to provide timely and accurate reports to funders and stakeholders.
• Impact Measurement:
  • Utilize data collection and analysis to measure grant effectiveness and ensure alignment with OPSO's goals and funder expectations.

Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives:

• Partnership Development:
  • Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with external organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
  • Lead negotiations for partnership agreements and memoranda of understanding to advance mutual goals.
  • Maintain strong relationships with external partners to leverage resources and share best practices.
• Strategic Initiative Leadership:
  • Lead the design, development, and implementation of strategic initiatives that support OPSO's mission, including conducting research, analysis, and stakeholder consultations.
  • Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring all initiatives are delivered on time and within scope.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with internal teams across departments to ensure initiatives and partnerships align with organizational priorities.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between external partners and internal teams to foster communication and drive collective impact.
• Program Evaluation:
  • Design and implement evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of strategic initiatives and partnerships.
  • Collect and analyze data to measure outcomes, identify lessons learned, and inform future planning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in grant writing, partnership development, or strategic planning.
• Strong project management skills with experience in managing multiple initiatives and meeting deadlines.
• Proven ability to cultivate and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated expertise in data analysis, program budgeting, and outcome measurement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and grant submission portals.
• Passion for social impact and a commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Familiarity with the criminal justice system or law enforcement agencies is preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in both office and detention center environments, including some interaction with residents.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, or lift materials up to 50 pounds.
• Potential exposure to stressful environments and challenging behavioral conditions.