Federal Funding and Policy Specialist

Freese and Nichols, Inc. is looking for a Federal Funding and Policy Specialist to spearhead our federal funding for disaster risk reduction and coastal resilience initiative.

As a leader within our rapidly growing stormwater practice, the ideal candidate will help us live our LEADS values by serving as a funding and grant liaison to our clients looking to identify and pursue federal funding opportunities for flood risk identification, flood mitigation, coastal resilience, dam and levee safety, and nature-based solutions.

The primary duties of this role include :

• Monitor Federal legislation and policy across FEMA, NOAA, USACE, HUD, and EPA that impact grant and funding programs at the state and local level;
• Serve as an advisor to project and client account managers seeking to help clients identify funding opportunities;
• Provide recommendations on applicable funding programs to serve client-specific needs;
• Review funding application packages to maximize competitiveness;
• Serve as subject matter expert in various federal mitigation grant programs ( FEMA BRIC, FEMA FMA, FEMA HMGP, HUD CDBG-DR, etc.);
• Develop funding strategies for flood mitigation and risk reduction projects;
• Facilitate various trainings on federal funding programs, applicability and suitability
• Prepare reports, memorandums, social media posts, newsletters, etc. to educate internal and external stakeholders on federal funding programs;
• Assist with writing proposals, marketing materials and scopes of work for funding related project tasks;
• Develop and maintain relationships with federal agencies and state agencies responsible for administering federal flood mitigation programs
• Support development of practice growth plan and associated initiatives

This position requires a self-starter looking to expand their knowledge and expertise of federal funding programs and is ready to make a meaningful impact within Freese and Nichols and the clients we serve.

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in federal policy, mitigation, disaster risk reduction and / or resilience-related field
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public policy, business administration, planning, or a related field
• Direct experience successfully leading a federal grant application for more than one grant or loan program
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Bluebeam
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with a positive attitude and good interpersonal skills
• Excellent organization and communication skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Knowledge of FEMA GO, HAZUS, FEMA Benefit Cost Analysis v. , HUD CDBG-MIT and FEMA BRIC
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification
• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification
• Active member of NSDSO, ASFPM, NEMA, and / or NHMA

At Freese and Nichols, everyone on our team gets to make a meaningful difference in our communities. For 130 years, we have been planning and designing the infrastructure our society needs : developing water supplies, designing roadways and bridges, preparing for natural disasters, and much more.

We’ve built our business on long-term relationships with clients and employees alike, resulting in financial stability, career opportunities, and a nationally recognized workplace culture.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, 401(k) matching, paid overtime for salaried employees, tuition reimbursement, and much more.

Our unique culture creates an environment for professional growth where we focus on caring for our clients, coworkers, and the communities where we work.

Join our team of 1,000 employees as we continue to expand our services throughout the United States.