Paralegal and Legal Assistants

Legal Assistant (working title: Grants Specialist)

The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) is seeking a focused, motivated, and highly organized candidate to join the Central Office Grants Management Unit (GMU). The Grants Specialist will work directly under the Associate Director of Contracts and serve as a high-level operational partner, ensuring smooth workflows across contracts, procurements, and unit administration.

• Assist in development and organization of various solicitations, contracts, and grants, including tracking/monitoring throughout the process, and performing administrative review of proposals.
• Manage evaluation documentation, process files in internal databases and the Statewide Financial System (SFS), and coordinate evaluation logistics.
• Streamline unit operations, maintain structured filing systems, and keep complex tracking spreadsheets up to date.
• Monitor multiple shared email inboxes, and communicate professionally with external vendors, stakeholders, and staff throughout the agency.
• Perform a wide variety of activities associated with contractual and administrative services, including but not limited to research, proofreading, compliance, scheduling, recording meeting notes
• Provide general administrative support to the Bureau of Contract and Grants Management which includes the Contract Management Unit (CMU) and the GMU.
• Drive special initiatives and support unit leadership with research and ad-hoc projects.

• At minimum an Associate degree, Bachelor degree preferred (recent graduates are encouraged to apply).
• Employment history of at least 2 years (office experience preferred).
• Ability to comprehend and interpret complex written materials; excellent writing, analytical, communication, and organizational skills; experience with Microsoft applications (
  * Excel*); ability to learn new software systems and technology quickly; ability to meet deadlines, adapt to changing tasks, and handle multiple priorities.

• Interviews will be conducted in person at the location listed on page 1.
• On the job training will be provided.
• Hours listed are preferred typical hours. Occasional flexibility of hours may be allowed under certain circumstances.
• Total hours will be 37.5 hours per week. Overtime is not expected.
• This position qualifies for up to 50% telecommuting (up to 2-3 days per week, no more than 5 days every 2 weeks) after an initial training period and subject to department head approval. A laptop will be provided for in-office and at home use.
• The building is accessible on CDTA Bus Route 13, 18, 100, and 734.

We provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other protected basis.