Grants Administrator

Pierce Transit's Community Development Department is recruiting for our next Grants Administrator! The successful candidate in this role will be responsible for pre-award, award, and post award grant activities such research and evaluating funding opportunities, develop funding applications and related materials; advocating for award of funds; negotiating amounts and terms of awards; managing projects in the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP); reviewing grants and agreements and process for approval.In this role, you will have the responsibilities of monitoring legislation programs for updates and reviewing grants for impacts and communicating and advising changes or impacts to staff. As our Grants Administrator, you will operate as a lead worker and provide guidance to staff on processes and procedures. If you're not currently living in the Lakewood-area, that's not a problem! We may be able to help with reimbursing up to $2,500 in moving expenses for those who physically relocate their primary residence to the Pierce/King/Thurston County area (substantiated with receipts).  Washington State was recently recognized as being number 1 in the nation for quality of life; read more about that here.BENEFITS:At Pierce Transit, our employees’ health is important to us too!That’s why we offer two on-site gyms and an incredible Wellness Program in addition to excellent medical, dental, and vision packages. If your career goals change while you’re employed, we are here to help. Pierce Transit offers $5,000 per year (up to a total of $18,000) in Tuition Assistance after your one-year anniversary. Certifications, and career skills must be connected to a position at Pierce Transit. Pierce Transit offers two Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans to choose from, PERS2 and PERS3, as well as a matching program for 457 deferred compensation.Employees are not covered under the Social Security System except for a 1.45% payment for Medicare.  PAID LEAVE:Full-time Pierce Transit employees are eligible to receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, 6 days of major sick leave, and 22 days of paid time off (PTO) per year. Part-time employees receive pro-rated leave, to include major sick leave, PTO, and holiday pay. PTO accrual rates increase per policy and/or collective bargaining agreement. Essential FunctionsThe following functions are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional position-specific duties.  Function as a subject matter expert lead in grant compliance with federal, state, regional and local requirements. Research guidelines for requirements and eligibility; communicate with staff and provide guidance on changes and any impacts. May lead an assigned workgroup - assign, instruct and check the work of those employees on an ongoing basis.Oversees pre-award and award activities, including researching and evaluating funding opportunities, identifying and applying for grants, and developing funding applications. Review grant applications completed by staff for accuracy and compliance. Manages and administers grants/awards. Prepare reports, revenue forecasts, and financial scenarios, and responds to data and records requests.Creates and implements an internal program. Perform internal audits to identify areas for improvement; develop and maintain internal control policies, procedures and practices to ensure compliance and accurate billing.Acts as primary point of contact with federal, state, regional, and local agencies to negotiate agreements and secure funding and resources, provide progress updates, and participate in grant distribution.Works with stakeholders to determine resource needs, monitoring program direction, and developing work plan to align with strategic plan.Conducts program evaluations, support audits, and program reviews. Provides research, training, and technical assistance/oversight.Designs, develops, and evaluates grant policies and procedures. Monitors and interprets emerging legislation and funding programs for changes and impacts. Monitors changes within the agency that impact grant readiness and ability to match and implement projects.Develops and manages grant budgets, ensuring that expenditures align with grant requirements and funding limitations.Provides regular financial reports to internal and external stakeholders.Assists in the preparation of grant proposals, including conducting research, drafting narrative sections, and assembling supporting documentation.Participates in grant-related meetings and conferences to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.Develops and maintains relationships with external partners, including funders, community organizations, and government agencies.Monitors grants for compliance with legal and financial requirements.Demonstrates reliable and consistent attendance.Performs related work as required.QualificationsRequired:Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field, andFive (5) years of experience in grant or contract administration.Education may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.Desired: Public sector experience desired.  Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:Knowledge of:State and federal rules and regulations for public transportation grant processesLegislative, planning, and budgeting processesPost-award grant management practicesFinancial recordkeeping proceduresGrants/assistance management processes and techniquesBudgeting, financial management, and forecasting methods and principlesBusiness EnglishStandard office proceduresMicrosoft Office products Skill in:Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature (multi-tasking)Customer serviceCommunications (verbal and written)Organizational/time management skillsAttention to detailComputer and database skills Ability to:Develop program and project budgetsLead and support teamsConduct research and identify resourcesEstablish and maintain effective working relationshipsMeet schedules and deadlines of the workFollow verbal and written instructions  CompetenciesRegularly meets expectations for work schedule, accomplishing assignments, and serving as a source of supply and support for the department, customers, and/or the organization.Effective in guiding and leading a team to achieve desired results.Working effectively and productively with others, sometimes in a team setting. Working cooperatively, effectively and productively with internal and external customers.Effectively managing, optimizing, monitoring and maintaining a balanced budget with appropriate levels of fiscal transparency while assuring appropriate linkages exist between budget, funding levels and service levels.Effective in guiding and leading a team to achieve desired results.Demonstrates knowledge of budget, cost accounting, cost/schedule management and program terminology, concepts and principles.Monitors progress towards a goal and make adjustments when necessary. Licensing, certifications, and other legal requirements:  Individuals must pass a background check.