Grants Specialist

Salary range is $78k to $134k, with a midpoint of $88k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under direction from the Federal Grants and Loan Manager, the Grants Specialist will help implement the Agency's grant and loan program: including maintaining grant tracking, developing, monitoring, managing and reporting on the Agency's federal and state grants; preparing and reviewing progress reports, and grant budget revisions amendments, and close-outs; identifies and secures traditional and non-traditional grant funding sources, including grant application development and collaboration with stakeholders and project partners; ensures timely obligations and drawdowns of grant funds; and assists with preparation of federal oversight reviews.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Responsible for day-to-day grant administrative functions for the Agency; assist with administering multiple, complex grants; prepares and submits grant progress reports, amendments, budget revisions and close outs; assists with development and submittal of grant proposals; advises the Agency on grant requirements, compliance and opportunities.
• Monitors grant scope and activity; maintains grant databases used to track and report Agency grant activity.
• Reviews and ensures accurate, eligible and timely grant drawdowns and reimbursements, including review of contract files, invoices and other accounting reports and documentation for compliance; administers grant close-out process; maintains grant files and records for complete audit documentation. Prepares periodic reports and analyses for management review and action.
• Provides technical assistance, interacts with and shares knowledge of the Agency's grant program with internal staff, partner agencies and the general public. Prepares briefing papers, statistical and narrative reports on a broad range of activities.
• Manages Sound Transit projects in the State and Regional Transportation Improvement Program and the Region's Metropolitan Transportation Plan.
• Assists in the management of federal oversight reviews and audits. Prepares and maintains a variety of records, files, and reports; organizes and files paperwork and reports generated with and for associated grants.
• Coordinates other Agency projects/programs as requested, such as transit oriented development, non-motorized access and innovative finance; serves on various committees as assigned; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in assigned field.
• Maintains awareness of federal, state and local regulations and impact of changes on the Agency.
• Represents the Agency through oral and written communications and in meetings with local, regional and state.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Planning, Accounting, or related field and four years of grant development and administration experience, including experience with public transportation grant requirements and processes, preferably Federal Transit Administration grants; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Federal grant administration, preferably knowledge of Federal Transit Administration requirements and programs, including FTA's Transit Award Management System (TrAMS).
• Advanced principles, practices, and procedures of grant administration including grant development, monitoring for compliance and progress reporting.
• Principles and practices used in the management of grant budget revisions and amendments.
• Regional and metropolitan transportation planning process.
• Regional and State Transportation Improvement Program process and schedule.
• Methods and techniques of research, analysis, and statistical and analytical report preparation.
• Applicable local, state and federal laws, regulations and statutes.
• Project management principles and practices.
• Record keeping and reporting requirements and procedures.
• Principles, methods and practices of process improvement.
• Mathematical principles.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Principles and procedures of financial record keeping/reporting and files and information retrieval systems.
• Customer service methods and techniques.
• Operating automated management and financial systems as well as word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Understanding accounting, grant, and industry concepts and directions and perform professional grant related functions.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public.
• Evaluating and analyzing technical grant activities.
• Preparing a variety of complex financial and administrative reports.
• Planning and organizing work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Identifying and resolving general problems in a timely manner using sound judgment.
• Responding to general inquiries effectively orally and in writing.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a hybrid office environment.
• The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.