Description
Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.
Financial Affairs is headed by the Chief Financial Officer and divided into five groups: Information Technology; Treasury; Accounting, Budget, Management Analysis and Contracts; and Grant Management. The core mission of these groups is to provide accurate financial information so that Metra can run its business efficiently. Together these departments employ approximately 160 people.
Reporting to the Director, Grant Administration, the Grant Analyst 1 will support the Grants Management division and will research and analyze project data to complete local, state, and federal grant applications for capital grant funding; review and edit grant agreements and amendments; prepare and submit progress and statistical reports; and ensure compliance with all agency and governmental rules, regulations, and standards related to grant awards for transit agencies. The primary duties include manage all phases of the grant award process; determine available funding sources from the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) and non-FTA are properly aligned; collaborate with departments on project funding needs; and build grant applications and amendments based on project specifications, scope, schedule, and budget information. Capture the essence of the project to generate a summary to effectively communicate the needs of, and uses for, potential grant funding; and ensure the summary is acceptable to the FTA. Evaluate and clarify project information to ensure project meets eligibility criteria and information is accurate prior to grant application submission; develop processes for delivering funding to projects following awards; enter awarded funding data into planning and financial systems; maintain and reconcile systems containing grant award information; and prepare funding release documents. Develop accurate project listings and materials for inclusion in the FTA's annual Program of Projects publication; and cross-reference project budget information and capital project identifiers to be entered into the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) database. Review and edit terms and conditions of grant agreements and amendments to ensure compliance with FTA and funding agency regulations; and identify other relevant local, state, and federal guidance, rules, regulations, and laws that might impact funding. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidate can consider their growth potential.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, or related discipline, or in lieu of a degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in grant administration, implementation, or financial analysis.
- In addition to #1, must have two (2) years of experience in grant administration managing local, state, or federal grant programs and contracts, or data compilation and analysis.
- Familiarity with Federal funding sources and programs.
- Familiar with accounting principles and practices and financial management procedures and systems.
- Working knowledge of practices and principles of grant programs preferably for transportation or capital planning projects, including the application and administration processes.
- Familiar with local, state, and federal regulations governing grant funding for transportation projects such as the FTA Circulars 5337 State of Good Repair Grants and 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Program Grants.
- Strong qualitative and quantitative analysis and research skills.
- Strong qualitative and quantitative analysis and research skills.
- Detail oriented with strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
- Excellent oral and written communications and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective relations with all levels of management, employees, external vendors, and organizations to foster teamwork.
- Ability to manage projects and handle moderately complex issues and problems.
- Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with various teams.
- Ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks and assignments, and meet deadlines.
- Ability to collect, tabulate, and analyze project data and proposals.
- Ability to maintain budget spreadsheets with funding scenarios that utilize multiple funding sources.
- Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.