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.
Grant Management is divided into four sections: Development, Administration, Reimbursement and Accounting. Grant Development coordinates program-level information for each project and submits applications for capital, operating and demonstration grants to appropriate funding agencies. Grant Administration tracks approved grant contracts, provides financial oversight and reports project progress to the funding agencies. Grant Reimbursement requests reimbursements from funding agencies for capital expenditures, closes out capital project grants and provides information for audits and funding agency reviews. Grant Accounting develops and maintains records and reports related to fixed assets, depreciation, funding agency equity and capital grant receivables, and reconciles reimbursements with capital expenditures, fixed assets and other general ledger accounts.
Reporting to the Director, Grant Administration, the Manager, Grant Applications will directly supervise the Grant Development team responsible for the preparation and submission of local, state, and federal grant applications; manage the review and editing of grant agreements and amendments, preparation of progress and statistical reports; and ensure compliance with all agency and government rules, regulations, and standards related to grant awards for transit agencies.
The Primary Duties include:
- Manage an assigned team of analysts responsible for identifying program needs; researching, collaborating, preparing, and submitting the agency's grant applications for state and federal funds; balance workload needs with available resources to support capital projects.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, guidance documents, and planning efforts; participate in funding agency reviews and audits; and prepare and respond to federal and state audit findings and requirements.
- Review grant applications for completeness, accuracy, and to ensure they meet award requirements; prepared correspondence, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to funding agencies; and ensure applications are submitted to appropriate funding agencies.
- Evaluate documents related to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses and historic preservation; assure the appropriate information needed by the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) to develop environmental findings for capital project funding is compiled and transmitted timely; and keep abreast of funding changes related to environmental requirements.
- Track and monitor the agency's position in funding apportionments and allocations for use in current and future grant applications; and provide ongoing interaction with, and an additional level of technical assistance to, stakeholders.
- Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, and ensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives.
- Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures.
- Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. 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
- Must possess a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Transportation Planning, Urban Planning OR in lieu of specified degree, any combination of education and experience may be substituted for the required degree that equals four (4) years in grant development, administration, or implementation.
- In addition to #1, must have five (5) years of experience in capital program development, grant development, or federal grant administration.
- Must have three (3) years of supervisory experience.
- Knowledge of state and federal grants administration duties, practices and techniques.
- Knowledge of capital program, grant development, and implementation processes
- Knowledge of grant-related statutes and regulations (e.g. Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, Title 40 CFR § 1508.1 NEPA Review Process, the FTA Circular 5010.1E Award Management Requirements and 9030.1E Urbanized Area Formula Program).
- Knowledge of financial accounting systems such as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint).
- Excellent interpersonal skills with effective written and verbal communication skills;
- Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and explain the significance of various aspects of grant application processes.
- Ability to think critically to solve problems, multi-task, set priorities, and meet strict deadlines to keep multiple projects on track.
- Ability to interpret, apply, and project possibilities and alternatives to various situations and potential services as presented by grant-related regulations.
- Ability to identify and resolve problems of moderate complexity and determine the impact of laws and regulations; and manage conflict.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
- Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
Preferences:
- A Master's degree.
- Capital program development, grant development, or federal grant administration experience in the railroad or transportation industry.
Apply here.