SC Metro | Grants Analyst

Grants Analyst

DEFINITION:

Under general direction from the Deputy Director of Planning & Innovation, the Grants Analyst performs professional administrative work related to monitoring Federal, State, and local grant opportunities; prepares time-restricted grant applications for discretionary and formulaic funding programs; coordinates with the METRO Finance Department to generate invoices for grant financial progress; prepares and submits periodic (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annual, closeout) grant reporting, as required by each grant; performs financial programming actions related to obligating and de-obligating appropriated grant-funding, including coordination with Regional Transportation Planning agencies; performs data analysis and comprehensive studies of policy issues; ensures contract compliance related to grant projects; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Grants Analyst is a journey-level professional analyst class in the series. An incumbent in this class performs tasks requiring in-depth knowledge and interpretation of grant administration and legislative policy, laws, regulations, and policies as well as the application of complex analytical thinking and methodologies to investigate and resolve difficult issues.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Administers policies and procedures in accordance with State, Federal, and organizational guidelines.
• Identifies and researches potential funding sources and strategies for Santa Cruz METRO projects and programs.
• Administers grants from application to approval and subsequent reporting to the funding agency; prepares grant amendments, funding allocation requests, budget revisions, and requests for grant extensions; informs department managers and staff of regulations, requirements, procedures, and guidelines of programs to ensure compliance.
• Develops grant oversight plans, objectives, and strategies; determines appropriate implementation and monitors progress.
• Develops and maintains best practices related to the fiscal management of grants, including coordination of invoicing and financial tracking with the METRO Finance Department.
• Prepares project descriptions, justifications and other reports or documents to satisfy grant requirements; coordinates public hearing processes for grant programs.
• Develops and prepares grant applications and claims for agencies that are sub-recipients of grant funds from Santa Cruz METRO; trains staff of sub-recipients regarding grant procedures and requirements; reviews submittals from sub-recipients and determines compliance with grant requirements.

• Provides grant related revenue and expenditure data and information to employees and the public when requested in accordance with policies and procedures; responds to inquiries from grantor agencies and requests from board members, the public, and other agencies related to Santa Cruz METRO’s grants programs.
• Assists in planning, developing, preparing and implementing capital project outlines, timetables, descriptions, and budgets; provides financial forecasts for grant programs; performs research, collects data, and prepares reports for planning, administrative, and financial purposes.
• Prepares narrative and statistical reports, maps, graphics and charts, including recommendations based on data analysis.Prepares Board staff reports and resolutions as required; submits applications upon Board approval; executes agreements to receive funds.
• Prepares transit planning and forecasting documents and assists in the preparation of the Short-Range Transit Plan.
• Provides grant-specific training and support to the department.
• Researches, monitors, and reviews legislation, laws, rules, and regulations to ensure METRO’s compliance and recommend appropriate action.
• Provides generalized support to CFO and Finance Department concerning external financial or grant-related audits and reviews of Santa Cruz METRO’s capital, grant, fixed asset, or other related programs and facilitates the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Transportation Development Act (TDA) Triennial Reviews.
• Develops work plans and budget estimates for grant opportunities and funding proposals.
• May function as a project lead with other professional staff and consultants.
• May act as Santa Cruz METRO’s liaison with cities, other local/regional agencies, and community groups regarding grant-funded transportation projects and programs.
• Provides information to employees and the public.
• Operates standard office equipment; utilizes standard business computer software in performing job tasks.
• May utilize specialized software applications, including, but not limited to, the Federal and state government’s grants and data management systems.
• Drive a Santa Cruz METRO vehicle to perform assignments.
• Performs related work as required

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

• Laws and regulations applicable to grant administration and Federal, State, and local funding practices and procedures.
• Federal, State, and local legislative processes.
• Principles and practices of public administration, budgeting, accounting, financial planning and analysis, operations research, and evaluation.
• Understanding of the legislative process.
• Analytical methods of researching, gathering, organizing, and reporting data, including basic statistical analysis.
• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment, including automated information systems.

• Business correspondence, formatting, and report writing.
• Methods of prioritizing, planning, and organizing complex projects and analytical work.
• Advanced time management techniques.
• Advanced customer service techniques.
• Intermediate mathematics, including percentages and intermediate statistics.
• The effective use of modern office equipment, personal computers, and standard business software.
• Sound recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors/consultants, and METRO staff.

Ability to:

• Analyze, interpret, explain, implement and enforce relevant policies, regulations and requirements.
• Define complex problems and develop solutions using analytical techniques.
• Understand implications of new information for current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of proposals, alternatives, and conclusions, and to determine policy compliance of proposals.
• Identify issues for legal review.
• Plan, organize and/or prepare research and analytical studies including complex, multi-phased projects and programs.
• Research, collect, analyze, and interpret data and prepare comprehensive reports of findings and recommendations.
• Establish and maintain complex records and systems requiring confidentiality and security.
• Provide effective and responsive customer service, including in stressful situations.
• Negotiate solutions to difficult issues.
• Work independently using good judgment, tact, and discretion.
• Adhere to established work schedules and timelines.
• Balance multiple assignments simultaneously and effectively.
• Utilize standard office equipment and computer software and learn to use specialized Santa Cruz METRO software if assigned.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written form.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and with other divisions, departments, agencies, suppliers, vendors, and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education, Training, and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, economics, finance, planning, Business Administration, , public administration, or a related field.

AND

A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in a transportation agency (or related field) that included a combination of fundraising, grant writing, financial programming, governmental relations, legislative affairs, research, and analysis.

Master’s degree is desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

A valid California Driver’s License will be required at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Must be able to obtain and maintain a current, valid California Class “C” Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms; walk, sit and stand; use finger dexterity; talk and hear, and use a keyboard. Work often requires stooping at the waist and the repetitive use of both hands to grasp and feel objects. Work may require lifting up to 20 pounds unaided. Specific visual abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, the ability to see colors and shades, and the ability to perceive depth.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this job, an employee uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning; performs detailed work; deals with multiple concurrent tasks; and interacts with others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment:

The employee typically works in a standard office environment where the noise level is usually moderate.

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must pass a requisite background check.
• Must participate in professional development activities.
• May occasionally work extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.
• May require occasional travel.

*Adopted:                      12-11-18

*BOD Approved:             08-23-19

*Revised:                      11-11-2024

*Job Family:                   Administrative Professional

*Job Series:                   Grants

*Job Series Level:             Journey

*Confidential:                 No