Grants Coordinator

AN OVERVIEW

The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) is seeking a Grants Coordinator who will oversee the coordination of grants, formulation of budget estimates, project implementation activities, and assessments of federal grant opportunities with the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) to ensure compliance with all applicable FTA rules and regulations including the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Programs. The incumbent will independently plan, organize, and carry out most assignments with minimal supervision. Special assignments are outlined by the Assistant Director (Direct Supervisor) in terms of the desired end product. Written guidelines are available for use in most City/State financial management matters.

THE OPPORTUNITY

• Leads the full lifecycle of federal and state grant funding for the City of Alexandria’s Department of Transportation and Environmental Services.
• Serves as liaison for FTA audits and grant reviews while supporting financial management, oversight, and the annual single audit of FTA grants; assists in developing grant administration strategies and oversees procurements and project expenses.
• Demonstrates knowledge of FTA, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) regulations, policies, and guidance, including the DRPT Blue Book and Purple Book and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Locally Administered Projects (LAP) Manual and other applicable manuals; ensuring compliance with grant requirements and preparation for audits.
• Delivers quality control for project management standards, National Transit Database (NTD) reporting, and FTA agreements.
• Stays current on federal and state grant requirements; submits evaluations and processes drawdowns based on benchmarks.
• Works with T&ES divisions to ensure successful project implementation and alignment with grant objectives.
• Works with the Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) on the Transit Asset Management (TAM) Plan and maintenance of FTA-funded assets.
• Improves processes and implements best practices for tracking and reporting grant-related data.
• Leads Title VI Civil Rights compliance efforts, ensuring nondiscrimination in all funded programs.
• Tracks and investigates Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Title VI complaints and determines compliance for City-maintained bus stops.
• Oversees DBE compliance and serves as DBE Liaison Officer.
• Works with the EEO Officer on transportation-related complaints, DBE reporting, and goal monitoring.
• Ensures all projects meet applicable federal equity and compliance requirements.
• Researches, develops, and presents policy recommendations on funding opportunities and challenges.
• Provides training and guidance to City staff on grant opportunities, reporting, and requirements.
• Serves as legislative liaison, monitoring and communicating federal and state legislative developments.
• Advocates for City projects with elected officials and regional partners, including securing letters of support and managing FTA communications.
• Serves as Accreditation Manager, coordinating transportation-related accreditations [e.g., Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)].
  

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services is a community partner in shaping a livable, green, and prospering Alexandria. We plan, build, operate, and maintain transportation systems and capital infrastructure projects that improve mobility and provide people and businesses with core public services. The work we do keeps Alexandrians moving, growing sustainability, and thriving. If you are curious about a broader view of our City, click City of Alexandriato learn more.

To qualify for this position, candidate must possess Four-Year College Degree in Business, Management, Contracts, Finance, Purchasing, Public Administration or related field. Minimum of three to five years of experience in administrative management work in a large public, not-for-profit and/or private organization, which included experience preparing and monitoring budgets and expenditures, contract/grant administration and evaluation, proposal solicitation preparation and review, grant funding policy/procedure interpretation and implementation, program and policy development, program/project management. Proficiency with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effective verbally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with organizational staff, departmental commissions and external groups; and handle and resolve contract and grant-related problems and sensitive community situations.

To be considered as the Ideal Candidate, one must have a master’s degree in public administration, government finance, public policy, or related field; Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in grant seeking, and/or grant writing/Developer Certification. Must possess knowledge of grant management principles, best practices, grants accounting principles and procedures, and the general structure of public government. Excellent writing, research, and communications are required, as well as refined organizational skills with high attention to detail.

This job posting will close once the application limit has been reached. This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks that may include, but are not limited to, drug testing, criminal background.

The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.