Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s (Authority) Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Grants Manager is responsible for developing and implementing policies related to pursuit of new sources of funding, pre and post application and award grant management, support for grant applications of partner jurisdictions, use of local and in-kind match to match existing and new sources of federal funding, leveraging of state-funding to support stakeholder agreements. New policy development will also include the creation, implementation and coordination of federal oversight policies and procedures related to federal coordination and communications. New policy directives would also include creation of internal policy that will be implemented across the agency governing management of and modifications to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approved grant budget and scope. The administrative duties of managing the requirements of the Authority’s grant funding program. The Authority has current federal grant sources and will pursue future grant opportunities in order to deliver the high-speed rail system. This position will administer the Authority’s grant program which includes managing, monitoring and reporting on the Authority’s federal and state grants, providing grant agreement and policy analysis and recommendations related to the oversight of grants and matching funds, preparing and submitting grant agreements, progress reports, budget revision amendments and initiating grant close-out.

The Authority is a State agency with a highly visible, unique and specific transportation purpose, which does not currently mirror the function and structure of other state agencies. As such, the role of this position requires a subject-matter expert with specialized experience in both transportation policy and administration that does not reside in current civil service classifications. One of the high-speed rail project's primary funding sources consists of billions of dollars from the United States Department of Transportation (administered through the FRA). The position will serve as the primary point of contact between the Authority's Executive Management Team and the FRA for negotiations on issues of federal grant policy, strategic amendments to existing funding agreements and new sources of funding to maximize the use and flexibility of existing and new funding sources in the best interest of the Authority. This position will plot the strategic policy direction of current and future sources of federal funding, while also ensuring agency-wide integration of a myriad of complex federal requirements across multiple disciplines, consulting teams and stakeholder agencies. The position serves as a strategic expert resource to upper management as well as technical resource to other divisions and project managers, ensuring that those responsible for managing various programmatic requirements affected by grant funding are in compliance with State and Federal regulations. This position is long-term and will involve a continuous applied effort to manage the full length of the grant program for Phase 1 through 2029.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employee must be able to focus for long periods of time, manage multiple tasks, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employee must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities.

Special Requirements

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply for this position. You must provide narrative responses and specific examples for each item listed below in your SOQ to be considered for this position. Your SOQ must be typed in 12-point font, no longer than three (3) pages, organized by including the question below and numbered as reflected below, and then provide a response to these six (6) items:

1. Describe your experience in managing large, high-profile grant projects or programs requiring extensive federal and state agency partnerships.
2. Describe your experiences, strategies, values, and perspectives on leadership and management as they relate to identifying and achieving outcomes, decision-making, and supporting teams as they relate to managing complex projects, overseeing multiple lines of work, and supporting the integration of that work in support of a shared mission.
3. Describe your experience developing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with and securing the support of internal and external groups (i.e., the Legislature, local, state and/or federal government, stakeholders, etc.).
4. Describe your experience testifying or presenting reports to a board of directors, legislative body, or a similar high-profile public body.
5. Describe your experience in overseeing and preparing federally required reports and invoices.
6. Describe your experience in promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered in the place of the SOQ.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, website searches, and third-party reviewers can be helpful in researching responses to the SOQ; however, by submitting your application for this position, you understand and acknowledge the SOQ you submit is your own work, in your own words, and accurately reflects your knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences. Submitting an SOQ that is not your own may be cause for disqualification from the hiring process.

For assistance in completing the SOQ, please reach out to the Human Resources contact below.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Skill in analyzing and evaluating grant applications and proposed agreements;
• Technical writing and proofreading skills, including ability to draft grant and contract language;
• Presentation skills; ability to lead meetings and respond to technical inquiries;
• Problem solving, conflict resolution and analytical skills;
• Skill in operating a personal computer using word, spreadsheet and relational database software;
• Experience with scheduling projects;
• Bachelor’s degree in appropriate discipline, plus five years of relevant grants management experience;
• Possess an extensive working knowledge of the federal guidelines and specific experience managing and overseeing U.S. Department of Transportation competitive grant programs;
• Broad base of relevant technical knowledge and skills related to financial budget management;
• Strong planning, administrative, organizational, personnel and budget management skills;
• Experience administering, implementing and overseeing grants and cooperative agreements to state agencies in support of transportation policy objectives;
• Experience monitoring payment disbursements;
• Experience serving as liaison with federal funding agencies and external customers to clarify, interpret and resolve account issues.
• Ability to deal effectively with and represent the Authority to a wide range of state and federal agencies, sub grantees, financial institutions, vendors, consultants and others including basic negotiating skills;
• Substantial working knowledge to exercise grant management processes and techniques consistent with sound business, industry and construction practices;
• Experience handling multiple projects simultaneously;
• Reason logically and creatively and utilize a variety of analytical techniques to resolve complex governmental problems;
• Analyze data and present ideas and information effectively both orally and in writing;
• Review and edit written reports, utilize interdisciplinary teams effectively;
• Establish and maintain project priorities;
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office suite applications; Internet research and database programs.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-515466 and Grants Manager, 311-300-7500-002 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to apply. Please see above “Special Requirements” section for SOQ instructions.

Job Tags

Full time, Contract work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work

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