Manager, Grant Programs

Basic Function

Provides management oversight and administration of federal, state and local grant activities. Analyzes and maintains current and accurate reports for grants, daily transactions, periodic progress and financial reports. Serves as division director in absence of Deputy Chief Financial Officer. Manages grant revenue cash flow for annual capital budget and the preparation of grant applications. Manages the submission of new grants and grant amendments in the FTA TrAMS grant system. Assists the Strategy Division in the Triennial Review, and allocation of FTA formula funds. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities And Specific Duties

• Provides primary managerial direction and performs personnel administrative functions of direct report staff (e.g. training, supervising, work assignments, timesheets, performance evaluations, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining necessary staffing, enhancing productivity of staff and ensuring necessary department outcomes are achieved.
• Serves as division director in absence of the Deputy Chief Financial Officer.
• Manages the coordination, preparation and update of all program and project cost data for grant funded capital projects including preparing, maintaining, and updating all cost reports including monthly/quarterly progress and variance reports.
• Tracks expenditures for selected grants including New Starts, 5307 Urbanized Area Formula, 5337 State of Good Repair and 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities; maintains current and accurate financial information (budget and expenditures) for these grants.
• Manages the preparation of monthly reports of grant expenditure by project which become part of the Finance Monthly Performance Report and the FTA/PMOC monthly report.
• Manages monthly and special letters of credit for complex billings associated with submittal of reimbursement requests to FTA.
• Manages financial analyses, including grant receipts review, grant revenue (cash flow) forecasting, budget maintenance, variance and exceptions reports for selected grants and develops recommendations for assignment of grant funds to various projects.
• Manages quarterly financial and milestone reports for submittal to FTA and other funding agencies including maintaining and updating Grant Programs records to document eligible unobligated obligations for grant funded third party contracts for selected grants.
• Prepares responses to special requests from leadership including the Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and President & Chief Executive Officer.
• Manages the Single Audit process, material collection, and coordination with internal/external auditors.
• Manages ad hoc audits of the Grants Administration area with internal/external auditors.
• Manages the Certifications and Assurances process with FTA.
• Manages requests to FTA for grant budget changes as necessary, including amounts of change and justification. Prepares close-out packages for selected completed grant projects.
• Assists the Strategy Division in compiling detailed information for the Triennial Review.
• Assists the Strategy Division in developing the program of projects required for the allocation of FTA formula funds within the Houston Urbanized Area and is responsible for identifying, developing and determining the amounts available for reimbursement of items such as Capitalized Bus and Rail Maintenance, Capital Cost of Contracting and METROLift ADA paratransit assistance.
• Manages the preparation and development of discretionary and non-discretionary grant applications in the FTA TrAMS system.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned. Pay Range: $102,900 - $140,400
  
  

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or Business Administration with Accounting/Finance or related degree. Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business or related degree preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum eight (8) years of progressive experience in public-administration, grant programs, accounting, or finance with preference to include three (3) years supervisory/management experience. Experience in project management and/or transit industry experience preferred.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Comprehensive knowledge of grant administration and related state and local government regulations. Good organization and analytical skills with knowledge of accounting principles. Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills. Excellent writing skills. Knowledge of Federal Transit Administration rules and procedures preferred. Grant certification and/or CPA preferred.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.