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San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA)

Grants Analyst

San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), San Bernardino, California, United States, 92409


GRANTS ANALYST

SALARY EFFECTIVE FISCAL YEAR 24/25: $82,881 - $124,322, Plus Benefits

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The function of the San Bernardino Council of Governments (SBCOG) is to promote and encourage regional collaboration among agencies in San Bernardino County and to conduct specific projects focused on local government services, sustainability, technology, and quality of life that are of benefit to the member agencies. SBCOG actively participates in diverse state and local initiatives, which include a range of functional areas such as sustainability, housing, business outreach, and clean energy, thereby building stronger, more resilient, and prosperous communities.

Representatives from 24 cities and towns, and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors have a seat on the SBCOG Board of Directors. This governing board sets policy for the organization and oversees any initiatives and projects undertaken by the COG. The COG and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) are governed by the same Board of Directors and have staff that can work in both agencies. This provides the potential for collaboration and synergies that do not exist in most other Southern California counties. The COG staff members are part of the Planning and Regional Programs Department.

The Grants Analyst reports to the Chief of COG and will interact with staff both inside and outside the COG. The City/County Managers’ Technical Advisory Committee (CCMTAC) is a primary sounding board for obtaining local jurisdiction input on SBCOG programs, and information such as grant opportunities is regularly disseminated to the CCMTAC.

The Grants Analyst will be a key staff member to track funding and grant opportunities, share those opportunities with appropriate internal and local jurisdiction staff, assess the potential for funding and chance of success, determine the need for consultant assistance, and oversee the preparation of applications that SBCOG has decided to pursue. In addition, some grant requests require development of projects that can be near “shovel ready” in order to be competitive for funding. While the COG does not conduct site assessments or project development/engineering work to prepare projects for grant funding, the Grants Analyst can encourage and facilitate work by local jurisdictions to position grant applications to be more competitive. The actual site and engineering work would need to be done by the local jurisdictions themselves.

These are exciting and important times for SBCOG. The Board approved an amendment to the Joint Powers Authority and a dues increase in early 2024, and this has been ratified by all 24 cities/towns and the Board of Supervisors.

As a result, the COG has an even more robust work program for the coming fiscal year, some of which includes:Continuing to provide a forum for collaboration and information-sharing across jurisdictions regarding state and regional policy developments and requirements. The CCMTAC will be the primary channel of collaboration with the local jurisdictions.Operation of the Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN) in conjunction with Western Riverside COG and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments.Continuing development of the Smart County Master plan. An Early Action Plan was prepared as a first step, and the COG is involved in its implementation.Planning and implementation of the Small Business component of the annual Business to Business event.Implementation of a new Housing Trust in conjunction with participating local jurisdictions.Planning and coordination between SBCTA/SBCOG and local agencies to develop and implement an Equity Framework.Planning for the annual City/County Conference in conjunction with the Public Affairs Department.Participation in selected elements of the Countywide Vision.Hosting grant writing seminars for SBCOG member agencies. Grant funding is an important dimension of SBCOG, to bring funding to local communities wherever possible.

ABOUT THE JOBUnder general direction, tracks grant opportunities and communicates grant opportunities with appropriate internal and local jurisdiction staff, assesses the potential for grant funding and chance of success, determines the need for consultant assistance, and oversees the preparation and prioritizing of grant applications. Some grant requests require development of projects that can be near “shovel ready” in order to be competitive for funding. While the COG does not conduct site assessments or project development/engineering work to prepare projects for grant funding, this position may encourage and facilitate work by local jurisdictions to position grant applications to be more competitive.

This position is involved in management of assigned projects, programs, contracts, grants, funds, and/or budgets; and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing assigned program(s); and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISEDReceives general direction from assigned supervisory and/or management personnel. Exercises no supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICSThis is an advanced journey-level classification responsible for performing the full range of grant analysis duties assigned, working independently, and exercising independent judgment and initiative. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgement.

Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgement to perform assigned duties.

Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to deliver services and complete assignments.

Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONSManagement reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Establishes grant writing program involving collaboration with 25 member agencies.Establishes project development initiatives on which to collaborate with the member agencies.Leads implementation and coordination of grant research and writing program for SBCTA, SBCOG, and member agencies.Leads implementation and coordination of project development programs for grants requiring varied levels of project readiness.Manages assigned studies, projects, programs, and initiatives; prepares scope of work, work plans/tasks, and budgets; manages contracts; reviews and approves contractor/consultant invoices.Assists consultants and member agencies in preparing grant applications and budgets; provides guidance in application completion and submission requirements; reviews grant applications for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with requirements.Participates in securing and administering grants and special funds; researches and identifies grant funding opportunities and partnerships and writes and submits grant proposals; reviews, interprets, and ensures compliance with funding guidelines and legislative and reporting requirements.Coordinates the administration of awarded grants; supports stakeholders in coordinating grant expenditures with reimbursements; reviews reimbursement claims; monitors grant-funded projects, budget balance, and associated expenses and reimbursements to ensure compliance with funding requirements; and prepares and/or reviews reports.Audits grants and federal and state entitlements; compiles information requested for annual audits; analyzes various budget accounts as needed for auditing purposes.Coordinates annual funding needs with member agencies including conducting needs assessments and reviewing agencies’ project proposals; consults and provides guidance to member agencies on federal, state, local, and SBCTA funding strategies and requirements.Monitors and analyzes project performance of consultants by attending reoccurring meetings, evaluating produced work, and providing guidance on project direction.Performs a variety of professional administrative and analytical work in support of assigned department; coordinates and implements projects, programs, studies, and/or initiatives.Collects, compiles, and analyzes information from various sources on specialized topics related to assigned department including financial, budgetary, operational, compliance, and/or administrative issues or questions.Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of assigned budgets.Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; researches and analyzes departmental and programmatic practices and procedures, conducts needs analyses, feasibility studies, and evaluations, makes recommendations for improvements, and develops implementation plans.Prepares and proofreads a variety of reports, letters, memoranda, correspondence, and other written materials; independently composes correspondence and reports related to assigned area of responsibility; designs and produces charts, graphs, presentations, and spreadsheets; prepares and submits reports and related documents for presentation to the Board of Directors and other boards, committees, and commissions.Serves as a liaison for assigned program to public and private organizations, community groups, regulatory agencies, and the public; provides information and assistance regarding assigned programs, projects, and services; receives and responds to inquiries, complaints, and questions relating to assigned area of responsibility; reviews problems and recommends corrective actions; coordinates and monitors responsive actions to community requests; compiles documents in response to subpoenas and requests for public records.Conducts outreach, engagement, and public education activities to inform residents and the business community of programs and services; prepares and conducts presentations for a variety of audiences.Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.Develops requests for proposals and related documents for professional services; participates in advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine SBCTA needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award; reviews work performed and ensures work adheres to the budget, timeline, and contract requirements.Provides staff support to assigned commissions, committees, boards, and work groups.Organizes and maintains accurate and detailed databases, spreadsheets, files, and records, verifies accuracy of information, research discrepancies, and records information; ensures compliance with established records retention schedules.Attends and participates in professional group meetings; monitors legal, regulatory, technology and societal changes, and court decisions and stays abreast of new trends and innovations in areas that may affect assigned program.Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing assigned program(s).Performs related duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:Operations and services provided within assigned program area.Principles of program/project coordination, implementation, and evaluation.Principles and techniques of conducting analytical studies, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective and technical reports.Principles and practices of budget development and administration.Principles and practices of contract administration and vendor management.Funding sources and requirements, grants administration, and proposal writing techniques.Business letter writing and the standard format for reports and correspondence.Record keeping and filing system methods, principles, and practices.Mathematical principles and statistical techniques.Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to assigned program(s).Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively working with the public, vendors, contractors, and SBCTA staff.The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:Research, analyze, evaluate, understand, interpret, and apply federal, state, regional, grant program/project policies, procedures, and guidelines.Research, analyze, evaluate, understand, interpret, and apply program/project policies, procedures, and guidelines.Prepare and manage assigned budgets and contracts.Research and identify funding opportunities, write proposals, administer and monitor awarded funds, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.Coordinate grant services with other departments, member agencies, community organizations, and other agencies.Coordinate project development services with other departments, member agencies, community organizations, and other agencies.Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses to evaluate assigned projects, programs, and activities.Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.Understand, interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.Effectively represent the program and SBCOG/SBCTA in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.Use tact, initiative, prudence, and judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business or public administration, urban planning, public policy, environmental science, political science, finance, or a closely related field; and five (5) years of increasingly responsible analytical or administrative experience in a field related to assigned program/area of responsibility.

Licenses and Certifications:Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License and proof of automobile liability insurance by time of appointment.Position may require pre-employment background investigation, physical and drug test.Physical DemandsMust possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; operates a motor vehicle and visit various SBCTA sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

Environmental ConditionsEmployees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures.#J-18808-Ljbffr