Grants Technician I

We are seeking a detail-oriented and organized Grants Technician I to support our Procurement, Grants, and Finance teams. Primary functions are related to federal and state grant management, reporting, and assistance to internal grant project managers. In this role you will provide assistance with pre- and post-award activities, including the preparation of grant awards. Assist with the preparation of documentation related to the year-end audit, as well as with all State and Federal audits and triennial review. You will perform routine procurement functions, including development of specifications, solicitations, evaluation and contract development as required. Responsible for confidential administrative duties, contract administration, purchase order tracking, coordinating projects and procurements, record keeping, and assists in accounts payable duties. This is an in-office position. Work is directly supervised by the Sr. Grants Officer under general supervision of the Department Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Administration of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations.
• Provides assistance with pre- and post-award activities, including the preparation of grant awards.
• Coordinate the collection of milestone reporting information and other grant reporting metrics from ITP Project Managers and the reporting of that information to FTA.
• Serve as a consultant to other departments to identify needs, provide research, and determine scope and specifications of project requirements in accordance with grant requirements.
• Assist the Senior Grants Officer to coordinate grant applications with other departments to ensure consistency in communication with grant-related discussions with the staff of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, FTA and MDOT, including grant submission and reporting activities.
• Aid with ITP procurements, including preparing cost estimates, determining bidder responsiveness and performing other procurement-related research and analysis.
• Assist in the FTA Triennial Review Process and financial audits.
• Assist the Director of Finance in conducting audit plans on vendor, contractor, and partner agreements to ensure compliance by reviewing contracts, financial records, and operational data.
• Prepare workpapers, schedules, and supporting documentation of audit findings.
• Monitor corrective actions and follow up on compliance issues as directed.
• Coordinate, monitor and report on State of Michigan transportation funding activities, including the Specialized Services program.
• Research potential funding sources and grant opportunities that align with the agency's goals, transit master plan.
• Supports the Director of Procurement and Capital Planning with any other duties or projects as requested.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree from four-year college or university in Nonprofit Management, Political Science, Business Administration or a closely related field preferred. PLUS;
• a minimum of two (2) years of related experience in grants management, project management, accounting, purchasing, or any equivalent combination of education and experience as defined above.

Skills & Abilities:

Working knowledge of federal reporting systems; Working knowledge of FTA Transportation Award Management System; Working knowledge of financial regulations and accounting principles. Ability to plan and organize work; Ability to meet deadlines, Ability to manage multiple priorities; Ability to establish effective working relationships at all levels of the organization; Ability to prepare complex technical reports and narrative reports; Proficient knowledge of MS Excel; Dependability; Reliability. Strong computer skills with experience in Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to learn new systems as required.

Why Join Us?

• Comprehensive Benefits - Medical, dental, and vision plan options
• Retirement Plans - 10% employer contribution to 403(b) and access to a 457 plan
• Insurance Coverage - Employer paid Life, AD&D, short- and long-term disability
• Wellbeing Support - Employee assistance program, fitness center access, and gym membership reimbursement
• Free Transportation - Ride The Rapid at no cost with your employee badge (includes eligible dependents)
• Generous Paid Time Off - Vacation and sick time accrues monthly

The Rapid is an EEO Employer. Minorities, veterans, and women are encouraged to apply.
The Rapid is committed to employing people with disabilities and making reasonable accommodations for them. Let our recruiter know if you need an adjustment at any point during the application/interview process.