Funding Specialist

Mark Thomas is hiring a Funding Specialist! The Funding Specialist provides daily supervision/mentorship of the Grant Writers and overall quality of grants submissions. This position leads the funding authorization and reimbursements for state and federally funded projects. The Funding Specialist also researches and understands upcoming funding opportunities in the public sector from state legislation to USDOT and Caltrans projects to prepare for grants submissions from our client partners. Responsibilities Continuously develops and maintains a strong working knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations in the transportation, parks, and public works spaces. Supports clients in winning and managing competitive grant funding from federal, state, and local sources. Communicates and responds appropriately to meet business needs and objectives and facilitates opportunities for funded collaboration among the agency client partners. Fully understands the goals and funding priorities of the sponsor, evaluates program content and requirements of the funding opportunity; leads the development of grant applications for selected projects. Performs QA/QC on assigned grants applications/iterations of applications prior to submission. Develops improved efficiencies and effectiveness of grant writing, tracking, and reporting Prepares funding authorization packages and quarterly and annual reporting for state and federally funded projects. Manages and mentors team members working on grants Understands the goals and funding priorities of the sponsor, evaluates program content and requirements of the funding opportunity, and develops a proposal strategy and course of action. Provides guidance and leadership by evaluating and making suggestions for improvements in the written funding proposal as needed Determines proposal concepts by identifying and refining opportunities and needs Tracks and follows up on the status of pending applications Collaborates with internal project leaders to triage resources for the technical development of funding efforts – Coordinates with graphics staff to development visual collateral. Prepares complex grant applications and compiles all other necessary input to complete grant proposals as needed; reviews all grants before submission. Works cooperatively and as a productive team member of the Business Development team, engages in business development efforts when the volume of work for funding is low. Education, Experience & Skills Bachelor’s degree is required in Transportation Planning, English, Creative Writing, Communications, Business, or relevant area of study. 5+ years of professional grant strategy and writing experience for government agencies. Experience writing grants for public works and transportation (construction or preconstruction) preferred such as Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program, Senate Bill 1, and USDOT federal discretionary programs. Knowledge of public grant funding programs from California Senate Bills, USDOT discretionary grants, etc. preferred. Demonstrated success in writing winning grant proposals. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Superior interpersonal skills including courtesy, professionalism, and a cooperative attitude. Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with a variety of unique and diverse people and personalities within and outside the Company. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and resourceful; responsive to feedback. Strong analytical capabilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe Suite. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Benefits And Compensation Mark Thomas offers a fantastic benefits and compensation package to include: Competitive salary and incentives to include employee referral bonuses, certification and licensing incentives (PLA, PLS, PE, LSIT, EIT), and eligibility for year-end performance incentives 401k and ESOP retirement benefits to include profit sharing and a 401k match Paid-time off benefits to include PTO, public holidays + additional holidays, bereavement leave, jury/civic time, licensing & certification exam time Employer-paid vision insurance, basic life insurance, short-term & long-term disability, inclusive family planning & fertility resources, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), travel insurance, and in-house wellness education & challenges Voluntary medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and pet insurance FSA programs for medical, dependent care, commuter & parking Reimbursements for certification and licensing exams and study classes and materials Tuition reimbursement, paid annual dues for industry professional/societal organizations, memberships, and events Budgeted time for training and career development Flexible schedules and hybrid and primarily remote work environments Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. The successful candidate selected for hire will need to submit to a background check due to key internal and external leadership responsibilities required for this position following the extension of a conditional offer. Mark Thomas is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. Mark Thomas welcomes all.