Funding Specialist

About the role

The Funding Specialist provides daily supervision and mentorship of Grant Writers and ensures the overall quality of grant submissions. This position leads funding authorization and reimbursements for state and federally funded projects. The Funding Specialist researches and understands upcoming funding opportunities in the public sector—from state legislation to USDOT and Caltrans projects—to prepare for grant submissions from client partners.

Responsibilities

• Continuously develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations in transportation, parks, and public works.
• Support clients in winning and managing competitive grant funding from federal, state, and local sources.
• Communicate and respond appropriately to meet business needs and objectives, facilitating opportunities for funded collaboration among agency client partners.
• Fully understand the goals and funding priorities of sponsors, evaluate program content and requirements of funding opportunities, and lead the development of grant applications for selected projects.
• Perform QA/QC on assigned grant applications and iterations prior to submission.
• Develop improved efficiencies and effectiveness in grant writing, tracking, and reporting.
• Prepare funding authorization packages and quarterly and annual reporting for state and federally funded projects.
• Manage and mentor team members working on grants.
• Evaluate and make suggestions for improvements in written funding proposals as needed.
• Determine proposal concepts by identifying and refining opportunities and needs.
• Track and follow up on the status of pending applications.
• Collaborate with internal project leaders to triage resources for the technical development of funding efforts, including coordinating with graphics staff to develop visual collateral.
• Prepare complex grant applications and compile all necessary input to complete grant proposals; review all grants before submission.
• Work cooperatively as a productive team member of the Business Development team and engage in business development efforts when funding work volume is low.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation Planning, English, Creative Writing, Communications, Business, or a 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 diverse individuals within and outside the company.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and resourceful; responsive to feedback.
• Strong analytical capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe Suite.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and incentives, including employee referral bonuses, certification and licensing incentives (PLA, PLS, PE, LSIT, EIT), and eligibility for year-end performance incentives.
• 401k and ESOP retirement benefits, including profit sharing and a 401k match.
• Paid-time off benefits: 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, 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 or primarily remote work environments.