Analyst II Transportation Funding and Grants

North American Transportation Management Institute; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) seeks a curious, analytical professional to shape how transportation funding supports safer streets, reliable travel, cleaner air, and thriving communities across the Sacramento region.

The Analyst II will work across regional funding programs, grant coordination, and performance-based planning, reviewing applications, researching funding opportunities, and preparing materials for staff and the SACOG Board.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with research and analytical methods in planning or public administration.
• Ability to organize, evaluate, and summarize quantitative and qualitative information.
• Skill using spreadsheets to maintain records, check information, and perform analysis.
• Ability to prepare clear written materials and presentations.
• Ability to interpret funding guidelines and program requirements with guidance.
• Ability to exercise judgment within established procedures and recognize when additional direction is needed.

Responsibilities

• Review grant applications and research funding opportunities.
• Analyze project and program information to support funding decisions.
• Coordinate with applicants and evaluators for meetings and workshops.
• Prepare review materials and summaries for staff and SACOG Board.
• Support performance-based planning with data analysis and reporting.
• Communicate findings through staff reports, memos, and web content.
• Contribute to performance-based planning. Support research, data analysis, and reporting related to transportation safety, pavement condition, congestion, and other measures of regional transportation performance.
• Help improve funding strategies and processes. Research practices used by other agencies, assess program results, support working groups, and recommend improvements that connect funding decisions with regional goals.
• Communicate findings and recommendations. Draft staff reports, Board and committee materials, presentations, correspondence, and web content that make complex information understandable and useful.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Research and analysis methods

Data organization and summarization

Spreadsheet proficiency

Written communication

Funding guidelines interpretation

Judgment within procedures

Education

Bachelor's degree in transportation/urban planning/public/business administration/political science/economics/finance or related

Job description

The Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) is seeking a curious, analytical, and collaborative professional to help shape how transportation funding supports safer streets, reliable travel, cleaner air, and thriving communities across the Sacramento region.

As part of SACOG’s funding, grants, and performance planning team, you will help administer regional funding programs, work with local agencies pursuing transportation investments, and analyze information that supports funding decisions. You will also contribute to efforts to strengthen the connection between transportation performance, regional priorities, and investment strategies.

We are looking for someone who enjoys making sense of information, asking thoughtful questions, and moving work from an initial assignment to a clear, useful result. You should be comfortable working with both data and people - whether reviewing a project application, explaining a funding requirement, or turning analysis into a recommendation.

About the Position

The Analyst II will work across three connected areas: regional funding programs, grant coordination and assistance, and performance-based planning. Assignments will include reviewing grant applications, researching funding opportunities, analyzing project and program information, coordinating with applicants and evaluators, and preparing materials for staff, committees, and the SACOG Board of Directors.

The analyst will report to the Principal Planner overseeing funding, grants, and performance-based planning and work closely with Senior and Associate Planners. You will take responsibility for defined assignments, receive technical guidance and feedback, and build toward greater independence in administering assigned program activities and smaller projects.

This is an opportunity to build practical expertise in transportation funding while contributing to consequential regional decisions. We welcome candidates with transferable experience in research, public administration, program implementation, grants, or related fields.

Examples of Typical Job Functions

Assignments will vary with funding cycles and regional priorities. Typical responsibilities include:

• Help deliver regional funding programs. Prepare program guidance, application materials, schedules, and procedures; coordinate assigned activities; and help keep funding processes clear, consistent, and on schedule.
• Review applications and provide technical assistance. Assess project information against program requirements, including eligibility, completeness, and readiness; identify questions or inconsistencies; coordinate applicant follow-up; and contribute to funding recommendations.
• Work directly with applicants and regional partners. Explain application requirements, respond to questions, and support meetings and workshops that help agencies understand and pursue funding opportunities.
• Coordinate project evaluation. Prepare review materials, organize evaluator assignments and meetings, monitor progress, and compile and check evaluation results to support deliberations and recommendations.
• Support regional grant efforts. Research funding opportunities, summarize requirements and deadlines, and assist with project prioritization, applicant coordination, and preparation of support letters.
• Turn project and funding data into useful information. Maintain reliable records of funding opportunities, applications, priorities, and awards; analyze trends and funding needs; and prepare clear summaries for staff and decision-makers.
• Contribute to performance-based planning. Support research, data analysis, and reporting related to transportation safety, pavement condition, congestion, and other measures of regional transportation performance.
• Help improve funding strategies and processes. Research practices used by other agencies, assess program results, support working groups, and recommend improvements that connect funding decisions with regional goals.
• Communicate findings and recommendations. Draft staff reports, Board and committee materials, presentations, correspondence, and web content that make complex information understandable and useful.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Hybrid Position

As an integral part of our organization, employees will provide support in a flexible work environment. This position will have the ability to telework up to three days per week.

The remainder of the work week will be in-person. Employees are required to live within 200 miles of Sacramento.

We support telework because it:

• Enhances employee productivity, satisfaction, and ability to collaborate.
• Improves recruitment and retention
• Reduces greenhouse gas emission, vehicle miles travels (VMT), traffic and parking congestion, and air pollution

Anticipated Recruitment Schedule:

• Filing Deadline: November 20
• First Interview: Week of December 7
• Final Interview: Week of December 14
• Desired Start Date: January 4

Candidates should demonstrate:

• Familiarity with research and analytical methods relevant to planning, public administration, funding, or program evaluation.
• Ability to organize, evaluate, and summarize quantitative and qualitative information.
• Skill using spreadsheets to maintain accurate records, check information, and perform analysis.
• Ability to prepare clear written materials and presentations.
• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply funding guidelines and program requirements, with guidance as needed.
• Ability to exercise judgment within established procedures and recognize when additional direction is needed.

Education and Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. We welcome applicants whose education, training, and experience provide the knowledge and abilities needed for this position, including those with nontraditional career paths. A typical qualifying background includes:

• Education comparable to a bachelor’s degree in transportation or urban planning, public or business administration, political science, economics, finance, or a related discipline.
• At least one (1) year of increasingly responsible professional or equivalent experience in planning, program administration, operations, or financial analysis, or another closely related field. Relevant experience may be gained in transportation, local or regional government, nonprofits, community-based organizations, consulting, academic research, or another closely related setting.