California State Grants Specialist, Schools

Gafcon PM-CM LLC; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 107,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer-M

Employee Assistance Program

Education and Training Benefits

Job summary

Gafcon PM-CM LLC in San Diego seeks a California State Grants Specialist to support administration of state funding programs, with a focus on school facility funding and related regulatory requirements. You will research regulations, identify opportunities, prepare applications, and ensure grant lifecycle compliance.

Responsibilities include coordinating with internal teams and external agencies, maintaining grant records, supporting audits, and leveraging systems like PeopleSoft and Unifier to

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible experience working with California state funding programs.
• Knowledge of California school facility funding and public construction requirements.
• Familiarity with OPSC and CDE programs and online systems.
• Experience with grant applications, reporting, compliance, and documentation.
• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data spreadsheets.
• Experience with PeopleSoft, Unifier, or similar systems preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Research and interpret California State funding regulations and school facility program requirements.
• Identify and evaluate applicable funding opportunities and eligibility requirements.
• Prepare and submit grant applications, supporting documentation, and required reports.
• Monitor grant compliance, deadlines, expenditures, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate and organized grant records and supporting documentation.
• Collaborate with internal teams, attorneys, CPAs, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Support audits by preparing expense reports and required documentation.
• Analyze funding and regulatory issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Work with IT staff to define data requirements and support grant tracking systems
• Communicate clearly and effectively across departments to ensure compliance with funding guidelines.
• Utilize applicable systems, including PeopleSoft, Unifier, OPSC, CDE, and similar platforms.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Research

Analytical

Organizational

Communication

Attention to detail

Excel

Data analysis

Tools

PeopleSoft

Unifier

OPSC

CDE

Job description

Job Location: San Diego - San Diego County, CA 92110

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $107,000.00 Salary/year

Job Category: Construction

Gafcon PM-CM LLC:

Who We Are

Founded in 1987, Gafcon is a family-founded firm delivering complex projects that strengthen and empower communities. We are a project and construction management consulting firm, acting as Owner’s Representatives to guide and advocate for our clients throughout every phase of their projects. We specialize in development and construction management services for both public and private sector clients. With a client-first mindset, we use advanced technologies and proven management practices to ensure transparency, foster confident decision-making, and deliver results aligned with each owner's vision. Our approach is centered on managing scope, schedule, and budget with precision—ensuring every project stays on track, meets expectations, and maximizes value.

In 2024, our family-owned company joinedGISI (Global Infrastructure Solutions Inc.), a global network of industry leaders. While our ownership changed, our operating business, leadership, and company culture remained unchanged. What did change was our reach—we’ve expanded our breadth of knowledge and gained access to a wider network of industry partners, strengthening the services and solutions we offer our clients.

Our strength lies in our people. Gafcon is home to a dedicated team of over 130 professionals in program, project, and construction management—individuals who are not only experts in their fields but are also passionate about continuous learning and innovation. We cultivate a collaborative and inclusive culture that values diverse ideas, ethical leadership, and shared success.

At Gafcon, one of our core principles is to “create value for our clients, our communities, and for each other.” We’re deeply committed to giving back—whether it’s cleaning beaches, supporting service members, or volunteering at local charities. We work hard, celebrate together, and strive to make a lasting, positive impact in everything we do.

The Opportunity

The California State Grants Specialist is responsible for supporting the administration of California State funding programs, with a focus on school facility funding and related regulatory requirements. This position researches funding opportunities and regulations, coordinates grant applications and reporting, maintains grant documentation, and supports compliance throughout the grant lifecycle.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Research and interpret California State funding regulations and school facility program requirements.
• Identify and evaluate applicable funding opportunities and eligibility requirements.
• Prepare and submit grant applications, supporting documentation, and required reports.
• Monitor grant compliance, deadlines, expenditures, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate and organized grant records and supporting documentation.
• Collaborate with internal teams, attorneys, CPAs, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Support audits by preparing expense reports and required documentation.
• Analyze funding and regulatory issues and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Work with IT staff to define data requirements and support grant tracking systems
• Communicate clearly and effectively across departments to ensure compliance with funding guidelines.
• Utilize applicable systems, including PeopleSoft, Unifier, OPSC, CDE, and similar platforms.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible experience working with California state funding programs, preferably involving school facilities, OPSC, CDE, or public construction funding.
• Knowledge of California school facility funding and public construction requirements.
• Familiarity with OPSC and CDE programs and online systems.
• Experience with grant applications, reporting, compliance, and documentation.
• Strong research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data spreadsheets.
• Experience with PeopleSoft, Unifier, or similar systems preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Gafcon PM-CM LLC reserves the right to periodically redefine your roles and responsibilities based on the requirements of the organization and/or your performance.As a condition of employment Gafcon PM-CM LLC will require proof of your legal ability to work in the United States and conduct a background check.

Benefits Overview

At Gafcon, we believe our people are our greatest asset. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial well-being, and professional growth of our employees and their families.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Employer-Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA)
• Commuter Benefits
• Legal Assistance Resources
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• and Years of Service Awards.

Compensation Disclaimer

Gafcon's compensation range for this opportunity is outlined in the initial section of this job posting. Individual pay decisions will vary based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and market conditions. While we strive to provide competitive compensation within our range, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at, or near, the top of the salary range. Our approach considers various factors including external market data, internal equity considerations, and the candidate's experience. Gafcon also offers a comprehensive benefits package as part of our overall compensation strategy.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Gafcon PM-CM LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.