Grant Administration Manager

State of North Carolina; North Carolina; On-site; USD 71,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

State of North Carolina seeks a Transportation Program Section Chief (NS) in the Department of Transportation. This role leads the Grants Administration team, overseeing public transportation grant programs, reviewing applications, and guiding programmatic policy to ensure compliance and effective funding allocation.

The position reports to the Deputy Director for Finance and Grant Administration and serves as a senior advisor on the leadership team.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree plus 3 years in public transportation planning or administration or related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree plus 5 years of data analysis in transportation contexts.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may apply.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Grants Administration team within the Finance and Grant Administration Branch.
• Manage all public transportation grant programs, including reviewing applications and guidance.
• Provide grant management oversight and respond to grant inquiries on funding and eligibility.
• Lead weekly staff meetings and supervise Transportation Program Consultants and Grant Manager.
• Coordinate section needs with managerial staff; report to the Deputy Director for Finance and Grant Administration.

Skills

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Project management

Staff leadership

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical ability

Education

Master's degree in urban planning/transportation/engineering/business/economics

Bachelor's degree in urban planning/transportation/engineering/business/economics

Job description

Agency

Dept of Transportation

Division

Transit

Job Classification Title

Transportation Program Section Chief (NS)

Position Number

60015637

Grade

NC21

About Us

It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work

This is an anticipated vacancy effective October 1, 2026.

This position oversees the Grants Administration team within the Finance and Grant Administration Branch. The team is responsible for managing all public transportation grant programs including reviewing applications, establishing and implementing programmatic guidance, providing grant management oversight, and responding to inquiries from grantees about funding, eligibility, compliance, and other related matters. In the future, this position may also be responsible for managing bicycle and pedestrian grant programs. This position is responsible for supervising Transportation Program Consultants and Business Officer/Grant Manager which will require leading weekly staff meetings, monitoring and reviewing performance of direct reports and coordinating section needs and capacity to managerial staff. The position reports to the Deputy Director for Finance and Grant Administration and serves as senior advisor on the Deputy Director’s leadership team.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC21 $70,627 - $137,724

Management prefers applicants with the following:

• Considerable knowledge of state and federal guidelines and regulations related to transportation.


• Experience managing projects, programs, staff and consultants.


• Experience serving as a technical advisor to internal and external partners.


• Experience communicating with diverse audiences in oral and written format.


• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain working relationships with a variety of customers and stakeholders.


• undefined

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Master’s degree in urban and regional planning, transportation planning, engineering, business administration, or economics from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience in public transportation planning or administration or community planning or transit management; or,

Bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning, transportation planning, engineering, business administration, or economics from an appropriately accredited institution and five years of experience in the collection and analysis of economic and social data, two of which must have been in public transportation planning or transit management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.