Grant Administration Manager

Department of Transportation; Westbrook (ME); On-site; USD 71,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

North Carolina Department of Transportation is seeking a Transportation Program Section Chief (NS) to oversee the Grants Administration team within the Finance and Grant Administration Branch. You will manage grant programs, establish guidance, and advise on funding, eligibility, and compliance.

The role includes supervising staff, coordinating section needs, and reporting to the Deputy Director. Competitive NC salary range and state benefits accompany this leadership position.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in urban and regional planning, transportation planning, engineering, business administration, or economics with relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, transportation planning, engineering, business administration, or economics with relevant experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may qualify per agency guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Grants Administration team within the Finance and Grant Administration Branch.
• Review applications, establish programmatic guidance, and provide grant management oversight.
• Respond to inquiries from grantees about funding, eligibility, and compliance.
• Supervise Transportation Program Consultants and Business Officer/Grant Manager; lead staff meetings.

Skills

Project management

Staff supervision

Grant administration

Stakeholder communication

Education

Master's degree in urban and regional planning, transportation planning, engineering, business administration, or economics

Bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, transportation planning, engineering, business administration, or 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

Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date. 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

• 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.

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.

State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services. Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website. Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast. Find your next opportunity today!