Grants Assistant (LTD)

Port of Tacoma; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The Port of Tacoma is seeking a Grants Accountant to oversee financial tracking and reporting for federal, state, and local grants supporting Port projects and Northwest Seaport Alliance programs.

You will coordinate grant documentation, monitor timelines and submissions, update budgets and expenditures, and prepare reimbursement requests to maximize funding.

Requires an associate degree and two years in grant administration; proficiency with Microsoft Office and grant systems is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum associate degree in business, public administration, or related field.
• Two years' grant administration experience or related area preferred.
• Ability to coordinate multiple departments for grant compliance.
• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal grants and contracting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and grant software/tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing, organizing, submitting, and maintaining grant documentation in audit-ready form.
• Monitor timelines and reporting schedules; support internal/external reports and databases.
• Support invoice verification and documentation for grant reimbursements.
• Coordinate grant administration across departments and liaise with agency staff.
• Track grant budgets, expenditures, and matching funds with Finance and Contracts teams.

Skills

Grant administration experience

Budgets and financial tracking

Microsoft Office Suite

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in business/public administration or related field

Job description

Anticipated starting salary is between $69,540 - $84,240 depending on qualifications.

This position is responsible for the financial tracking and report submissions of the grants awarded to the Port of Tacoma and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (collectively, “Port”) for federal, state, and local grants to support Port projects and programs and to maximize the usage of federal and state funding while ensuring compliance with awarded grants.

• Assist with preparing, organizing, submitting, and maintaining grant documentation and files in accordance with audit-ready standards. Assist in monitoring timelines and reporting schedules; support the preparation and submission of required internal and external reports. Assist in maintaining databases.
• Ensure that the grant process reports are submitted on a timely basis. Coordinate the grant administration process for awarded grants, provide timely guidance to staff on agreement requirements, track due dates, and monitor financial status. Help track and update grant budgets, expenditures, and matching fund documentation in coordination with Finance and Contracts staff. Assist Grants Administrator in performing regular financial and compliance reviews.
• Support invoice verification processes and gather necessary documentation for reimbursement requests. This includes verifying invoices for allowable costs and preparing grant requests for reimbursement. Maintain source documentation to support accounting records and monitor proper charging of costs and cost allocations.
• Respond to routine inquiries and serve as a liaison between departments for grant-related documentation and communications while developing and maintaining effective relationships with agency staff and within the Port departments.

A minimum of an associate’s degree in business, public administration, or related field required. An additional two (2) years' experience may substitute for the degree.

Two (2) years' work experience in a related function is required. Experience in grant administration-related areas (administration and/or tracking) is preferred.

• Ability to coordinate the roles and responsibilities of the various departments involved in executing financial compliance for awarded grants.
• Knowledge of various Local, State, and Federal grants and contracting.
• Ability to track grant budgets, schedules, and deadlines to support grant administration .
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to work independently within a team environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of, and experience using, web-based grant application systems.
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite.