Principal Grants Analyst

San Mateo County Transit District; Millbrae (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) is seeking a Principal Grants Analyst to manage grant funding, strategy, and financial oversight for capital and operating programs. You will identify funding opportunities, prepare applications, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

The role involves coordinating with internal divisions and external partners, leading grant lifecycle activities, and guiding the district's fund programming efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Four years of progressive experience in planning, project management, or grant management with analytical and budgetary support.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit complex capital and operating grant applications to multiple funding sources.
• Monitor and manage financial status, scope, and progress of grant-funded projects.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and regional funding agencies and respond to audits or inquiries.
• Lead development of partnerships with internal departments and external funding partners to secure funding.

Skills

Grant management

Financial analysis

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Transportation/Urban Planning, Business Administration, Public Policy, Economics, or related field

Job description

The San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) is currently hiring for a Principal Grants Analyst. This position will support SamTrans, the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (Caltrain), and the Transportation Authority (TA) by performing professional-level work in grant management, fund programming, and financial analysis for both capital and operating programs.

The position will be responsible for identifying and securing funding opportunities, preparing and submitting grant applications, and monitoring the financial status of grant-funded projects. The selected candidate will also ensure compliance with federal, state, and regional funding regulations and collaborate with internal divisions and external funding partners.

Examples of Essential Functions:

• Lead the research, analysis, and development of funding strategies to support the District’s long-term capital and operating needs.
• Oversee the preparation, writing, and submission of complex grant applications to federal, state, and regional funding agencies.
• Serve as the District’s primary liaison with internal divisions and external funding partners, advocating for the District in fund programming forums.
• Provide direction and oversight of the capital planning process, ensuring that capital planning documentation is aligned with funding programs.
• Manage the full lifecycle of grant-funded projects, including compliance with scope, timeline, budget, and reporting requirements.

Examples of Duties:

• Prepare and submit complex capital and operational grant applications, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
• Monitor and manage financial status, scope, and progress of assigned grant-funded projects, ensuring all milestones and compliance are met.
• Act as a lead in coordinating with federal, state, and regional funding agencies, ensuring timely submission of reports and responses to audits or inquiries.
• Lead the development of strategic partnerships with internal departments and external funding partners to secure additional funding.
• Provide leadership and oversight in advocating for the District’s funding needs during programming processes.
• Perform all job duties and responsibilities in a safe manner to protect yourself, your fellow employees, and the public from injury or harm. Promote safety awareness and follow safety procedures in an effort to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient experience, training and/or education to demonstrate the knowledge and ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. In lieu of a degree, work-related experience that demonstrates the skills and experience necessary to perform this role will be accepted. Development of the required knowledge and abilities is typically obtained through but not limited to:

• Bachelor’s degree in Transportation/Urban Planning, Business Administration, Public Policy, Economics, or a related field.
• Four (4) years of full-time progressively responsible experience in planning, project management, or professional-level grant management, including analytical and budgetary support for projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of funding programs and experience in transportation/transit capital planning and fund programming.
• Experience with life cycle grant processing and management, including compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Knowledge of financial, statistical, and comparative analysis techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience with complex grant writing.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to lead the development of a robust grant funding program.

The selection process may include a panel interview, written and skills test assessments, or supplemental questions. Only those candidates who are the most qualified will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to continue in the process.

The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment/examination process to accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request. If you have a need for an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.

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