Principal Planner

Capitol Government Contract Specialists; California; On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Capitol GCS, headquartered in Irvine, CA, seeks a Principal Planner to lead strategic grant funding initiatives for public transit capital projects. You will identify discretionary State and Federal funding opportunities, develop pursuit strategies, and oversee the full grant program pipeline for clients.

You will provide senior guidance on proposal strategy, agency coordination, and program compliance, coordinating with client staff and internal teams to ensure timely, compliant submissions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Transportation, or related field required; Master's preferred.
• Minimum 10 years in transportation planning or grant program management.
• Experience with discretionary State and Federal grant programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication, and strategic thinking.

Responsibilities

• Research, identify, and evaluate discretionary State and Federal grant funding opportunities.
• Maintain a pipeline of upcoming funding opportunities and provide strategic recommendations.
• Coordinate with client agency staff to gather technical data and project justifications.
• Develop budgets, timelines, and supporting documentation with program and finance staff.
• Track deadlines, awards, and post-award compliance and reporting obligations.
• Provide strategic oversight and quality review of grant narratives.
• Ensure proposals align with client goals, funder priorities, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as primary contact for grant strategy and program planning.

Skills

Grant program management

Transportation planning

Strategic planning

Analytical skills

Writing & communication

Project management

Independent work

LA Metro experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

About the Company: Capitol Government Contract Specialists (Capitol GCS) was formed in 2011 with its headquarters in Irvine, CA. Capitol GCS provides Program Management Oversight services to transit agencies across the country in support of their bus and rail vehicle projects. By leveraging our staff of senior transit industry veterans, we ensure that acquisition and overhaul projects come in on time, on budget, and meet the technical specification requirements.

About the Role: Capitol GCS is seeking a Principal Planner to lead strategic grant funding initiatives for public transit capital projects. This role is responsible for identifying discretionary State and Federal funding opportunities, developing pursuit strategies, and overseeing the full grant program pipeline on behalf of our clients. The Principal Planner will provide senior-level guidance on proposal strategy, agency coordination, and program compliance. This is a full-time position, with candidates based in California preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Research, identify, and evaluate discretionary State and Federal grant funding opportunities.
• Maintain a pipeline of upcoming funding opportunities and provide strategic recommendations on pursuit priorities.
• Coordinate with client agency staff, including planning, engineering, finance, and operations personnel, to gather technical data and project justifications.
• Develop budgets, timelines, and supporting documentation in coordination with program and finance staff.
• Track application deadlines, award notifications, and post-award compliance and reporting obligations.
• Provide strategic oversight and quality review of grant proposal narratives prepared by supporting staff.
• Assure proposals align with client agency goals, funder priorities, and all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for client agencies on grant strategy and program planning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Transportation, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred (or equivalent experience).

Required Skills:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in transportation planning, grant program management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with discretionary State and Federal grant programs.
• Strong strategic planning and analytical skills, with the ability to guide funding pursuit decisions.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent deadlines and staff.
• Ability to work independently and represent Capitol GCS with client agencies.
• Experience with LA Metro preferred.

Pay range and compensation package: $150,000 - $200,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Equal Opportunity Statement: Capitol GCS is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.