Federal Funding & Grants Specialist - Washington State Ferries

State of Washington • King County - Seattle – Belltown, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Federal Funding & Grants Specialist to support the strategic management of federal funding and grant programs for Washington State Ferries (WSF). This role acts as WSF’s subject matter expert on federal and state grant funding, leading coordination, planning, and analysis for critical capital and operating programs. The position involves working with executive leadership, regional planning organizations, and federal partners to maximize funding opportunities and ensure compliance with grant requirements. This role is crucial in advancing WSF’s mission of providing dependable transportation service and supporting the system's transformation to decarbonization.

Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal transportation grant programs, laws, regulations, and funding distribution processes, including FTA, FHWA, DHS, FEMA, and MARAD programs.
• Knowledge of federal grant planning, application, budgeting, programming, and administration throughout the full grant life cycle.
• Knowledge of federal electronic grant management systems, including TRAMS and Grants.gov.
• Ability to lead strategic planning for the use of federal funds; develop and maintain federal revenue forecasts; and reconcile available federal funds against programmed uses across capital and operating programs.
• Skill in researching, evaluating, and recommending federal funding opportunities to executive management.
• Ability to develop, maintain, and analyze grant policies, procedures, and practices.
• Skill in performing management analysis to identify efficiency improvements in grant administration.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate analysis and briefing materials for executive management, OFM, and legislative staff.
• Ability to provide lead work collaboration and technical guidance across WSF on federal funding and grant matters based on subject matter expertise.
• Skill in coordinating work activities across WSF to ensure alignment with federal requirements and program deadlines.
• Ability to review work products for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal requirements.
• Ability to serve as WSF's primary liaison with federal grantor agencies, MPOs, RTPOs, and regional planning bodies.
• Skill in organizing, facilitating, and representing WSF in interagency meetings and regional planning forums.
• Ability to communicate complex grant and funding information with precision and clarity, both verbally and in writing, to audiences ranging from federal agency staff to WSF executives and legislators.
• Ability to prepare and deliver analyses, briefing materials, and position papers that translate complex federal requirements into clear, actionable guidance for diverse audiences.
• Ability to represent WSF's federal funding interests credibly and professionally in interagency meetings, legislative settings, and federal agency engagements.
• Skill in communicating federal policy changes, program updates, and compliance requirements clearly and in a timely manner to internal staff and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge in federal grant development and administration, including a thorough understanding of federal eligibility criteria, federal transportation grant programs, and capital and operating transportation project requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple grant programs simultaneously across different federal agencies and funding sources.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to a work environment that fosters a culture of respect and equal opportunity.
• Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth; seeks feedback, applies lessons from experience, and pursues professional development relevant to procurement and maritime operations.
• Demonstrates a willingness to take action to meet the needs of others; proactively supports internal customers and external partners to ensure procurement needs are addressed accurately and on time.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated experience with federal electronic grant management systems including TRAMS and Grants.gov.
• Ability to learn and work with new financial and technical systems; adapts quickly to system upgrades and newly implemented platforms.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of federal public transportation grant programs and applicable circulars including FTA 5307, 5309, 5310, 5311, and 5339.
• Familiarity with IIJA/BIL funding programs and federal transportation authorization and appropriation acts.
• Experience representing an agency on MPO or RTPO committees, including the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC).
• Knowledge of TIP and STIP requirements for federally funded projects and regional transportation planning processes.
• Working knowledge of Washington State ferry system operations, capital programs, and marine transportation.
• Familiarity with WSF's operating and capital budget structure and program delivery processes.
• Knowledge of state budgeting and program management policies, procedures, and practices, including biennial budget development, allotment preparation, and legislative program requirements.
• Experience developing and maintaining grant policies, procedures, and administrative guidelines at a division or agency level.
• Familiarity with OMB, USDOT, and FTA circulars governing grant program management.
• Strong research and analytical skills especially related to federal regulations, grant eligibility determinations, and competitive grant strategy development.

Responsibilities

• Serves as WSF’s subject matter expert on federal funding and grant programs.
• Represents WSF with regional planning organizations and federal partners on funding and project coordination.
• Ensures compliance with federal and PSRC reporting, tracking, and planning requirements.
• Coordinates and oversees development of competitive federal grant applications and funding requests.
• Determines project eligibility for federal funding and recommends assignment of federal funds.
• Develops funding strategies and supporting analyses to maximize discretionary grant opportunities.
• Reviews grant documentation and compliance materials for accuracy and consistency with federal requirements.
• Communicates funding updates, policy changes, and grant requirements while coordinating grant-related priorities across WSF.
• Upholds WSF’s strategic priorities (Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People) and values (Serve, Grow, Trust, Respect, and Navigate), ensuring they are embedded in WSF’s culture through leadership actions.

Benefits

• Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
• Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
• Comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options.
• Choice of state retirement programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed