Federal Funding & Grants Specialist - Washington State Ferries

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

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Federal Funding & Grants Specialist for Washington State Ferries (WSF). This role is crucial for leading the strategic planning, analysis, and coordination of federal funding and grant programs that support WSF’s capital and operating priorities. As the primary subject matter expert on federal and state grant programs, this position will provide strategic guidance to executive leadership and represent WSF’s funding interests with federal agencies, state partners, and regional planning organizations. The work is critical to securing and effectively managing resources that support safe, reliable ferry service and the communities that depend on Washington’s marine transportation system. This role is part of WSF's transformation to decarbonize its system and is guided by core values of Serve, Respect, Trust, Grow, and Navigate, with strategic priorities of Service Excellence, Improved Communication, and Empowered People.

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

Serve as WSF’s subject matter expert on federal and state grant programs, policies, regulations, and funding requirements.
Develop and maintain grant policies, procedures, and practices to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
Lead federal funding strategy, forecasting, planning, and evaluation of grant opportunities.
Coordinate federal funding activities with grantor agencies, WSDOT, regional partners, and internal WSF programs.
Lead competitive grant application development, project eligibility reviews, funding recommendations, and grantor responses.
Provide federal funding expertise for WSF capital, operating, long-range, and regional transportation planning.
Review grant documentation, reporting, and compliance materials and provide technical guidance across WSF.
Monitor and communicate federal policy changes, funding opportunities, deadlines, and compliance requirements.
Uphold 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.