Senior Grant Writer

WGI

About The Position

The Grant Writer position supports the NCDOT Rail Division by leading the development, coordination, and submission of competitive grant applications to secure funding for rail projects and programs across North Carolina. This role will sit out of Raleigh, NC. This role requires strong collaboration with internal leadership, external partners, and technical teams to identify funding opportunities, develop project concepts, and produce high-quality application materials. At WGI, you will find talented, passionate associates providing exceptional service in collaborative, team-driven environments, all while having fun and enjoying the work they do. WGI takes pride in being one of the nation’s top consulting firms -- and we have the awards to prove it. We work to stay ahead of the curve by investing in the latest tools and technology. WGI is always looking for remarkable individuals to join our team and help us grow in our vision. If you think you are an innovative, self-motivated team-player, and want to shape your community, join our WGI team today!

Requirements

10+ years of experience in Grant writing.
Exceptional writing, editing and reviewing skills.
Meticulous attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word (advanced features including track changes, styles, and templates), contract management platforms (e.g., DocuSign, Ironclad, Conga, or similar), and Adobe Acrobat for PDF handling.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with Rail Division leadership and management to identify funding priorities and align grant pursuits with strategic objectives.
Monitor, review, and evaluate Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) to determine applicability and competitiveness.
Prepare concise summaries and briefings of funding opportunities for internal stakeholders.
Verify availability and eligibility of state and NCDOT funding to support grant applications and associated engineering services.
Develop and refine scopes of work for engineering firms supporting grant application development.
Coordinate and lead meetings with engineering consultants to identify, develop, and advance potential rail projects and programs.
Prepare cost estimates for grant application packages and present recommendations to the NCDOT Rail Division’s Planning & Development Branch Manager.
Assist with the preparation and submission of complete, compliant, and competitive grant application packages.
Review grant narratives prepared by engineering firms to ensure alignment with program requirements and agency priorities.
Complete all required federal and state application forms and supporting documentation.
Draft and coordinate letters of support from local, regional, and national stakeholders.
Serve as the primary point of contact for key partners, including the Rail Director, Highways Division, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Request and coordinate debriefings from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) following grant award announcements.
Identify and engage stakeholders relevant to proposed grant projects, including public agencies, regional partners, and industry organizations.
Conduct research to identify eligible rail projects and align them with appropriate funding opportunities.
Maintain ongoing communication with stakeholders to support project development and strengthen grant competitiveness.
Serve as a liaison between NCDOT and the Western North Carolina Rail Corridor Committee, Inc., ensuring alignment on priorities, communication, and project development efforts.