Manager, MT Budget and Grants

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven‑county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website. We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and provides more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, van‑pool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

The Manager, Budget and Grants leads development and coordination of operating and capital budgets for Metro Transit Bus, Light Rail, and Commuter Rail, overseeing staff responsible for long‑range forecasting and strategic financial planning. The position directs the budget development process, prepares executive financial forecasts and variance reporting, and coordinates planning with Metropolitan Transportation Services and Regional Administration.

This role manages federal grants strategy, application, and compliance for the Transportation Division, serving as the primary liaison to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Responsibilities include identifying funding opportunities, supporting competitive grant pursuits, and providing oversight and training to project managers, grantees, and subrecipients to ensure regulatory compliance.

The position also leads FTA Financial Management Plans and prepares the 25‑Year Plan and 20‑Year Sales Tax Forecast in coordination with the Director, Finance, including complex financial modeling and analysis.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

• Oversees and communicates the annual operating and capital budget development process, including the six‑year capital improvement plan, ensuring alignment with the Metro Transit Strategic Plan. Ensures budgets comply with Council guidelines, are balanced within available revenue resources, and are effectively communicated to the Director of Finance.
• Oversees development and coordination of annual operating and capital budgets, including amendments, ensuring alignment with project scope, funding availability, and senior management directives. Provides financial guidance to operating units, department directors, project managers, and executive leadership regarding capital projects, funding restrictions, and funding opportunities.
• Coordinates operating and capital budgets with senior managers and the Director of Finance to support monthly Senior Management Budget Committee meetings, Metropolitan Council presentations, and internal leadership discussions. Assists in preparing budget materials for the Metropolitan Council, State Legislature, and Federal Transit Administration.
• Prepares and presents quarterly capital and operating budget amendments to the Transportation Committee and Metropolitan Council.

• Coordinates with the Director of Finance on development of the 25‑Year All Funds Financial Plan, including capital funding forecasts by mode, and recommends funding strategies to maintain balanced operating and capital budgets within financial constraints.
• Assists in preparing Financial Management Plans by integrating historical results, current budgets, and forward‑looking financial forecasts supported by quantitative analysis.
• Leads development of long‑range financial models supporting 20‑Year Financial Management Plans for Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and local funding partners, advancing New Starts and Small Starts projects toward Full Funding Grant Agreements (FFGA).

• Promote cross‑training and training development opportunities within the Budget and Grants department.
• Overse…