Program Manager - Transit Grant Manager

Grant Program Management

Manages and administers Federal Transit Administration (FTA) formula and discretionary grant programs including Section 5307 (Urbanized Area), Section 5310 (Enhanced Mobility), Section 5311 (Rural Areas), Section 5339 (Bus and Bus Facilities), and other applicable programs. Develops, evaluates, and manages the annual Programs of Projects (POPs) for state and federal transit programs by coordinating with internal SCDOT program, planning, and finance staff to identify eligible projects, reviewing proposed projects for compliance with federal, state, and agency requirements, prioritizing projects based on funding availability and program objectives, and allocating funds in accordance with statutory and regulatory guidelines.

Coordinates federal funding distributions to subrecipients and ensures alignment between approved POPs, grant applications, and approved budgets. Prepares, reviews, and submits grant applications, amendments, and closeout documentation in FTA's Transit Award Management System (TrAMS). Coordinates annual funding announcements and competitive application cycles for state and federal transit programs. Oversees consultants and contractors providing program support services, including reviewing work products and ensuring compliance with contract requirements.

Develops and evaluates performance measures to assess program effectiveness and compliance with federal performance‑based planning requirements.

Monitors and manages federal and state apportionments, grant budgets, expenditure rates, and fund balances to ensure effective and allowable use of funds. Tracks local match requirements and verifies availability of matching funds from subrecipients. Coordinates with the SCDOT Finance Division to monitor federal drawdown activity in TrAMS and state mass transit fund disbursements to ensure compliance with approved grant budgets and funding schedules.

Prepares financial documentation and reports for FTA oversight, audits, and internal review.

Maintains complete grant files and records in accordance with federal, state, and agency retention requirements. Prepares quarterly and annual performance and financial reports. Ensures subrecipient compliance with National Transit Database (NTD) reporting requirements and prepares and submits annual NTD reports on behalf of SCDOT. Documents monitoring activities, findings, and corrective action plans. Develops and updates program manuals, guidance documents, and subrecipient resources.

Responds to federal, state, and agency inquiries, audits, and information requests. Develops and implements monitoring strategies to assess subrecipient compliance, financial risk, and program performance, and recommends corrective actions as needed.

Participates in the development and implementation of the State Management Plan for FTA and state transit programs. Serves as the Transit Grants subject matter expert for SCDOT and coordinates with FTA, OPT, and other SCDOT divisions involved in transportation planning, project development, and multimodal initiatives to ensure timely and accurate grant development and submission. Supports coordination and review of the Statewide Transit Improvement Program (STIP) and long‑range transportation plans.

Provides technical assistance to subrecipients regarding grant requirements and procedures. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and agency regulations throughout the grant lifecycle. Participates in State Management Reviews and other oversight activities as required. Interprets federal statutes, FTA circulars, and agency guidance to establish program procedures and ensure consistent statewide application. Performs other related duties as assigned.

A bachelor's degree and three (3) years of relevant program experience; or an approved acceptable equivalence. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required.

The physical demands for the essential functions include sitting or standing at a desk for extended periods and working on a computer. May be required to lift up to 30 lbs. May be required to work outside normal business hours.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation is committed to a diverse workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.