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, vanpool, walk or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

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.

1. Budget Development (Capital and Operating) for Metro Transit Bus, Light Rail, and Commuter Rail
*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.

2. Long-Term Financial Planning - Capital & Operating
*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).

3. Budget & Grants Staff Supervision
*Promote cross-training and training development opportunities within the Budget and Grants department.
*Oversee and establish priorities within the Budget and Grants work units and monitor progress to ensure timely deliverables. Ensure priorities comply with corporate budget parameters and timelines and within FTA grant reporting requirements while maintaining FTA compliance.
*Manage and evaluate staff performance, encourage staff training and development, counsel and mentor when appropriate, and document non-performance.
*Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and Metropolitan Council personnel policies and procedures.
*Make recommendations on hiring decisions, disciplinary actions, and terminations in accordance with Metropolitan Council personnel policies and procedures.

4. Grants Administration Oversight
*Oversees coordination of capital funding planning and issues related to transit projects, aligning planned projects with available Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding and supporting competitive non-FTA grant opportunities. Interprets federal guidelines and confers with FTA staff when clarification or additional guidance is needed.
*Negotiates grant modifications with the FTA to strategically adjust or repurpose federal grants to meet Metro Transit's changing business needs.
*Oversees staff and manages grant application development in accordance with internal, local, and federal processes. Establishes and documents grant procedures to ensure compliance, accurate grant budgets, and appropriate reporting mechanisms. Ensures timely submission of applications and provides technical guidance to project staff and senior management.
*Manages the grant application process, including coordinating and reviewing environmental documentation, interpreting grant eligibility requirements, and preparing required application materials. Reviews grant status, advises project managers on FTA regulations and appropriate use of federal funds, and determines when prior approvals or notifications are required.
*Oversees grant award receipt and establishment in compliance with internal processes and FTA regulations. Ensures timely closeout of completed grants to maximize use of federal funds while maintaining compliance.
*Oversees the development of grant management processes and provides training to project staff. Reviews and supports procurement and legal staff in preparation of grant-funded and subrecipient agreements to ensure compliance with federal requirements.
*Oversees audits and internal reviews of grant administration. Ensures accurate preparation of federal capital and operating grant applications, including analysis of compliance requirements and inclusion within TIP and STIP planning processes.

Any of the following combinations of experience in budget development and administration, and completed education in Economics, Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a directly related field:

• High school diploma/GED and eleven (11) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting, or financial management, including three (3) years of supervisory experience
• Associate's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field and nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting, or financial management, including three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field and seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, budgeting, or financial management, including three (3) years of supervisory experience.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation
• Experience with finance in the government or public sector
• Experience presenting financial information to the executive boards or executive committees
• Experience leading teams in advanced financial analysis and research projects.
• Experience developing forecasting models to examine future financial performance.
• Experience in transportation, request for proposals and service provider contracts.

• Knowledge of management practices, supervisory principles, and performance management, including coaching, counseling, staff development, performance improvement, and discipline; ability to enforce established policies and ensure Federal Transit Administration (FTA) compliance.

• Knowledge of public finance and capital improvement programs, including principles and practices of budget development, administration, grant entitlement, policy development, and implementation.

• Knowledge of federal rules, regulations, and practices related to transit grant and contract administration.

• Knowledge of state laws governing governmental accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.

• Skill in collaboration, facilitation, and communication to support development of annual budgets, forecasts, ad hoc reports, and financial models.

• Skill in project management, strategic planning, presentation development, and public speaking.

• Skill in organizational, administrative, and analytical practices.

• Skill in verbal and written communication, including translating complex financial and budget information for diverse audiences.

• Ability to interpret and apply advanced mathematics and statistical methods in financial analysis and forecasting.

• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data, identify trends, anticipate issues, and recommend solutions.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.

• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written formats with diverse audiences.

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

Union/Grade: TMSA/Grade K
FLSA: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

Work Environment
Work is performed in a standard office setting. Some positions may require travel between primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:
1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job you're applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply.

If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.