Senior Contracts and Grants Analyst (Limited-Term)

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to fill the limited-term position of Senior Contracts and Grants Analyst in the Budget and Grants department of the Finance division. In this role, the Senior Contracts and Grants Analyst will oversee the subrecipient monitoring program and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) development and administration for Reap 2.0, ATP, SS4A, CRP, and other various programs. The Senior Contracts and Grants Analyst will review and provide guidance in developing the Call for Projects Guidelines while working under the direction of the Principal Management Analyst. The Senior Contracts and Grants Analyst should possess advanced-level government contracting technical knowledge as well as high attention to detail. This role offers a unique and exciting opportunity to lead other staff, collaborate with various stakeholders, and prepare recommendations on critical projects.

This is a limited-term position and the term length may be adjusted based on available funding.

The Local Assistance business unit of the Budget and Grants department provides sub-award services to distribute resources to the region for various transportation-related projects. The team is involved in Call for Guidelines review, applications review as well as the risk assessment process of each sub-recipient. The team supports drafting, routing and executing the subaward agreements (MOUs) and its amendments, as well as managing the associated administrative steps such as verifying rates, supporting PO set-ups, and the MOU close-out process.

WHO WE ARE

As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG's workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.

SCAG operates as a hybrid organization because we recognize that work can be successfully performed in various locations. Designing a work environment and culture where SCAG’s mission, effectiveness, and collaboration can be more flexibly served demonstrates our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) by supporting work-life balance for our employees, retaining our existing dedicated staff, and increasing access to new talent pools.

As part of our Work@SCAG policy, employees are eligible for two work models: in-office and hybrid. Eligibility for these models will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties, as determined by management. All work models require employees to be based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to follow the hybrid model and be in the office 2 days per week.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

MISSION

To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.

VISION

Southern California's Catalyst for a Brighter Future.

SCAG CORE VALUES

• Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
• Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
• Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
• Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.
• Cultivate Belonging: Embrace differences, foster equity, champion inclusion, and empower all.

In this role you can expect to

• Oversee the preparation, routing, and execution of MOUs with subrecipients for Reap 2.0, ATP, SS4A, CRP, and other programs as needed.
• Develop scopes of work and determining appropriate payment methods.
• Oversee the expenditures, progress, and compliance for each assigned MOU project, and prepare MOU amendments as necessary.
• Perform funding carryover for MOUs and ensure accurate set up of purchase orders.
• Conduct cost/price analysis.
• Respond to invoicing and grant billing inquiries when required.
• Oversee MOU administration, including updating files and ensuring their completeness, as well as supporting MOU close-out activities.
• Conduct thorough risk assessment reviews for new subrecipients in accordance with Sub-recipient and Monitoring Policies and Procedures, by reviewing the subrecipients’ single audit reports and other financial documents.
• Identify appropriate monitoring procedures based on identified risks and recommend appropriate edits to the MOU to incorporate the monitoring procedures.
• Conduct annual reviews for subrecipients requiring ongoing monitoring. This includes reviewing single auditing reports, financial documents, invoices and progress reports on an annual basis; gathering feedback from project managers and accounting staff regarding the subrecipients’ performance; documenting any new risks and recommending monitoring procedures to mitigate the risks.
• Review the Call for Projects Guidelines and provide guidelines recommendations to maximize efficiency and minimize risk to SCAG.
• Update program policies and procedures and risk assessment tools as needed.
• Develop and maintain tools to better track and monitor the MOU activities and expenditures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you'll bring to this role

• A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 5 years of experience with budget and grants and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

We’ll be a great match if you also have

• Experience with subrecipient monitoring and MOU development, routing, and execution.
• Experience with conducting cost/price analysis.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to develop and/or review clear, concise communications and reports.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to conduct research on risk mitigation tools to make recommendations.
• The ability to effectively collaborate with various stakeholders.
• The ability to advise staff and management on MOUs, Call for Projects Guidelines, and the subrecipient monitoring program.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations applicable to contract administration for public agencies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• The ability to contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Supplemental Information

Please note, this posting will remain open until December 9, 2024, with the first application review taking place on November 25, 2024. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.