Contracts and Grants Analyst (Limited-Term)

Description

Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a highly motivated and analytical individual to fill the limited-term position of Contracts and Grants Analyst in the Budget and Grants department of the Finance division. Under general supervision from the Principal Management Analyst, this position will primarily support the subrecipient monitoring program, route and execute Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs), monitor MOU activities, expenditures, and compliance throughout the MOU term and close-out process, and assist with invoicing and grant billing. The support provided by this position is critical for SCAG to successfully implement SCAG’s subrecipient monitoring and MOU programs funded with special grants as well as other core program areas.

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

The Local Assistance business unit in 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

• Coordinate with project managers on the preparation, routing, and execution of MOUs with subrecipients for Reap 2.0, ATP, SS4A, CRP, and other programs as needed.
  

• Assist project managers in developing scopes of work and determining appropriate payment methods.
  

• Track and monitor 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.
  

• Assist with responding to invoicing and grant billing inquiries when required .
  

• Support MOU administration, including updating files and ensuring their completeness, as well as supporting MOU close-out activities.
  

• Assi st with 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.
  

• Assist with i dentify ing appropriate monitoring procedures based on identified risks and recommend appropriate edits to the MOU to incorporate the monitoring procedures.
  

• Assist with 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.
  

• 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 3 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 staff.
  

• 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 c ontribute 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.

Insurance Coverage
Employees may choose from nine HMO and two PPO health plans administered through CalPERS. SCAG contributes the following amounts towards the monthly health premium: $850 for employee only coverage; $1500 for employee plus one dependent; $1800 for employee plus family. Employees may waive SCAG-sponsored health plans by providing evidence of other health coverage each plan year. Upon meeting eligibility requirements, employee is eligible to receive opt out amount of $200 per month, paid as taxable earnings. Premiums for dental and vision are covered 100% by SCAG. Life insurance in the amount of $50,000 is provided by SCAG. Supplemental life insurance is available at a minimal cost to the employee. Short-term and long-term disability insurance plans are provided by SCAG.

Retirement
Employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Effective January 1, 2013, for new members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the retirement formula is calculated at 2% @ 62 with a Three Year Average Formula. In accordance with the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the new member will have a mandatory contribution of 7% of reportable compensation. Employees who are current members of CalPERSor an agency with CalPERS reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAGor in a CalPERS(or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula.

Empower deferred compensation plan is available and all non-management positions receive a 50% match, up to $1,500. Employees do not pay Social Security.

Paid Parental Leave
12 weeks of paid parental leave to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connectionwith adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after12 months of employment at SCAG.

Holidays
Employees receive 10 designated holidays and 44 hours of Personal Floating Holidays (PFH) per fiscal year, 11 hours for each full quarter worked.

Vacation Accrual
Ten to twenty days per year depending on length of service with SCAG.

0-3 years: 80 hours
4-10 years: 120 hours
11-16 years: 140 hours
17+ years: 160 hours

Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.

Flexible Spending Accounts
Tax-exempt savings plans are offered to pay for eligible expenses associated with healthcare, dependent care, and parking.

Transit Reimbursement Program
SCAG reimburses up to $230 per month for commute to the office via public transit via bus, rail, or train. Employees must commute a minimum of 8 days per month in order to receive reimbursement for monthly passes.

Flexible Time/Modified Work Week/Telework
Employees may work a modified 9-80 work schedule, with every other Friday off. SCAG offers a flexible work schedule to allow employees some flexibility on daily work hours. SCAG has developed a hybrid workforce program called Work@SCAG to provide three work model options (office, hybrid, and remote) to choose from, based on their position, within the SCAG Region.

Technology Allowance
Employees in hybrid and remote work models will receive a one-time stipend of $300 to be used for remote office setup. In addition, all employees receive a $140 monthly technology allowance to cover phone usage for business use and to offset utilities costs while working remotely.

Other Benefits
Educational assistance up to $5,250 per year is offered for qualified courses after one year of employment. Professional membership reimbursement up to $300 per year for professional associations.

Probationary Period
All non-management employees are required to successfully complete a probationary period of 2080 hours prior to achieving regular employment status.

Closing Date/Time: 12/9/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

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• Southern California Association of Governments

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