Open Positions

Planning and Grants Coordinator, Full-Time

Connect Transit is celebrating 50 years of service as the primary public transit system for the Bloomington-Normal area this year, providing quality transportation to residents, allowing them to live spontaneously. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable transportation and access to opportunity to strengthen and enrich individual lives, our community, the economy, and the environment. All our employees are vital in supporting this mission, read on to see how you can be part of it too!

Job Description:

As the Planning and Grants Coordinator at Connect Transit, you will enjoy a combination of transit understanding, technical writing, financial management, compliance management, reporting, and coordination with stakeholders and staff members to ensure the successful execution of transit-related projects.

Wages: 

$40,000 - $55,000 annually, dependent on qualifications.

What We Offer:

• Medical insurance: Connect Transit will pay 100% of employee premium and 65% of dependent premiums
• Dental, vision, life insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plans, employer contribution of 5%
• Tuition reimbursement available
• Free bus pass for employees and immediate family members
• A collaborative team environment where coworkers are committed to your success.

Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Coordinate and perform research and analysis leading to the development of new and/or improved transit services, including routing patterns, rate structures, travel patterns, cost analysis, financial needs, funding sources, and related issues.
• Monitor current service levels, identify potential areas for study and service modifications that provide efficient, safe, and customer oriented services.
• Monitor and report on system performance, including evaluating and making recommendations on technical aspects of transit planning and capital programming.
• Represent Connect Transit in communication with individuals and representatives of public agencies and civic organizations regarding transit service and respond to requests for service changes.
• Assist in community outreach and employee engagement sessions related to transit system modifications.
• Provide administration for the grants process throughout all stages including application, grant approval, reporting, budgeting, compliance, extensions, and close-out.
• Evaluate the feasibility of obtaining funding for proposed projects, write grant applications, and ensure transit system compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and funding source requirements.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of records, data, and reports.
• Attend various training workshops, conferences, and committee and public meetings which may require meeting at night or overnight travel; records minutes of meetings as assigned.
• Actively present new opportunities, propose solutions and recommend best practices.
• Comply with all Connect Transit safety rules, policies, and procedures to maintain, support, and promote a safe work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree that covers one of the required skill sets (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience in government funding, foundations, nonprofits, or private sector funding opportunities desirable.
• Valid Illinois Driver's License
• Acceptable driving record (No serious traffic or license violations within the last five years).
• Successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug test.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn principles, practices, and techniques of data collection and presentation.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations governing transportation policies, funding sources and development practices.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations governing transit operations.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn statistics and measures of transit effectiveness used to assess route performance.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn principles, practices, and techniques of short and long-range capital planning.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with excellent attention to detail, while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to compile, organize, prepare, and maintain an assortment of records, reports, and information in an effective manner and according to departmental and/or governmental regulations.
• Ability to interact professionally with various levels of Connect Transit employees and outside representatives.
• Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.
• Ability to apply the required mathematical calculations accurately.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to plan, organize, and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, persuasive, and tactful manner to a wide variety of audiences both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare and deliver public presentations.
• Ability to research, analyze and comprehend assorted topics.
• Ability to prepare written technical reports and performance documentation materials.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to apply creative and innovative thinking.
• Ability to conduct cost/benefit, impact, and other related technical analyses.
• Ability to effectively participate in a variety of outreach activities.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and attend events when necessary.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role.

*Connect Transit provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

*EEO/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disability.