Program Coordinator 1

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Strategic Planning and Capital Programming is comprised of two key groups: Planning & Strategy and Program Development & Grant Pursuits. The Planning & Strategy group spearheads Metra's long-term planning, land-use planning, and strategic planning efforts. Meanwhile, the Program Development & Grant Pursuits group is responsible for formulating Metra's capital program and handling the preparation of all discretionary funding grant applications.

Reporting to the Manager, Program Development & Grant Pursuits, the Program Coordinator 1 assists with the development of the annual and five-year capital programs, writes discretionary grant applications and assists with related grant pursuit functions, participates in Transit Asset Management (TAM) activities and asset data development, and supports the development of strategic capital planning documents such as the station accessibility plan, sustainability plan, and priority project plans, and performs other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

The primary duties include: Assist in the development of the annual and five-year capital programs, including: reviewing project attributes, drafting project descriptions and scopes, determining funding needs, and preparing the required documentation to support project funding. Participate in the development of discretionary grant pursuit application packages, including: drafting project narratives, developing supporting documents such as maps and diagrams, and writing grant applications to compete for discretionary grants. Assist in the administration of quarterly capital program amendments by: reviewing capital project cash flows and needs, reviewing capital expenditures, and drafting materials for Metra's Board of Directors. Participate in the review and development of budgets, databases, and reports related to the capital program, discretionary grant pursuits, project activities, and asset data. Support the development of strategic capital planning documents, such as the station accessibility plan, sustainability plan, and priority project plans. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Planning, Public Administration, or related field. Master's degree in Planning or Public Administration will be deemed to meet the bachelor's degree requirement.
2. In addition to #1, must have a minimum of two years of experience that includes financial analysis, grant writing, and/or program coordination.
3. Knowledge of data analysis, report preparation and writing, spreadsheets, and statistical software packages.
4. Knowledge of project management, grant application writing, and planning documents.
5. Some knowledge of public transit and government agency processes.
6. Good analytical, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
7. Good verbal and written communication skills.
8. Good interpersonal skills.
9. Some graphic or mapping skills preferred.
10. Good math skills, specifically statistical analysis.
11. Proficient in Microsoft 365 (specifically Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint).
12. Familiar with the use of software to create visual communication products such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign.
13. Ability to analyze complex budgets and financial data and prepare reports.
14. Ability to multi-task, prioritize multiple objectives, and bring projects to completion within a deadline-sensitive environment.
15. Ability to work collaboratively within the department, across disciplines, and with project managers.
16. Ability to work independently and as a team member.

Preferred:

1. Master's degree in Planning or Public Administration.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.