Contract Manager Jobs in Longview, WA (NOW HIRING)

Under the general direction of the Transit Manager, the Transit Grant and Contract Administrator is primarily responsible for identifying, developing, administering, and monitoring federal, state, and local transit grants and related contracts. Other duties may be assigned as needed by the department. This position primarily oversees the end-to-end grant lifecycle, procurement processes, and contract administration to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including requirements of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), the Washington State Department of Transportation, and City of Longview policies. The position provides technical expertise and coordination in the areas of grants management, procurement, financial oversight, and project documentation. Work is performed independently with limited supervision and requires the exercise of considerable judgment and discretion. Decisions and actions directly impact agency funding, regulatory compliance, and public trust. The candidate selected for this position will be subject to passing a pre-employment criminal background check including fingerprint check.

Grant Administration

1. Researches, identifies, and evaluates funding opportunities from federal, state, and local sources.
2. Develops grant budgets and supporting documentation to align with funding requirements.
3. Prepares, submits, and administers grant applications and amendments.
4. Prepares presentations to the regional transportation planning organization grant ranking committee.
5. Ensures compliance with FTA Circulars, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and other applicable regulations including requirements of the WSDOT Public Transportation State Grant Programs Guidebook.
6. Monitors grant agreements for regulatory compliance, performance requirements, and reporting deadlines.
7. Tracks grant budgets, expenditures, reimbursement requests, and drawdowns.
8. Prepares and submits required financial and performance reports.
9. In coordination with the Transit Administrative Assistant, maintains comprehensive grant and contract files, including financial documentation and project closeout records, to ensure audit readiness.

Contract & Procurement Administration

1. Drafts, reviews, and administers transit-related contracts, agreements, and amendments.
2. Prepares and publishes solicitation documents (e.g., IFBs, RFPs, RFQs) in compliance with federal and state procurement regulations.
3. Coordinates procurement processes from development through vendor selection and award.
4. Facilitates pre-bid meetings, proposal evaluations, and vendor communications.
5. Assists with vendor negotiations, contract modifications, renewals, and payment processing.
6. Monitors contractor performance to ensure compliance with deliverables, timelines, and budget requirements.
7. Ensures compliance with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation requirements.

Finance Oversight

1. Tracks and reconciles grant and contract budgets in coordination with the Transit Administrative Assistant and the City's Finance Department.
2. Assists with reimbursement processes and financial documentation.
3. Supports preparation for internal and external audits and responds to audit findings.

Project Coordination

1. Assists in reviewing project scope, schedules, and cost baselines for alignment with agency goals and funding requirements.
2. Coordinates procurement of materials and services with contractors and vendors.
3. Verifies contractor compliance documentation, including insurance requirements.
4. Supports project implementation and closeout activities, monitoring progress, risks, and cost estimates.
5. Collaborates with internal departments and external stakeholders to resolve issues and ensure project milestones are achieved.

Compliance & Reporting

1. Ensures adherence to federal, state, and City of Longview regulations governing grants and procurement.
2. Monitors legislative and regulatory changes affecting transit funding.
3. Maintains compliance tracking systems and reporting schedules.
4. Prepares documentation and reports for executive leadership and governing board presentations.

Miscellaneous

1. Participate in special events that involve or promote public transit.
2. Understand and adhere to City and transit policies and procedures.
3. Attend scheduled meetings with supervisors and general staff meetings.
4. Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, finance, or related field AND 3-5 years of finance experience preferably in the public sector working with the public contract administration, OR a combination of education, training and experience which would provide the required skills, knowledge and ability to perform the job as determined by the hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience administering grants funded through the Federal Transit Administration.
• Knowledge of DBE compliance requirements.
• Certification in grants management (e.g., CGMS or GPC).
• Experience in public transit or governmental agencies.

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws governing grants, procurement, and prevailing wage requirements.
• FTA regulations, Circulars, and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).
• Public sector procurement standards and contracting processes.
• Contract language, negotiation principles, and project management practices.
• Budget development, financial tracking, and audit preparation procedures.
• Microsoft Office Suite, accounting systems, grant management platforms, and project management databases.

Skills in:

• Researching and analyzing funding opportunities.
• Grant writing and preparation of complex regulatory documentation.
• Budget monitoring, financial reconciliation, and data analysis.
• Contract drafting, negotiation, and vendor relations.
• Report preparation and professional written and oral communication.
• Time management and prioritization in a deadline-driven environment.

Ability to:

• Independently manage multiple grants, contracts, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Interpret and apply complex regulations and policies.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Collaborate effectively with departments, vendors, funding agencies, and stakeholders.
• Maintain accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
• Incorporate and demonstrate agency core values in the workplace.
• Good interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other city employees, vendors, local agencies and providers, and the public.
• Work in a multi-task environment, be detailed-oriented, able to organize duties, and set priorities to meet deadlines.
• Initiative to act and be self-motivated. Work well independently as well as in a team or cooperative setting.
• Communicate in a professional business-like manner, both orally and in writing. Portray a professional image and attitude.
• Able to exercise discretion over sensitive and confidential issues related to the Department and its business.
• Develop and maintain a general understanding of information that relates to the functions and services of the Department.
• The ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.