Job Specification Details

This is the third and highest level in the AOT Highway Safety Program Coordinator series which may serve as the Deputy Administrator for the section.  This is a professional level position that provides intermediate transportation highway safety program coordination for the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VAOT) for National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funding.  Work is reviewed by a higher-level administrative supervisor.  Program coordination and grant administration for the State Highway Safety Office. Purpose of program activities is to provide Vermont highway users with information, knowledge, and motivation to compel behavior modification to increase safety for the general population and individual.
Professional oversight and management of major federal and/or state grant related projects for the Operations and Safety Bureau for the State Highway Safety Office. Duties are performed with considerable latitude for independent judgment and professional expertise, including formulation of program goals, highway safety development plans and reports, policies, and quality standards as well as Scopes of Work, Performance Metrics, grant development and administration. Duties may focus on some or all the following: Grants management including grant writing, program development, on-site compliance monitoring, financial audits management, and required report writing. Work is performed under the direction of the State Highway Safety Office Administrator unit supervisor.
 

Duties may include grant coordination. Oversees contracts and the main POC for the Highway Safety Plan (HSP), Annual Report and Strategic Highway Safety Plan and has direct influence over project costs. Thorough understanding of the HSP, Annual Report, Strategic Highway Safety Plan and Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). Help oversee the Vermont Highway Safety Alliance and be a Board Member. Help oversee the Traffic Records Coordinating Committee as either Chair or Co-Chair of the committee. Extensive knowledge of State and Agency procurement and contracting procedures. Develops written materials and reports with a high level of detail. Including ability to generate professional level written work products. Assists Operations and Safety Bureau leadership with goal setting and performance targets on the development of a future vision for the program. Leads the required program Assessments and Surveys and upon completion of the assessment/survey work with executive staff to implement required recommendations.  Collaborates with executive staff and senior management to identify opportunities across the organization to improve business processes. Can provide high level of financial and Programmatic compliance management and technical assistance to every program fund source within the division. Oversees the updates of the VTrans Granting Plan and the SHSO Policies and Procedures Manual annually. Serves on one or more agency committees as a section lead on highway safety matters. Research, analyze and resolve compliance issues to provide resolution for problem grants through contact with NHTSA area/regional/national offices, meetings with VTrans Audit and Contract Administration, legal counsel and disputing parties, field inspections, or negotiations with municipal officials. Provides consultative guidance to the other Department staff on problem grant resolve on a day-to-day basis. Provides consultive guidance in the review of grant applications, grant awards, grant agreements, and processes in all areas of compliance with the federal regulations. Some positions in this class may be supervisory. Performs related duties as required.

Duties are performed primarily in a standard office setting.  Occasional travel may be required. Public speaking, particular in large groups, is required. Urgent deadlines can be expected. Encounters with adversarial groups, conflicting opinions, and public apathy may be anticipated.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration and programs management,  including accounting and program evaluation.

Thorough knowledge of the organizational structure and management techniques of local government.

Thorough knowledge of grant administration and compliance monitoring.

Ability to analyze legislation and prepare bill reviews and white papers.

Ability to prepare a variety of regular and special reports.

Advanced computer skills and mastery of programs management systems and grant administration.

Ability to prepare, present, and interpret financial and programmatic data.

Ability to interpret and apply complex laws, rules, and regulations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of audiences. 

Ability to interpret and apply a wide variety of Agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures as well as federal and state laws to projects and assigned area of operation.

Ability to execute basic supervisory functions in the absence of the normally assigned section supervisor.

Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting, finance, public or business administration, or related field AND two (2) years or more of experience in financial management, auditing, accounting, grants programs, or public administration.
OR
Six (6) years or more of experience in financial management, auditing, accounting, grants programs, or public administration.
OR
Three (3) years or more as an AOT Highway Program Coordinator II with the State of Vermont.

Master’s degree in accounting, finance, public or business administration, or related field.

Experience with governmental accounting systems.