Senior Program Analyst - DIRECT HIRE
About This Position
This position serves as a Senior Program Analyst in the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Guidance Division and provides expert leadership in the interpretation and application of OMB Uniform Guidance, federal grants management requirements, transportation laws, and agency policies.
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration. To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include: Experience applying knowledge of regulations governing uniform guidance for grants, federal grants management requirements, and related laws, regulations, and policies to analyze complex issues, develop solutions, and provide authoritative guidance on grant administration, cost principles, and compliance requirements. Experience leading the development, interpretation, and implementation of grant management policies, guidance, procedures, training programs, or regulatory initiatives, including evaluating the impact of legislative, regulatory, or policy changes on federal financial assistance programs and recommending improvements.
Experience representing an organization and collaborating with senior officials, program staff, recipients, and external stakeholders to resolve complex or controversial grants management issues, build consensus, deliver technical assistance and training, and promote consistent administration of federal grant programs. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Grants Management Policy and Regulatory Expertise - Expert knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance and federal grants management requirements, with the ability to analyze, interpret, develop, and implement policies, procedures, and guidance governing federal financial assistance programs. Skill in applying complex regulatory requirements, evaluating legislative and policy changes, and providing recommendations that enhance compliance, consistency, and program effectiveness.
Technical Assistance, Training, and Stakeholder Engagement - Skill in developing and delivering training programs, technical assistance, and outreach initiatives for diverse audiences. Ability to communicate complex grants management concepts clearly and effectively, build consensus, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve complex or controversial issues. Leadership, Communication, and Project Management - Ability to lead complex cross-functional initiatives, coordinate with multiple organizations, prepare executive-level briefings and guidance materials, manage competing priorities, and influence decision-making without direct supervisory authority.
Demonstrated skill in oral and written communication, strategic planning, and exercising sound judgment in a dynamic policy environment. For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4 All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Major Duties
As a Senior Program Analyst, you will: Analyze and interpret transportation laws, policies, legislative requirements, and OMB Uniform Guidance to provide consistent grants management guidance and ensure compliance across grants and cooperative agreements. Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of grant management policies, guidance, directives, training programs, and technical assistance resources for internal and external stakeholders. Serve as a grants management subject matter expert, collaborating with FTA offices, regional staff, and federal partners to address complex issues, support policy initiatives, and promote consistent and effective grant administration.
The ideal candidate is an experienced grants management professional with expert knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance and federal grant administration. The candidate possesses working knowledge of transportation laws and policies and the ability to apply them in the development of grant guidance and program implementation. The candidate demonstrates exceptional skills in analyzing complex laws and policies, developing clear guidance and training, and leading cross-functional initiatives.
Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities are essential for ensuring consistent, compliant, and effective grant management across diverse stakeholders.
Conditions of Employment
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service. GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD: This position involves travel. A government contractor-issued travel card will be issued and must be retained for official business only.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background security investigation is required for all selected individuals. Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of the security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Applicants may be required to successfully complete a one-year probationary period (unless already completed).
How You Will Be Evaluated
For this announcement, applications will be reviewed to determine if the applicant meets the basic qualifications for this position. The applications of individuals who meet the basic qualifications will be assessed to validate that the applicant possesses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) at the level of proficiency needed to perform the job successfully. Applicants who are found to possess the necessary KSAs to perform the job may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if similar vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
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Additional Information
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act.
Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to the Department of Transportation by email at, [email protected]. To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation
How to Apply
You must submit a complete application package (including resume, vacancy questions and supporting documents) no later than 11:59 pm (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. To begin, click the "Apply Online" button on the job announcement posting.
Follow the directions to register, submit all required documents and complete the assessment questionnaire.
You may review your saved application(s) at https://help.usajobs.gov/ If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office via email at: [email protected]
Required Documents
RESUME: In accordance with the OPM memorandum titled Merit Hiring Plan, dated May 29, 2025, resumes with a maximum of two (2) pages in length will be accepted as part of your application. These should be legible and in a readable font size. A determination of your eligibility and/or qualifications will be based only on those two (2) pages.
Your resume MUST contain specific information that can be used to make a qualification determination, including employment beginning and ending dates for each position, whether employment is Full-time or Part-time, or average number of hours worked per week, and position titles. If the position is/was in the Federal government, you will need to provide the position series and grade level. The resume should show relevant experience and education, as well as support the required specialized experience.
For assistance with the resume builder, please visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to DISPLACED EMPLOYEES: If requesting consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP program (ICTAP), you must meet the standards for this vacancy and provide all of the following documents: your most recent performance appraisal, the proof of eligibility letter from the Agency, and your most current SF-50, displaying current series and grade. Qualified CTAP/ICTAP candidates receive priority and will be referred to the hiring manager. For more information, please review the OPM Employee's Guide to Career Transition.
Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USA Jobs does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system.
You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application prior to final submission.