Public Policy and Grants Manager

As the leading transit bus manufacturer in the United States, GILLIG buses play a critical role in the environmental and social initiatives in communities across our nation.  GILLIG is on the forefront in the transition to zero-emission vehicles and has an unmatched reputation in the industry for quality, reliability, durability, service, and support.  From initial design through final assembly, each GILLIG bus is designed and built in Livermore, CA ( the opportunity is open to our Livermore, CA, Chicago, IL or Blacksburg, VA offices). 

WHY GILLIG

• Leader in environmentally friendly mobility solutions including battery electric, hybrid electric, near-zero CNG and clean diesel transit buses
• Renowned for its inclusive team/family-oriented culture
• Stable, successful, and growing organization – a Bay Area business for over 132 years!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Excellent compensation including company paid medical premiums, generous retirement plan and other comprehensive benefits

GILLIG’s mission is to design, build, and support the safest and most reliable transit buses in the United States. Our products help reduce congestion, contribute to a cleaner environment, and provide mobility to all.

We are looking for a strategic and influential Public Policy and Grants Manager to join our Product Planning & Strategy department to help improve quality of life through transformative mass transit solutions. You will be responsible for developing positive relationships with federal, state, and local governments – particularly state departments of transportation, mayors and legislators – and key business and stakeholder groups, congressional offices and community-based organizations. You will partner with these entities to identify and secure grant funding to support GILLIG’s strategic objectives.

This individual will report to the Vice President of Product Planning & Strategy and will work collaboratively and closely with the company’s leadership team. 

In this role, you will:

• Plan and execute a comprehensive government relations program to support GILLIG’s strategic plan and implement GILLIG’s legislative agenda, including conducting research, developing strategies, educating elected officials and local community organizations, and coalition building
• Identify, assess, and communicate key policy issues that may impact GILLIG and the transportation industry
• Monitor, advocate, and address Congressional actions related to transit and energy-related authorization appropriations, and other relevant legislative activities
• Monitor, advocate, and address federal, state, and local agency regulatory actions pertaining to relevant transit and energy policies
• Maintain strong, professional relationships with partner organizations and external stakeholders such as government agencies, industry associations, national labs, universities, research institutions, and the like
• Lead/facilitate internal teams and external collaborations as necessary to successfully develop and implement policy proposals and grant applications
• Identify, assess, and lead the application for funding opportunities at the federal, state, and local government levels
• Engage federal program leaders at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Energy, Commerce and other relevant agencies to shape and secure funding to offset costs of research & development as well as advance other GILLIG investment priorities
• Build and maintain a strategic plan that identifies which grants GILLIG should pursue when
• Build relationships with program managers at grant agencies
• Provide guidance and assistance to grant project managers in the Finance department
• Draft legislative correspondence and position papers
• Support GILLIG’s participation in customer grant applications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, business administration, public administration, public relations, political science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. Master’s degree is preferred
• Eight (8) years of professional government program experience. Experience with state and federal government relations preferred
• Experience developing Washington D.C.-based partnerships, working with relevant trade associations and conducting industry related advocacy
• Highly accomplished verbal and written presentation, communication and persuasion skills
• Knowledge of federal legislative, political, and grant making processes and policy development. Knowledge of transportation related issues
• Experience developing successful responses to state or federal grant programs
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and project management skills
• Ability to influence others through education, relationship building, knowledge and expertise.
• Proven strategic and critical-thinking skills, high level of independent judgment, initiative and creativity to identify and clearly communicate strategies to senior management

• Ability to lift 25 lbs.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally kneel or squat
• Domestic travel required
• Scope of responsibilities necessitate evening and periodic weekend workload productivity
• Office location: Livermore, CA, Chicago, IL or Blacksburg, VA 
• Standard start time: 6:00 a.m.(negotiable)

EXPECTED COMPENSATION

$75,000 - $275,000/annual salary + bonus + premium benefits  

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job classification, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

GILLIG is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.