Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation today. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird's complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.  

It’s an exciting time in the world of alternative fuels and the United States has unprecedented access to federal funding opportunities for alternative fuels, electric vehicles, and energy efficient technologies. Blue Bird’s grants team assists our dealer network and their clients to seek funding opportunities for alternative fuels for their fleets. Blue Bird Corp seeks a Grant Specialist to help with the management of grants in federal program areas such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Rebate and Grant Specialist as well as future opportunities under the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Grants & Community Engagement Manager, this role will assist Blue Bird dealers and customers with applying for and winning federal and state funding opportunities. They will work closely with Blue Bird dealers and customers to help them understand the specific grant requirements, deadlines, and application processes. They will maintain a database of Federal and State programs to ensure that Blue Bird can capitalize on available funding opportunities. As new grants become available, they will work to streamline and simplify the application process. This role will be customer facing so effective communication is paramount.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the Grants Manager and Alternative Fuels Team with all aspects of the grant management process. This includes assuring compliance with grant requirements, managing communications and providing technical assistance to potential applicants and grantees, overseeing grant reporting and payment requirements, updating yearly grant cycle calendar, and creating grant-related correspondence and reports as assigned.
• Assists dealers and their customers with the preparation of all components of each grant submission, ensuring that the application is formatted, packaged, and submitted in accordance with granting agency requirements.
• Serves as liaison between Grants Manager and internal departments such as Marketing, Finance, IT, and Legal at Blue Bird as well as with outside granting agencies. Maintain positive relationships with these partners including the Blue Bird dealer network.
• Processes all paperwork related to Clean School Bus applications (applications, payment request forms, and close out forms) for awardees and communicates consistently with the applicant to ensure deadlines are met and funds are used appropriately
• Communicate internally and with dealer network on proposed and pending Fed/State legislation for alternative-powered school buses
• Maintains Grants Department Financial records and communicates with Finance Department as needed regarding EPA Clean School Bus funding. Ensures the two departments have the same information.
• Perform other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong communication and intrapersonal skills
• General knowledge of grant application processes and proposal submission
• Ability to comprehend and make inferences from written materials
• Strong research skills and knowledge of information sources
• Multitasking, organizational, project management, and time management skills
• Ability to handle confidential matters with utmost integrity
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and CRM software
• Sense of humor preferred
• Inquisitive; desire to learn new things

EDUCATION AND EXPEREINCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Advertising/Communications, English, creative writing or a related area
• 3 years of experience in grant coordination, administration, or a related role, (nonprofit or academic setting is acceptable)
• Experience with grant writing, proposal preparation, or project management is a plus

WE VALUE

• Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance;
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters;
• Strong project management skills. Exposure to difficult or complex projects a plus;
• Ability to influence stakeholders;
• Effective communication and ability to communicate complex compensation details in a clear manner;
• Flexible workspaces and work hours that help you unleash the best you;
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive.  They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Blue Bird’s winning culture is fueled by our ability to respect, encourage, celebrate and embrace the unique perspectives of all of our employees.  We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer who is committed to providing all of our employees with a work environment free of discrimination or harassment.  We base our employment decisions on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, national, social or ethnic origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, past or present military service, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.  

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.