Operations, Finance, and Administrative Specialist, Electric School Bus Initiative

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days per month in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the Program:

The 480,000 school buses in the United States account for 80% of all buses nationwide, yet less than 3% of those on the road or coming soon are electrified. School bus electrification represents a unique opportunity to accelerate decarbonization while bringing direct, tangible benefits to every community in the United States. This transition can help make electric mobility the new normal for an entire generation and help to address historic under investments in communities of color and low income and rural communities. Through the U.S. Electric School Bus Initiative, created in partnership with the Bezos Earth Fund, WRI’s aim is to create unstoppable momentum toward equitably electrifying the entire fleet of U.S. school buses. Overcoming the cost, infrastructure, policy and other barriers to mass adoption will require a systemic approach that engages an entire ecosystem of actors and prioritizes inclusive planning with impacted communities.  

Together with partners across the ecosystem, WRI is working in five areas of focus to:

• Support school districts in accelerating the equitable transition to electric school buses 
• Collaborate with manufacturers across the electric school bus supply chain in preparing for an equitable and sustainable transition 
• Work with electric utilities to improve interconnection and investments for electric school bus charging infrastructure, including supportive rates and tariffs, that enhance equity
• Engage policymakers to drive policies that grow demand and reduce barriers, and to increase electric school bus public funding, prioritizing support for underserved communities
• Partner with communities pursuing equitable school bus electrification, and provide the tools and resources to make it happen 

Job Highlight:

Reporting to the Electric School Bus Initiative’s Operations Manager, you will provide finance, operations, and administrative support to WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative. You will maintain the team’s budgets to guide project implementation, monitor spending in compliance with funder terms and WRI policies, and coordinate with vendors and partners to develop and implement subawards. You will also provide logistical support and administrative coordination for team events (virtual and in person). You will do all the work with a commitment to the Electric School Bus Initiative’s equity-centered mission. You will be supported by the Electric School Bus Initiative’s Operations and Management teams.

What will you do:

Financial and Grant Management (45%):-

• Update and maintain project budgets using WRI’s budgeting and forecasting software (TM1) to guide project implementation
• Coordinate and assist team monthly on budget management. Prepare budget review templates for review with project managers, under supervision
• Follow WRI’s internal processes and deadlines related to funding and expenses, including preparations for quarterly reviews, monthly & annual closeouts, and fiscal year forecasting
• Learn to read and understand funding awards and comply with donor requirements and restrictions in award administration and reporting, including for US Government awards.
• Prepare proposal budgets and produce funder financial reports to review with supervisor

Subaward Management (30%): -

• Assemble and process subgrants and contracts in accordance with WRI’s contracting and granting policies
• Monitor subaward reporting schedules, coordinating submission by partners and review with programmatic team
• Communicate directly with partners for submission of required subaward materials
• Process