Current Job Openings

At DMU, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of Medicine and Health Sciences. Under the general direction of the Executive Director of Research, the incumbent manages the full lifecycle of grants, and sponsored program administration including identification of funding sources, grant and contract proposal assistance, grant writing assistance, development and review, proposal submission, grant and contract negotiation, sub-award issuance, and post-award administration (both financial and non-financial) related to funding provided in the form of gifts, grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts from external funding sources (e.g., federal agencies, state agencies, private companies, or foundations) that provide support for research, teaching, and learning, and service mission of the university. Keeping faculty and appropriate staff apprised of the status of grants, current contract or grant policies, regulations, and guidelines made by granting agencies and campus offices; acting as the liaison between principal investigators (PIs) and granting agencies, University offices, etc.; and meeting with faculty and staff to identify research interests and to develop funding strategies and plans. In collaboration with research leadership, supports identified goals for future organizational performance implements assigned tasks, and uses resources needed to attain them, ensuring compliance with university and sponsor guidelines. The position supports the Executive Director of Research in the management of grant programs and partnerships. The responsibilities of the Grants Administrator may change based on revisions to the research vision and research direction of the University.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

40% Pre-Award / Processing Proposals

• Write and edit requested portions of grant proposals, contracts, subcontracts, and reports as appropriate. This may include administrative and resource-sharing core components, budget development, budget justifications, description of resources and environment (in consultation with others in and outside of the Office of Research), etc.
• Provide support to ensure applications are accurate and complete (including collection and maintenance of information such as bio-sketches, other support, etc.). Review final draft of applications, contracts, etc., to ensure completeness, and compliance with sponsor guidelines. 
• Coordinate and edit complex content for proposals including peer-reviewed publications, research grants, and other program activities.
• Ensure all proposals, contracts, and report packets are created and routed through university channels to reach the sponsoring agency before deadlines. Respond to sponsor requests following the submission of proposals to provide additional information as appropriate.
• Coordinate and assist PIs with the collection, collation, and correspondence with sub-award partners for all necessary documentation and forms related to proposal and contract submissions (budget, justification, statement of work, bio-sketch, LOI, etc.).
• Review and coordinate execution of industry-sponsored agreements, including research contracts, subcontract information, material transfer agreements, and confidentiality agreements.

35% Post- Award Processing

• Keep appropriate administrative staff apprised of the status of submissions when proposals are funded to prepare for human resource needs and financial aspects of the post-award process.
• Meet regularly with PI’s and staff of each research team to ensure funds are budgeted appropriately, and budget forecasting is accurate.
• In consultation with PIs and other staff, complete all necessary forms and documents (procurement forms and supporting documentation, selection of vendors, cost reimbursement billings, etc.) related to each funded project.
• Coordinate with outside organizations and assist PIs with the collection and management subawards, including subrecipient monitoring and FFATA reporting.
• Coordinate and work with other university offices for site visits from federal grantor agencies and other funders as needed.
• Educate PI and other staff on compliance with federal, state, and university regulations regarding the conduct of research by providing information and interpretation of grant compliance regulations to faculty and staff.
• Provide guidance and assistance to PIs and their staff in the preparation of Just In Time requests, progress and final reports that are sent to the funding agencies. Notify PIs of progress and final report due dates.
• Identify actions requiring sponsor approval and serve as liaison with funding agencies to resolve questions and problems that arise during a grant award.
• Responsible for reviewing, monitoring, and approving expenditure based on Uniform Guidance and/or sponsor guidelines. Ensuring that purchases are allowable and allocable and that there are adequate funds available before the initiation of any expenditure.
• Assist the Executive Director of Research in developing, reviewing, revising, updating, and implementing, University policies (time and effort, financial conflict of interest, etc.) plans, processes, and procedures related to pre- and post-award administration of grants.

15% Collaboration, outreach, partnership, and other duties

• Promote opportunities for external support by working collaboratively with the Research Development Coordinator to identify funding opportunities (and submission deadlines) through routine surveillance of sources such as SPIN, NIH Guides, NIH Request for Applications and Program Announcements, etc., and match specific funding opportunities with PIs based on knowledge of faculty and staff research/scholarly expertise/interests as well as knowledge of sponsors.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive databases for all externally submitted proposals and funded projects of the faculty and staff. Based on the databases, perform analyses and prepare reports regarding sponsored programs for the University administration.
• Under the guidance and direction of the Executive Director of Research, fosters and participates in collaborative relationships with other universities, research centers, national, and state professional organizations, and local economic/social development organizations, to promote increased funding for the University.
• Perform other duties, and undertake special projects and assignments as requested and directed by the Executive Director of Research.

5% Development and Training

• Train University PIs and staff on electronic grant submission systems (Cayuse proposal submission and award monitoring systems) as needed. Be the University’s expert on electronic research administration (ERA). Develop and implement training for faculty and staff as ERA processes and systems are announced or updated by funding agencies.
• Provide ongoing training on grants administration, Federal policy changes, and Uniform Guidance requirements.

5% Internal Grants and Research Support Funds

• Supports the Executive Director of Research in the management of faculty-focused internal grants and research support funds including the Start-up funds, IOER grant, and R&G grant.
• Assist faculty and researchers with proposal development, budget development, and other assistance as necessary to enable the submission of quality proposals for internal funding.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s and/or advanced degree required.
• Three to five years of experience as a grants administrator and related professional experience is required.
• Demonstrated progressive experience providing advanced research planning and proposal writing in industry or academia.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial principles and methods associated with grants and contracts.
• Experience interpreting and/or providing consultation to others regarding federal financial regulations.
• Ability to administer contracts and subawards, including negotiating terms and ensuring compliance with federal and institutional regulations.
• Experience in successfully bringing new federal funding opportunities and relevant partnerships.

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred or the ability to obtain CRA within a year.

Essential skills:

• Able to convey information efficiently and effectively, including writing, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance; understanding of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
• In-depth knowledge of federal guidelines for managing and administering grants.
• Strong organizational skills; capable of successfully managing multiple high-priority tasks.
• Strong understanding of how to prepare and manage grant budgets, including forecasting, financial tracking, and ensuring funds are used according to the terms of the grant.
• Able to work well with minimal supervision.
• Experience in monitoring and reporting on grant activities and expenditures.
• Experience with subrecipient monitoring and reporting.
• Active listening skills including understanding, interpreting, and evaluating information from co-workers and responding appropriately.
• Commitment to principles of diversity and inclusivity.