Associate Director of Grants, Sponsored Research, and Strategic Initiatives AS9574

The Associate Director of Grants, Sponsored Research, and Strategic Initiatives supports Stetson University by working directly with faculty, staff, and institutional leadership to facilitate preparation and submission of grant proposals in support of externally sponsored research and other activities. Serving as a member of the Grants, Sponsored Research, & Strategic Initiatives Team (GSPSI), the Associate Director will help ensure Stetson’s financial stability and help diversify the University’s income streams. In addition, the Associate Director of Grants will support Stetson’s strategic goal of demonstrating a national, regional, and local reputation for faculty scholarship and creative activity through their pre-award grant support for faculty, staff, and Stetson’s strategic initiatives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Employment duties include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as a pre-award contact for faculty, staff, and sponsors, and as a specialty advisor providing counsel to senior leaders as well as senior, mid-career, and junior faculty and staff members
• Provide expertise in developing budgets and preparing forms for the appropriate funding agencies
• Provide technical advice regarding administrative and financial aspects of proposals, budget, budget justification, subcontracting, indirect cost rates, fringe rates, etc. to investigators; this may involve complex, confidential calculations and revisions, along with negotiations with deans, vice presidents, and faculty members
• Track grant submissions and awards
• Collect and analyze data and prepare technical reports for administration regarding research activities and funding
• Research potential funding sources, disseminate information about available grant opportunities, and match grant opportunities with institutional priorities; identify appropriate faculty/staff collaborators
• Assist in preparing, editing, and proofreading final proposals; ensure criteria and guidelines are followed
• Prepare, coordinate, and review certain proposal elements (biographical sketches, historical data, facilities & resources, etc.) for consistency, accuracy, and completeness
• Facilitate grant teams that may include faculty, staff, and students to ensure progress in grant writing; serve as the proposal manager for assigned proposals
• Maintain current government electronic registrations, usernames, and passwords for application and reporting systems; serve as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR)
• Communicate with program officers in government agencies and private foundations
• Monitor and interpret relevant regulations, guidelines, and standards for regulatory compliance and contractual obligations for sponsor and University commitments; conduct risk assessments
• Compose and review subcontracts and subawards associated with grant awards
• Coordinate grants and contracts with staff in sponsored research/program offices at other institutions of higher education
• Work with Stetson’s Sponsored Program’s Administration (SPA) office to ensure smooth transitions from pre-award to post-award; may also perform some post-award duties as needed
• Perform other site and position specific duties as assigned

Required Skills

• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and guidelines established by government agencies and private foundations
• Leadership ability to accomplish collaboration and action across multiple departments and organizations
• Knowledge of various federal agencies (NSF, DOE, NIH, NEH) as it relates to sponsored programs
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Skill in collecting and analyzing complex data
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects when numerous and diverse demands are involved
• Ability to work successfully as both a member of a team and independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures consistently
• Ability to think critically and make clear, well-reasoned, and timely decisions
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with a diverse group of staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment
• Ability to work with and safeguard confidential materials
• Support the University’s Mission and Values in their role

Required Experience

• Master’s degree and 3+ years of relevant experience or 5+ Years of relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree
• Highly accomplished professional with a demonstrated record of successful grant administration
• Desire to join a distinct university community committed to inclusive excellence, kindness, and collaboration, as it seeks to move Forward Together in making our community and world a better place

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

• Master’s degree and 3+ years of relevant experience
• Up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local programs and guidelines
• Project or proposal management experience with strong writing, editing, and communication skills
• Expertise in Excel plus strong financial acumen and facility in creating and evaluating budgets
• Strong sense of initiative and resilience
• Strong problem-solving skills

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office setting. The possibility for a FWA (Flexible Work Arrangement) permitting remote work exists. 

Salary Grade:  9