Grants Development Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success.  West Chester University of Pennsylvania invites applications for the position of Grants Development Specialist (GDS).  West Chester University is a public, regional, comprehensive university.  The largest of the 14 public institutions in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and the fourth largest university in the Philadelphia area, it has a current enrollment of more than 17,300 students.  Two decades of stable growth provide the base for the University's continued upward trajectory. WCU offers an excellent benefits and compensation package. 

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Vice Provost Research and Creative Activity, the Grants Development Specialist administers a comprehensive system for external grant support for institutional priorities and faculty research.  The GDS performs pre-award and non-financial post award activities for grants across the University.  Pre-award activities include supporting faculty and staff in the development, preparation and submission of grant and contract proposals and budgets. The GDS ensures all applications meet all applicable Federal, sponsor, and university guidelines and deadlines and submits all grant applications on behalf of the university. Post-award activities include negotiating contracts and awards, communicating with sponsor and faculty, and overseeing all grant reports. The GDS must maintain a comprehensive knowledge of federal and state regulations governing research and sponsored projects including but not limited to: OMB Uniform Guidance, Code of Federal Regulations, and federal sponsor terms such as those from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Essential Job Functions:

1. Pre-Award Activities

• Provide leadership and vision for increasing external grant and contract support by: 1) working with faculty and sponsoring agencies to identify potential sources of support; 2) interpreting and communicating sponsor guidelines, policies and regulations to faculty, administrators and staff; 3) coordinating administrative aspects of proposal preparation; and, 4) meeting tight application deadlines.
• Provide proposal development support for Principle Investigators, including, but not limited to:
  • • Review of proposals for clarity and ensure content conforms to information requested in solicitation.
    • Work closely with Finance and Business Services to prepare line-item budgets.   
    • Obtain approvals for proposal submission.
• Submit all grants on behalf of the University via appropriate on-line submission tools.
• Conduct university wide grant preparation workshops and present at department meetings
• Work in cooperation with faculty, administrators and staff to develop campus-wide awareness and interest in externally-funded sponsored program opportunities

2. Non-Financial Post Award Activities

• Review and approval of the terms and conditions of award notices and contracts.
• Prepare, issue, and manage sub-awards on grants and contracts as required.
• Create, address, and process correspondence of moderate complexity with granting agencies (i.e. inquiries, carry forward requests, no cost extensions, equipment purchase, and budget reallocation requests).
• Monitor technical reporting requirements associated with each award and ensures the faculty submits technical reports on time.
• Work with Finance and Business Services to ensure all funds are spent in compliance with all applicable laws (federal, state, WCU, PASSHE).
• Provide support and documentation requested in support of federal and/or sponsor audits.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Familiarity with federal and state regulations governing sponsored projects.
• Familiarity with grants and policy guidelines of a variety of federal agencies, especially the NSF and NIH.
• Ability to review legal documents and proposals critically and to create and review budgets.
• Ability to communicate, in a professional manner, with a wide range of stakeholders (i.e. faculty, administration, legal counsel, federal agency employees).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, especially Excel and Access.

Ability to stay abreast of the changing laws and by attending job-related trainings

PREFERENCES:

• Master’s Degree or at least 3 years of experience in Grant’s Development.
• Research Administrator certification by the Research Administrators Certification Council.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

Starting salary is $53,164. Excellent benefits package including tuition fee waiver for self and dependents. Applicants must successfully complete interview process to be considered as a finalist. Anticipated start date for this position is negotiable.

Apply by online application at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wcupa/default.cfm Electronic application allows for cover letter and resume attachments (both required). References with contact information will be required prior to interview. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances WCU’s Educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an AA/EOE employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment criminal background and consumer reporting checks.