Assistant Director for Pre-Award Services

Overview

The Assistant Director for Pre-Award Services within Office of Research Service will be responsible for the management of the proposal development process and works in collaboration with university faculty and staff. This position will work closely with the Director of Research Services and the Associate Provost for Research and Graduate Education and Policy to develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for faculty research and institutional grants that supports the academic priorities of the university’s strategic plan.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (include but are not limited to)

Essential Duties:

• Manage and organize the research proposal development and submission for complex and multidisciplinary proposals, including the development of complicated budgets and justifications
• Work with PIs and external collaborators on completion of proposal components to comply with sponsor requirements and university policies
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Research Services and the Associate Provost for Research and Graduate Education to develop and sustain a grants strategy that supports faculty research and teaching across all academic programs in support of the University’s strategic plan
• Working with the Director, ORS, in improving processes in proposal submission by refining standard operating procedures and enforcing quality standards
• Collect, analyze, and interpret faculty research productivity for university internal reporting
• Oversee the communication strategy by conducting grant prospecting and communicate funding opportunities to faculty and staff on a regular basis and with specific focus on opportunities for the growth and sustainability of academic programs
• Provide consultative outreach to Deans and department chairs to support faculty in applying for funding to develop and support their research agendas.
• Provide training and workshops for all interested parties on applying to government agencies and corporations for funding
• Develop handbooks and guides to assist faculty and staff in the preparation of grants and contracts.
• Serve as a liaison and support to Corporate and Foundation Relations to coordinate applications for funding as needed.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Post-Award Services within the ORS to set-up awards and ensure budgets are correctly set-up
• Work collaboratively with the Research Compliance Coordinator to assure compliance with regulations regarding COI, RCR, human subjects, animals and biosafety.
• Maintain records and files related to grants and contracts and conduct analysis of submission trends by area, academic discipline, granting agency, etc.
• Administer internal grant programs and limited competitions as needed
• Assist in the design, development, and maintenance of the ORS website

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Education/Training and Experience)

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree with CRA certification, or Master’s degree and 3-5 years of experience working in an office of sponsored research in an institution of higher education, or comparable experience in grants management in the corporate or non-profit sector
• Demonstrated experience with both government and private research grants, including educational and health professions grants, public service projects, minority and disadvantaged programs, economic development projects, partnerships and cooperative agreement projects.
• Ability to develop and implement mentoring/training programs for faculty and staff for grant applications and review
• Experience working with complex software applications comparable to "Grants.gov," NSF Fastlane, and NIH ASSIST.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to communicate effectively orally, in person, by phone or zoom, and in writing.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree or Ph.D.
• Grant writing experience
• A proven track record of successfully sustaining/increasing grant revenue through sponsored research projects.
• Understanding of federal regulations and agency guidelines for grants management and sponsored research, including NIH, NSF, DOD and NEH; familiarity with PA State grants; working knowledge of Federal Uniform Guidance, IACUC, IRB and IBC guidelines.
• Ability to negotiate subcontracts and awards in consultation with the Director and/or Associate Provost.