What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Administrator - Grants position at American Foundation for Suicide Prevention?
Reports to: Senior Vice President, Research
Location: Hybrid New York Tri-State Area
POSITION SUMMARY:
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is the leading nonprofit funding of suicide prevention research. We have an annual grant submission cycle and last year received 213 grants for review. We carry a grant load of approximately 100 grants at any given time, each grant submitting progress reports every six-months and, payments are provided every three-months. We track the publications from our grants and subsequent federal grants awarded to our previous researchers. We have a Scientific Advisory of over 260 researchers, a Scientific Council that meets twice a year and a Research Grants Review Committee that meets annually in April. We have an annual Research Awards Dinner and Mentoring Immersion for Early Career Researchers.
The Research Administrator-Grants is responsible for supporting the Senior Grants Manager in all aspects of operating AFSP’s research grants program—which awards approximately $8-$9 million in scientific studies annually (over $30 million total portfolio of 100 active grants for 2025).
Additionally, the Research Administrator-Grants interacts with all other members of the research team to include the Senior Vice President of Research, the Senior Manager of Research and Dissemination and the Research Administrator. The Research Administrator-Grants will also provide administrative support for various functions and events as assigned.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
All duties outlined below are focused on achieving Goal 1 in the AFSP Strategic Plan: Accelerate progress in suicide research by driving discovery and innovation.
- Assist with all administrative aspects of the research grants application process including preparation of application files, database information and material related to application assignments to reviewers including conducting the computerized literature search functions related to determining reviewer conflict of interest.
- Provide administrative support for the management of all funded grants including preparing forms for new grant initiation, payment and processing of reports and other grant related material. Assist with the writing and distribution of feedback letters to applicants and reviewers.
- Assist in the management and documentation of the grant related publications as well as preparing updated lists of these publications for our website.
- Review federal grant databases to identify AFSP grantees who have received subsequent federal funding from their AFSP grant.
- Provide support for research department related functions and meetings including preparation of meeting materials and attending the Research Award Dinner to support attendee registration and video productions.
- Provide grant related administrative support to the Senior Research Grants Manager to ensure timely processing of the start of new studies, processing of progress reports and payments, closing out completed grants and providing answers to grant related inquiries.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Note:
- An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
- The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education Bachelor’s degree required; in related field preferred.
Experience and/or Training At least 2 years of administration in a research setting required; 4 years in a grants administration and non profit setting preferred.
Technology/Equipment Experience working with all Microsoft Office Suite and experience working with/managing data analytic and grants programs.
OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:
- Strong communication and organizational skills evidenced in writing and speaking.
- Well-organized, able to multitask and to field simultaneous requests from various people including researchers, AFSP staff, and volunteers with professionalism and collaborative spirit
- Flexibility and adaptability with fast-paced work environment
- Uphold and exhibit the AFSP’s Core Values
- Attend all mandatory meetings and trainings
- Ability to work a full-time schedule and have regular attendance at the workplace (at least 3 days)
- All other work-related duties as assigned
- Ability to travel as needed to attend work meetings or events
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and/or hear, and/or use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, and/or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds while moving files or small packages. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
- The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Hybrid work environment, with minimum of 3 days spent working from the headquarters location in NYC.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Annual salary range: $55,000 - $57,500
22 PTO (vacation, sick, wellness and personal days) your first year of employment (5 additional days 2nd year)
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
10% employer retirement contribution after 2 years of employment
Flexible Summer Fridays
11 Holidays
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Submit resume and cover letter with a compelling reason why you should be considered for this position. Kindly include your salary requirement for this role.
NO PHONE CALLS OR RECRUITER SOLICITATIONS
Salary : $55,000 - $57,500