Associate Director, Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: This position serves as associate writer, researcher, and post-award grant manager for external grant support for the university. The Associate Director works with Principal Investigators (PIs) and Project Directors (PDs) to cultivate external funding proposals, submit proposals to funders, ensure the timely set up of awards, collaborate with Administration and Finance staff on transactions related to external funding, and maintain grant records in compliance with university and funder policies. Primary responsibilities include researching potential funding sources as well as preparing and submitting grant applications to external funders. This position works closely with faculty, staff, and external partners to assist with the effective financial management of awarded grants, including compliance with all relevant policies and regulations, while also supporting the successful submission of grant proposals.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Pre-Award Proposal Development:

• Write and edit proposals, reports, and other correspondence for submission of grant applications to a variety of external funders.
• Assist the Executive Director in providing direction and support to ensure annual goals for performance and professional growth are met.
• Use industry-standard resources, such as Foundation Directory, to research and identify funding opportunities; work closely with the Executive Director to proactively manage prospect pipeline for external funding applications.
• Prepare proposal budgets and budget narratives in collaboration with PIs, PDs, and Administration and Finance staff.

Post-Award Financial Management:

• Collaborate with Administration and Finance staff to manage financial aspects of grants, including budgeting, expenditure monitoring, and compliance with all relevant policies and regulations, including federal and state laws governing grants (e.g., OMB Uniform Guidance).
• Process invoices, reimbursements, and sub-contract billing, including outreach to external constituents.
• Act as a liaison between PIs, PDs, Administration and Finance staff, and external constituents regarding grant administration and financial management.
• Support PIs and PDs in monitoring project budgets.
• Assist PIs and PDs with monitoring expenditure forecasting.
• Collaborate with PIs and PDs to prepare and submit reports to sponsoring agencies.
• Coordinate grant account setup, payroll allocations, and budget maintenance for funded projects.
• Stay updated on policy changes and communicate updates to stakeholders.
• Assist with training and orientation for new grant administrators and staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3-5 years of experience with grant research, writing, and management.
• Knowledge of grant programs, funders, and fundraising information sources.
• Knowledge of federal and non-federal grant regulations, including OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Proficiency with grant submissions/ management systems (e.g., Grants.gov, Research.gov) and enterprise financial systems (e.g., Banner).
• Financial management skills, including invoicing budget management and expenditure processing.
• Ability to initiate and build relationships with funding agencies through in-person, telephone and email communication.
• Ability to implement systems and follow-up processes.
• Ability to effectively work under pressure, use independent judgment and produce a quality work product within tight time constraints.
• Knowledge of budget processes.
• Occasional travel and extended hours may be required for grant-related deadlines
• Must be able to satisfactorily pass a check conducted by the Criminal History Systems Board (CORI check); a background check satisfactory to the university
• Ability to perform above duties with or without reasonable accommodation

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Experience in higher education is preferred

This is a full-time, benefited, exempt, professional APA position. The annual salary range for this position is $75,000 to $80,000 commensurate with education and experience.

Fitchburg State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Nine different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options.
• Pension or 401(a) defined contribution plan, and supplemental plan retirement options.
• Life insurance up to 8x the annual salary.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Dental insurance.
• Twenty vacation days accrued per year.
• Fifteen sick days accrued per year.
• Five personal days per year.
• Paid holidays.
• Tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children.

Fitchburg State University is an equal opportunity employer.