00001853 - Grant Specialist

individual in this position develops grant proposals to federal, state, and philanthropic entities and monitors the administration of funded projects to ensure accurate, efficient, and transparent processes for the entire grant lifecycle, from implementation to closeout. The position requires a working knowledge of grant writing, expertise in post-award compliance best practices, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to tolerate ambiguity, handle multiple priorities, and deliver high-quality work products in a deadline-driven environment. 

Requisition ID:
Position Number: 00001853
Employee Group:  Professional, Management and Administration
Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks
Compensation:
Benefits: Full-time Part-time Limited Benefits
Reports to:
Posting Opens:
Posting Closes: 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Research new funding opportunities available through local, state, and federal agencies, as well as through private and corporate foundations. Disseminate information to the Director.

• Apply knowledge of relevant College policies and procedures, OMB 2 CFR 200 (the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards), and other federal and state regulations to interpret funding opportunity announcements, navigate sponsor guidance and policies, and support development of sound, compliant proposals and budgets

• Assist the Director with proposal development by synthesizing input from multiple stakeholders; writing/editing grant proposals; gathering and analyzing data; articulating goals, objectives, activities, and evaluation strategies; developing timelines for teams; and compiling proposal attachments

• Confer with project directors and administrative staff at external partner agencies and institutions to secure documentation and approvals for collaborative proposals (e.g., subaward commitments, letters of support, etc.)

• Work with the Director and Grants Accounting Specialist to develop project budgets and budget justifications that adhere to College practices and sponsor guidelines

• Perform the technical submission of proposals with the Director

• Act as the College’s liaison between its project directors and administrative support, other College administrators, and grant sponsors

• Coordinate with the General Counsel and the VP of Finance and Administration to ensure timely processing of fully-executed awards, MOUs, and similar documents 

• Coordinate effective start-up and implementation of sponsored projects by orienting new project directors to College policies and expectations, and sponsor terms and conditions of award, including any restrictions

• Monitor sponsored projects by performing annual desk audits and informing project directors of potential issues regarding sponsor regulations and disallowances with their projects. Exercise objective, independent judgment in interpreting regulations and contract language to make recommendations regarding compliance. Assist project directors in developing a corrective plan of action as necessary; monitor corrective actions with the Director

• Maintain a calendar of reporting and closeout reminders for sponsored projects; remind project directors of deadlines. Develop narrative report templates; provide editing assistance for narrative reports; gather documentation required by sponsors. Submit reports to sponsors in conjunction with the Grants Accounting Specialist

• Respond effectively to complex inquiries from sponsors and regulatory agencies regarding funded projects

• Facilitate preparation and negotiation of administrative updates such as no-cost extensions, project modifications, carry-over of funds, changes in key personnel, etc.

• Deliver post-award training content to faculty and staff (written content and tools, in-person presentations and workshops, recorded video sessions, one-on-one consultations, etc.)

• Perform closeout of awarded projects with the Director

• Consistently apply systematic procedures to assure that grant-funded programs are effectively implemented and that provisions imposed by sponsors are met

• Assist the Director in coordinating the College’s internal grant programs for staff

• Deliver outstanding service and build and maintain strong professional relationships

• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position

• Performs other related duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Educational Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution required. Master’s degree preferred

Work Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in working as a grants professional, preferably in an educational institution

• Experience in program and/or project management of federal grant awards

• Experience with all types of sponsored program award mechanisms, including federal grants, contracts, subawards, and cooperative agreements

• Experience with grants compliance strongly preferred

• Experience administering sponsored projects from the U.S. Department of Education and/or the U.S. Department of Labor strongly preferred

• Understanding of federal compliance rules, regulations and standards associated with federal funds (CFRs, FAR, AIDAR, A-110, A-122, A-133)

• Ability to analyze and interpret federal and non-federal regulations, including federal and state laws, sponsor guidelines, and legal documents

• Familiarity with government reporting

Skills

• Meticulous attention to detail, and writing skills, including the ability to adapt communication styles to suit different audiences

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

• Effective analytical skills, including the ability to gather and analyze data and draw conclusions

• Effective project management skills, including planning, collaborating with teams, organizing tasks for self and others, and tracking progress toward deadlines

• Excellent customer service and problem-solving skills, including the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions

• Demonstrated ability to accurately and effectively use all Microsoft Office programs, Adobe Acrobat Professional, and web-based grant platforms (Grants.gov, Fastlane, etc.)

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time

Mental Demands

• Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving abilities

• Commitment to the community college mission

• Ability to work independently and prioritize work

• Ability to work under pressure. Possess mature judgment, flexibility in regards to interruptions and ability to handle difficult situations

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website

• Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment

• Occasional travel to subrecipient sites to conduct monitoring visits may be necessary