What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager of Grants and Sponsored Programs position at Ursinus College?
Department
Overview
The Manager of Grants and Sponsored Programs is responsible for overseeing all aspects of grant and sponsored program activities, from identifying funding opportunities to ensuring compliance with grant terms and managing post-award administration. This role will collaborate with faculty, staff, and external partners to support and enhance the college’s capacity for securing external funding in support of its mission, academic programs, and institutional priorities. The Manager of Grants and Sponsored Programs will report directly to the Provost and serve as a resource to faculty and administrators in the development of proposals and grant management.
Responsibilities
- Grant Identification and Development
- Research and identify external funding opportunities from federal, state, and private sources aligned with institutional priorities.
- Assist faculty and staff in developing competitive grant proposals, including budgeting, project planning, and narrative development.
- Serve as the primary contact for grant proposal submission, ensuring that all applications meet funder guidelines and deadlines.
- Pre-Award Administration
- Provide guidance on proposal preparation, submission processes, and internal approval mechanisms.
- Coordinate with the finance office, advancement, department heads, and other stakeholders on grant budgets, resource allocation, and cost-sharing requirements.
- Work with collaborating institutions on subcontract development.
- Maintain a centralized system for tracking all grant submissions, approvals, and outcomes.
- Post-Award Administration
- Monitor awarded grants to ensure compliance with institutional policies and external regulations.
- Work with the business office to manage grant funds, including budget tracking, financial reporting, and audits.
- Ensure timely and accurate submission of required reports to funding agencies.
- Support faculty and staff with programmatic and financial reporting.
- Compliance and Reporting
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and private grant regulations and policies, including issues related to ethics, human subjects, financial management, and intellectual property.
- Serve on the Institutional Review Board.
- Maintain knowledge of current and emerging issues in grants and sponsored programs administration, including changes to funding regulations.
- Capacity Building
- Offer workshops and individualized coaching to faculty and staff on grant writing, proposal development, and funding strategies.
- Collaborate with academic departments and administrative offices to build institutional capacity for securing external funding.
- Work with the Provost to develop strategic goals and benchmarks for the grants office.
- Maintain the grants website, create and disseminate resources and streamline processes for proposal preparation and management.
- Relationship Management
- Serve as the liaison between the college and external grant-making agencies, including federal and state agencies, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with grant funders and partners to enhance the college’s visibility and competitiveness in obtaining funding.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Education:
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in a related field such as public administration, higher education, or nonprofit management. - Experience:
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in grants administration, preferably in a higher education or nonprofit setting. Demonstrated success in securing and managing external funding.
Preferred Skills and Competencies
- Skills & Abilities:
- Strong understanding of federal, state, and foundation grant processes and regulations.
- Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Proficiency with grant management software and financial tracking tools.
- Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft persuasive proposals.
- Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and external partners.
- Attention to detail and strong analytical skills for financial reporting and budget management.
Work Environment:
- The position is based on campus, with occasional travel required for grant-related workshops and meetings.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet deadlines.
Application
Ursinus is an AA/EO employer. Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.
