Grant Program Specialist

Are you a creative and innovative professional looking for a way to use your skills to drive research initiatives forward? Join our College of Natural Sciences (CNS) research success team and assist researchers to become more successful grant writers and better advocates for their research programs. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefit-eligible position. 

Over the next decade, South Dakota State University aims to double its research productivity to over $120 million in research expenditures and to drive economic development through innovation and regionally relevant outcomes. CNS researchers seek answers to fundamental questions on human health, biotechnology, biology of living systems, and geospatial and environmental sciences with the ultimate goal of solving key societal problems. 

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the College in developing and delivering resources/programs that improve the skills of South Dakota State University (SDSU) researchers for communicating/advocating their research and increasing their success at securing extramural funds.
• Discern and communicate potential funding opportunities to faculty and staff in the College of Natural Sciences and other relevant colleges within the SDSU research community in collaboration with other grant coordinators/specialists. 
• Assist individual researchers and small teams in developing and submitting highly competitive proposals to funding agencies and organizations including the review of request for proposals, development of submission checklists, preparation and verification of budgets, preparation of supporting documents, routing, uploading, package verification, and submission.
• Facilitate multi-/trans-/inter-disciplinary collaboration teams and provide grant preparation support for large, multi-unit applications.
• Work in coordination with Grant Support personnel in other Colleges to develop and implement resources and programs to promote researchers’ success as grant writers and effective communicators/advocates for their research programs.
• Work with the Division of Research and be up to date about changes in funding agency policies and procedures and promptly update researchers for compliance.

SALARY RANGE:

The base salary for this position is $48,949. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. 

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $60 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. We offer a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusions and access. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities. South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field completed by date of application;
• Working knowledge of research grant proposal components and application process at extramural agencies;
• Demonstrated experience in development of grant proposals;
• At least one year of experience in science documentation, research management or grant support;
• Effective written communication skills and ability to understand and edit technical and scientific writing;
• Effective oral communication skills;
• Proficiency in use of computers, including MS Office applications, web-based applications, and databases;
• Ability to work as a contributing team member and also to work independently and with self-initiation;
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S; and
• Demonstrated skills in effective organization and time management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated experience as a grant proposal specialist/coordinator;
• Relevant work experience in university research or research administration;
• Familiarity with federal and state regulations regarding research, grants and contracts; and
• Proficiency in writing, editing, and reviewing technical documents.
• Past/current experience as part of a grant recipient team.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by 06/30/2023.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. 

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. 

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Dr. Bishnu Karki, Bishnu.Karki@sdstate.edu, or 605-688-6141.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4128.