Senior Proposal Development Grants Specialist

Summary

Since its inception in 1996, the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative, real-
world engineering education to Central Virginia. As part of a premier research university known for tenacity, love of the city and commitment to diversity and access, the college is a front-runner in academics and research. The Sponsored
Programs Office within the College of Engineering is responsible for providing pre-award and post award management for more than $20 million in sponsored research expenditures. In order to support the College’s research goals of increasing external funding, we are seeking a qualified individual for the position of Senior Proposal Development Grants Specialist.

The successful candidate for this position will provide proposal development support for the College of Engineering. This position will focus on large grant and cross-college multidisciplinary proposals This position’s duties include:

• In collaboration with the Director of Engineering Sponsored Programs, work with senior leadership and scientific faculty across disciplines to develop and facilitate large grant opportunities aligned with the strategic goals of the College of Engineering and the university.
• Identify large, multidisciplinary funding opportunities from federal and non-federal sources specific to existing
  College of Engineering strengths and expertise.
• Provide non-technical writing, formatting and editing support. Inclusive of budget justifications, management plans, institutional background descriptions, and personnel documents.
• Assist with assembling the final proposal package to ensure successful integration of all application components.
• In consultation with the PI, help manage the entire proposal process, from concept development through proposal submission, including management of meetings, task assignments, timelines, document sharing, and version control.
• Preparation of grant, subcontract, and industry contract proposals for new research projects and
  continuation/supplemental funding proposals for existing projects.
• Reviewing, interpreting, and applying sponsor guidelines for research proposals.
  
• Clearly communicating, to internal and external audiences, sponsor and university policies, processes, and
  requirements related with research proposals to faculty, staff, postdoctoral research associates, and students.
• Advising faculty and other research proposal personnel on practical approaches for successful research proposal submissions.
• Reviewing proposals to ensure they are compliant with university and sponsor policies and guidelines.
• Preparing, revising, and approving research proposal budgets in accordance with university and sponsor policies and guidelines.
• Coordinate the request and receipt of subcontractor proposal documentation required for VCU grant/contract
  proposal submissions.
• Process proposal budget and administrative forms in compliance with local, state, university, and federal
  regulations.
• Provide training and education to faculty and other research proposal personnel on issues pertaining to grants and federal compliance.
• Create and maintain online descriptions for facilities and other resources as well as grant application templates
  according to sponsor policies to standardize grant application submissions.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with team members, faculty, and external parties as well as work independently.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience, through previous work experience, with sponsored project and contract research
  proposals submissions. Must demonstrate an interest and willingness to learn the ins and outs of this position and
  seek to acquire skills to strengthen personal and team development.
• Experience creating proposal budgets and working with faculty members on revisions as needed.
• Knowledge and experience in working with local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations.Capacity to draft clear budget justifications and other written materials, and to complete a variety of administrative
  documents as required.
• Ability to review, interpret and apply university and federal policies, procedures, laws, and regulations concerning
  assigned projects. Knowledge of OMB cost principles and Uniformed Guidance 2CFR200, with an advanced
  understanding preferred.
• Excellent computer skills in the use of MS Office with emphasis on Excel spreadsheets, MS Word, and Adobe. Capacity to use a variety of online internal and external systems.
• Ability to be precise, thorough, reliable, work independently, adapt to frequent changes in work assignments, and
  possess the ability to reason, think logically and analyze situations to resolve problems.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills are necessary as is the capacity to maintain consistency with
  performance.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. Must have the ability to effectively and clearly answer
  inquiries of faculty, staff, and various customer groups. Ability to maintain effective communication with fellow
  sponsored program staff.
• Demonstrated ability to research, investigate, analyze and evaluate all project related data regarding budgets for
  assigned projects.
• The College of Engineering supports a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment. The candidate will
  demonstrate experience that shows their commitment to fostering such an environment.

Preferred Hiring Standards:

• Prefer degree in business or related field or equivalent years of experience
• Prefer 5 or more years of experience in pre-award/proposal development support
• Experience with technical editing and writing

Salary Range: Commensurate



Position Details:

Department: Dean's Office, College of Engineering
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt



Contact Information:

Contact Name: Sierra Cloud

Contact Email: cloudse@vcu.edu

Contact Phone: 804-828-1788