ATSU - Assistant Director, Pre-award Services

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) invites applications for a newly created position, Assistant Director, Pre-award Services. This position can be located remotely or on either campus in Kirksville, Missouri or Mesa, Arizona. This professional's duties are predominantly intellectual and require advanced knowledge and must exercise discretion and judgment in the highly specialized field of pre-award grantsmanship, including advanced funding analyses, programmatic conceptualization, competitive original grant writing/editing, and advanced grant budget development skills. Sponsored Programs (SP) consists of a fast-paced, service-oriented team responsive to the dynamic needs of the University.

The assistant director is a key SP pre-award team member, This individual is an adaptable and exceptional writer and editor who can add critical capacity to further the conduct of research and scholarly innovation, including prospective conceptual writing (of future project/ educational activities and outcomes), technical writing (pertinent to research and development activities), persuasive appeals, explanatory budget narratives, project outcomes reporting, and other document-intensive work as needed. As a seasoned writer, this individual has a track record in and/or demonstrated professional aptitude for securing state, federal, foundation and other grant awards that require significant original writing and editing. The position requires keen interest in discovering, synthesizing, and presenting information about ATSU’s mission, Schools/Programs, leaders/faculty/researchers, educational partners, and trainees/graduates into compelling and fundable grant applications. The Assistant Director provides significant mentorship and support to other pre-award team members to raise the overall branch writing/editing capacity and quality. ¬She/he operates under general supervision; therefore, excellent organizational and time management skills, are paramount. Must be a self-starter, diplomatic, team-oriented, and pro-active.

The position’s major responsibility is to help lead pre-award effort using a centralized, collaborative, and synergistic team model. In all ways, within ATSU’s centralized SP grants environment, this individual will work closely with the Senior Director and other members of the SP administrative team to support and uphold standing operating procedures and processes, including preliminary budget and proposal QA reviews, and work with those colleagues to represent SP as a coordinated, cohesive, and proactive unit serving ATSU’s best interests.

Skills/Requirements

Applicants with proven writing skills and knowledge/experience in collaborative, team environments are preferred.

Experience with :

1. conceptual, creative, innovative, and critical thinking who enables the University and its PIs/PDs to gain greater success in grantsmanship (seeking, winning, and successfully managing innovative grant awards from regional, state, and national competitions);
2. advanced listening and problem-solving skills;
3. exceptional English composition, grammar, mechanics, scholarly writing/editing abilities;
4. outstanding and highly competitive writing, research, analytical, and document development skills;
5. strong interpersonal communication, staff/project management, and documentation skills;
6. top-notch deadline management and related organizational skills;
7. proficiency with APA and AMA style guidelines (infused with ATSU Communications and Marketing Style Guide requirements).

A bachelor's degree and 5-10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education/training and proven writing ability are required. Experience with HRSA and other federal funders a plus.

Work location: Kirksville, MO or Mesa, AZ campus with potential for telecommuting or remote environments.

ATSU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverages, among more. If eligible, employee-elected benefits would begin the first of the month following hire date. For more information, please visit: atsu.edu/employment/benefits .