Director of Grants and Sponsored Research

SUMMARY

This position is accountable for securing and managing regional and national grant opportunities that advance the strategic priorities of the university, especially sponsored research within the academic division. The director will be a liaison between various granting agencies (foundations, government, corporate giving programs, etc.) and Calvin faculty, staff, and administration. The position requires extensive experience with researching and developing grant proposals and budgets; knowledge of sponsored research and government grant procedures and compliance, including post-award management; knowledge of contracts; and strong written and verbal communication skills.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Serve to support Development and provide liaison work between the university and regional and national funders, which includes reviewing and negotiating all grant agreement and contracts, and facilitate connections between these funders and campus leaders, especially the president, provost, academic deans, program directors, and other members of the grants team.

Secure external funding through grants for university priorities by researching funding sources, collaborating with faculty and staff on grant initiatives, developing and submitting proposals, facilitating meetings, and finding, writing, and/or securing appropriate support documentation.

Support faculty research and scholarship by understanding research interests and department needs, researching and promoting funding opportunities, and facilitating submissions in collaboration with individual faculty.

Report to the Provost and located within the academic division, ensuring effective and regular communication between the grants team and university administration (President, Provost, Academic Deans, Financial Services Office, Development Office, etc.) and various departments (as projects require).

Work with the Director of Development to plan effective distribution of workload within the grants team, capitalizing on individual staff interests and abilities, and coordinate annual strategic planning for the program to increase capacity and productivity.

Develop in-depth knowledge about Calvin University, its strategic plans, new initiatives, and long-range priorities to bear on the process of seeking external support; connecting with program directors, administrators, and faculty across campus as appropriate.

Oversee grant administration policies and procedures to ensure efficiency, policy documentation, compliance with federal grant requirements, and post award grants management and reporting.

Manage all grant submissions to government funders, including submissions coordinated by other members of the grants team.

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.

2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.