Director of Sponsored Research and Programs

About the Role The Director of Sponsored Research and Programs expands the College’s external grant portfolio to support academic programs, research, and creative projects. The role oversees the full lifecycle of grants (pre-award and post-award) and ensures compliance with funding agencies; builds collaborative relationships with faculty, administrators, and campus staff to align institutional activities with potential funding opportunities. What You'll Do

• Identify and recommend grant opportunities aligned with the College’s strategic plan; collaborate with the Provost and Deans to identify potential PI(s).
• Build a culture of grant seeking and advise on strategic investments to build capacity for faculty scholarship and creative work.
• Partner with the Center for the Advancement of Faculty Excellence (CAFE) to provide professional development on proposal writing and grants management.
• Guide PIs on proposal development strategies; facilitate outreach to program officers at granting organizations.
• Coordinate meetings with PIs to discuss funder guidelines, generate ideas, assist with concept development, and ensure institutional policy compliance.
• Support grant applications (editing sections, budgeting and budget narratives, and compiling required documentation).
• Review/edit proposals for clarity and alignment; route through appropriate channels for submission approvals.
• Serve as the designated Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) for uploading documents and submitting applications.
• Facilitate grant award kick-off meetings with the Grants Accountant, PIs, and other campus stakeholders to ensure everyone understands their role in award management.
• Work with the Business Office to set up new awards, create general ledger accounts, and distribute indirect cost recoveries per policy.
• Review grant agreements and subawards and route to College leadership for review/signature when required.
• Monitor grant report deadlines; review progress reports with PIs; coordinate timely financial reporting.
• Maintain and update institutional policies and procedures for grant management (time and effort certification, financial COI, responsible conduct of research, allowable costs) in collaboration with the Business Office and other campus stakeholders and in compliance with funding agencies and federal regulations (Uniform Guidance).
• Develop and maintain a resources webpage for the Office of Sponsored Research & Programs on The Hub with relevant procedures and policies.
• Track and report progress toward goals on proposal submissions and awards secured.
• Serve as an ex-officio member of the Faculty Development & Recognition Committee. What We're Looking For
• Demonstrated interpersonal and teamwork skills; ability to develop cooperative relationships with diverse college and external communities.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, listening, and presentation.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, work independently and in a team environment; strong time and project management.
• Proficiency in Windows, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Related professional experience with a proven track record of securing external funds and experience in sponsored programs administration in higher education.
• Knowledge of contract and grant solicitation/administration and sources of opportunities for academic institutions.
• Understanding of community sustainability issues and the College’s role in addressing educational and economic development needs.
• Awareness of political, economic, and community development issues facing small private colleges nationally and Illinois higher education in particular.
• Demonstrated commitment to employing and developing an ethnically and culturally diverse staff.