Grants Specialist (Administrative Professional 1 - MR 10)

Office of Research & Sponsored Programs

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

The Grants Specialist coordinates sponsored program proposal development, review, and submission for units across campus. This position contributes to the functions of a Pre-Award Services team that supports proposal requests in excess of $60M/year, on average, and resulting in award dollars averaging $13M/year.

The Grants Specialist works independently in day-to-day operations, with limited oversight provided as needed by the Director when unusual problems/events are encountered, when general policies must be interpreted for a specific situation, or when policies do not exist.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Proposal Development

• Coordinates proposal development, internal approval, submission, and just-in-time activities for a complex portfolio of projects
• Develops proposal planning documents (checklists, outlines, templates, etc.)
• Coordinates proposal budget and budget justification development
• Manages pace/workflow of assigned projects through routine check-ins with PIs, research team members, and external collaborators
• Facilitates connections between the research team and relevant offices across campus
• Conducts technical/editorial reviews of proposal documents
• Ensures that proposals for external funding comply with federal, state, and university regulations
• Ensures that all proposals are reviewed and approved internally
• Maintains accurate and complete records for all proposals

Research Development

• Provides research development support to individuals and teams to build capacity and enhance the quality and competitiveness of grant proposals
• Identifies, assesses, and disseminates funding opportunities to UTC researchers, prepares Research Strategic Plans for investigators, and research teams upon request
• Coordinates limited submission and internal grant selection competitions
• Assists with developing and implementing training and professional development opportunities for high-priority research and sponsored program activity
• Performs other duties as assigned

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to review, edit, and provide guidance on documents prepared by others; to convey accurate information concisely; and to provide guidance to others in a persuasive, encouraging manner
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability, perseverance, and patience to review and synthesize complex information from multiple sources and stakeholders to inform decisions and recommendations
• Ability to work effectively in a high-pressure, heavily team-oriented environment
• Ability to independently manage a varied workload including multiple deadline-driven and/or time-sensitive tasks while maintaining on-going tasks
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact productively and professionally with a wide range of internal and external constituents
• Ability to recognize and elevate areas of concern to leadership
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and virtual meeting software
• Working knowledge of federal and agency-specific regulations governing sponsored programs policy and procedures
• Working knowledge of federal sponsor submission systems
• Working knowledge of research and proposal development strategies and best practices, including proposal writing

Review of applications will begin June 17, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

Minimum Qualifications: Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and two years of relevant experience; including a minimum of one-year professional experience in a field requiring project/case-load management; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Preferred Qualifications: A master's degree in a relevant field; direct experience in research administration, grant proposal writing, and/or other professional or technical writing is preferred.

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.