Research & Sponsored Programs - Grants Specialist

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. 

Sacred Heart University is a contemporary Catholic university rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts that cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. SHU upholds a universal perspective, welcoming and valuing diverse faith traditions, including those from religious and nonreligious backgrounds. This catholicity, which is the basis of inclusivity, enriches dialogue, deepens understanding and strengthens our commitment to creating a more compassionate and just world.

The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges–2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools–2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu 
 
To apply

Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

Work closely with the Director of Grants to provide seamless support to faculty and staff across all disciplines at the University in pursuing and managing grant-funded sponsored programs. This role requires exceptional attention to detail, innovative problem-solving skills, and proficiency in utilizing and training others on technology resources to ensure successful grant development and management.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and support to faculty and staff across all disciplines to facilitate successful grant applications, ensuring meticulous planning and accuracy in proposal development.
• Collaborate with the Director of Grants to interpret federal, state, foundation, and other external agency guidelines, develop proposals, and ensure alignment with University policies.
• Assist applicants in understanding federal, state, foundation, and other external agency requirements and University policies, guiding them through proposal planning, grant writing, pre-award administration, and budget preparation with strict adherence to compliance standards.
• Summarize requests for proposals and prepare application requirement checklists for applicants.
• Review, compile, and prepare final grant application packages accurately and on time.
• Prospect for funding opportunities, maintain an internal compilation of viable opportunities, and distribute relevant information to appropriate departments and individuals.
• Create, update, and manage grant records, track deadlines, and maintain accurate files using electronic research administration (eRA) tools and other emerging technologies.
• Support the administration of internal grant programs.
• Partner with the Director of Grants to coordinate initiatives and training programs that foster a strong culture of grant-seeking at SHU.
• Serve as a resource and trainer, empowering faculty and staff to navigate grant-related technology platforms with confidence and proficiency.
• Coordinate with external collaborators to support seamless proposal development and submission processes.
• Organize and lead workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one consultations focused on effective use of grant-related software and tools.
• Assist in maintaining and updating online/digital content for the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs to ensure accessibility and usability of resources.
• Produce and maintain regular and annual reports for RSP, providing data analysis to support informed decision-making and enhance sponsored research programming for University leadership.
• Deliver administrative support, contribute actively to the University’s academic community, and manage special projects as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of experience in a sponsored programs office, grant development, research administration, or a related field.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with a proven ability to proofread, copyedit, and clearly convey complex information.
• Comprehensive knowledge of pre- and post-award processes, grant budget preparation, and federal policies and regulations governing sponsored programs.
• Superior attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage time and projects effectively while meeting strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, with a solutions-oriented approach to resolving challenges in grant development and administration.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and a proactive, resourceful mindset for navigating complex scenarios.
• Highly motivated and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Passion for research and sponsored programs, with a strong commitment to the educational mission of the University.
• Aptitude for training and educating others, particularly in the use of software tools and technology resources.
• Strong ability to translate technical concepts into accessible language for non-technical audiences.
• Adept at quickly adopting and learning new technology systems to streamline and enhance grant administration processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), Adobe, internet searches, and electronic research administration platforms such as Cayuse, Pivot, FDO, Grants.gov, Research.gov, and other Federal platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to train others on existing and emerging technology platforms while maintaining a commitment to continuous learning.
• The ideal candidate is proactive, driven, motivated, and thrives in an environment where attention to detail, adherence to deadlines, and technological proficiency are key to success.

Unusual Working Conditions

This deadline-oriented position demands a proactive approach to time-sensitive tasks, which may occasionally require evening and weekend work.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.