Job Description

Department:

Pay Rate Type:

Employee Type:

Job Summary:

The Grants Research and Engagement Specialist plays a critical role in expanding the college’s externally funded research and programmatic portfolio. This position is responsible for the systematic identification, research, and tracking of federal, state, corporate, and private funding opportunities that align with institutional strategy and faculty scholarship programs. Crucially, the Specialist acts as a primary liaison between the Office of Sponsored Programs and Scholarship, and the academic community. They are responsible for actively cultivating and sustaining relationships with faculty, proactively learning about their research interests, and matching those interests to the most appropriate external funding opportunities, thereby maximizing the institution's success rate in securing competitive grants. The Specialist manages proactive outreach and engagement programs to cultivate faculty grant applications and supports the pre-award team by building a robust pipeline of high-potential funding leads.

Essential Functions

To perform successfully in this position, an individual must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily as well as possess education/experience, and employ the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed in a representative fashion. Colby College actively supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.  This listing of essential duties is not all-inclusive, but representative; other duties may be assigned.

• In collaboration with the Director of Sponsored Programs, monitor and track changes in federal granting agency policies, interpreting and disseminating relevant information for faculty and staff.
• Systematically research, identify, and track new and emerging grant opportunities at federal and state granting agencies that align with the college’s strategic priorities and faculty research interests.
• Perform systematic research on private, community, and family foundations to identify organizations whose mission and funding history align with the college’s programs and faculty research.
• Support the Director of Foundation Programs in managing relationships with external foundations.
• Manage and execute a proactive faculty engagement program designed to increase grant applications across all academic disciplines.
• In collaboration with the entire grants team, plan and execute programming with faculty and staff members focused on the pre-award process.
• Provide individualized funding opportunity searches and consultations with faculty members, matching specific project ideas to relevant federal, foundation, and corporate grant programs.
• Cultivate and support collaborative relationships with leaders of college programs, centers, and institutes.
• Coordinate with the grants office team and other stakeholders to collect, track, and analyze key performance indicators for faculty engagement, new funding opportunities identified, and progress through the cultivation pipeline.
• Remain current on relevant activity and trends in grants and sponsored programs

• Participate in professional development training programs to enhance expertise and skills

Position Qualifications

Education and/or experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in grants or research administration; foundation/corporate relations; client or faculty relationship management; outreach programming; and/or data tracking/management
• Familiarity with the structure and terminology of grant programs and proposals
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with an approachable, outgoing, and enthusiastic demeanor that fosters strong relationships. 
• Demonstrated ability to identify and align institutional needs, faculty interests, and funding opportunities in creative and strategic ways.
• Excellent project management, research, organizational, and judgment skills; ability to consistently meet multiple, simultaneous deadlines and follow through on assignments promptly
• Strong computer skills, including spreadsheets and grant prospecting databases
• Data management and analytical skills
• Strong technical and professional writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute professional workshops, training sessions, and other events
• High degree of self-motivation with attention to detail
• Able to handle confidential information tactfully and exercise discretion
• Appreciation of Colby’s mission and the ability to effectively communicate it
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a diverse community and make an impact in a complex, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment
• An entrepreneurial spirit and positive attitude

Preferred Qualifications or Skills:

• Experience working in higher education, particularly in a liberal arts setting
• Demonstrated record of interacting successfully with a variety of sponsored research funding sources, including federal agencies and/or foundations

Physical/Mental Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, an employee must be able to maintain appropriate confidentiality with regard to employee data, documents, issues, etc., and respect the privacy needs of employees and past employees with regard to the same.
• The ability to comply with highly inflexible deadlines is required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position; there will be multiple occurrences of sudden, urgent task completion required.
• There may be occurrences of employees, past employees, members of the general public, and others who express opinions, may exhibit strong emotions, which will require the employee to interact professionally, diplomatically, and appropriately in such situations.
• While performing the essential duties of this position, an employee would frequently be required to move around the office space as well as within hallways, meeting rooms, and other parts of the campus facilities. 
• There may be multiple/daily instances of prolonged personal computer use, which would include keyboard and/or mouse usage as well as viewing a computer monitor.
• An employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds to perform essential position functions.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The overall work environment requires the mental ability to shift focus quickly due to interruptions; an employee must be able to mentally track multiple projects and tasks as well.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, there may be unexpected instances of somewhat loud sounds.