Grants Specialist, Office of Research and Sponsored Projects

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, 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 covered veteran status.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the appropriate affirmative action office. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the campus ADA Coordinator.

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.