Grants Development Specialist (Administrative Analyst/Specialist II), Research & Sponsored Programs

Job Summary:

Under general direction, the Grants Development Specialist will assist faculty and staff with complex or critical programs such as seeking extramural funding opportunities by assisting with proposal preparation, review and submission; reviewing of award and related documents; formulating, issuing, negotiating and finalizing agreements. Present and contribute to workshops offered by departments. Assess, formulate, and provide website content and assist with other administrative operations of department.

Formulate, Evaluate, Facilitate and Submit Proposals

• Under the general direction, serve as the primary contact for identified Principal Investigator (“PI”) or departmental unit in assisting with large and/or complex concerns
• Provide recommendations and assist PI and program staff by assessing, formulating, and evaluating all aspects of proposal preparation to address complex problems or issues, including but not limited to: interpretation and clarification of sponsor guidelines, budget development and review, completion of required forms, assurances and certifications, collection of necessary or pertinent data, and compilation of and review of proposal components for consistency and compliance with funding agency/sponsor guidelines.
• Assess current /latest applicable rates such as salary base, fringe benefits, indirect costs, mileage rate, meals, etc. and ensure rates are applied in budget estimates.
• Coordinate proposal planning activities; may assist PI in preparing and processing letters of support, correspondence, etc.
• Facilitate relationships with partner institutions, serving as a primary contact; collect subrecipient commitment forms, scope of work, budget, etc., or other sensitive information.
• Coordinate, collect, and ensure timely submission of all necessary compliance documents, including proposal approvals (typically through Cayuse), and conduct final review before submitting extramural proposals in a timely order.
• Follow up with funding agency, as needed or requested (e.g., Just-in-time requests, clarifications, etc.).

Perform review of award document

• Utilize judgment and knowledge to Interpret and evaluate review of reward documents.

• Alert PI of new award or contract received
• Conduct initial review of award document, noting consistency with proposal scope of work, budget and timelines
• Use appreciable ingenuity and innovation to coordinate with Director to address appropriate negotiations of terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with applicable internal departments, centers, and institutes to coordinate funding searches and grant development, while also assisting faculty, staff, and administrators day- to day operations such as seeking extramural funding opportunities.
• Identify external funding sources (grants and contracts) that match faculty/researcher’s research interests and expertise
• Analyze funding opportunities; make recommendations to faculty/researcher about Principal Investigator (“PI”) and university eligibility, suitability based on program focus as described in the solicitation/funding announcement, the funding agency and faculty research.

Assist and/or participate in administrative operations and other special assignments

• Complete registration to appropriate sponsor systems, as needed; issue/approve accounts for faculty, administrators, and staff to appropriate sponsor systems such as eRA Commons, NSF Fastlane or Research.gov, NASA nspires, e-grants, etc.
• Utilize extensive expertise to assist  in the preparation and submission of various federal, state, and other related reports and responses to requests, including but not limited to annual application for Title III/V designation of eligibility, National Science Foundation, Higher Education Research and Development (NSF HERD) survey, agency-specific data requests, CSU system and CSUSB requests for sponsored program data and reports.
• Assist with and contribute to the development, on-going review, and implementation of sponsored-programs policies and procedures
• Use of appreciable judgement to assist in the development, review, and implementation of office policy and procedures to ensure effective office operations
• Participate in other departmental projects and activities, as assigned.

Lead, participate, and/or contribute to Grantsmanship/Professional Development for CSUSB

• Assist in developing and facilitating training opportunities for faculty and PIs
• Participate actively in creating and establishing resources for faculty, administrators, and program coordinators, showcasing effective presentation skills by developing online materials, leading workshops, effectively presenting ideas, crafting informative handouts, and contributing to