Vanderbilt University Jobs

Position Announcement: Grants Manager

Vanderbilt University and the Vanderbilt Libraries are in an exciting time of transformation. With new leadership at the Chancellor, Provost and University Librarian levels, the Libraries are re-envisioning the future of library services at Vanderbilt. Through radical collaboration we seek to deepen student and faculty engagement with the libraries, equip students for life-long information proficiency, increase faculty research impact, create more opportunities for interdisciplinary experimentation, and optimize access to collections and resources, including marginalized and hidden histories and cultures.

The Grants Manager provides expertise and support to assist Heard Libraries staff in securing, managing, and completing grant-funded projects tied to organizational goals and needs. The Grants Manager works with the library business office and university research support staff to identify funding opportunities, advises and mentors library staff on the application process, coordinates grant proposals and submissions with university partners, and supports principal investigators in the post-award process, including tracking success and reporting. The position reports to the Associate University Librarian, Community Engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains current knowledge of relevant sponsor priorities and guidelines.

• Works closely with the Office of Vice Provost for Research & Innovation to match grant opportunities to library needs and staff expertise.

• Supports concept development in the formative stages and makes recommendations and reviews of active proposals in conjunction with university research support teams.

• Facilitates planning meetings to flesh out project activities, timelines, and budgets, and determine project and proposal feasibility.

• Communicates with sponsors to clarify guidelines, identify project and proposal strategies, and develop a network of program officers.

• Writes, edits, and facilitates preparation of draft narratives as needed.

• Works closely with the Senior Administrative Officer for Arts, Libraries, and Global Engagement on budget development and justification.

• Provides expert leadership and strategies for finalizing and packaging content to submit fund-able proposals based on sponsor guidelines, feedback from program officers, and past grant-seeking experience.

• Prepares required documents for contracts and grant proposals and registration within the university system.

• Ensures transparency and encourages a culture of grant writing by distributing monthly reports of grant activities to library staff.

• Provides post-award mentoring and troubleshooting advice for PIs and project teams as needed.

• Develops, promotes, and delivers pre-award and post-award workshop training and mentoring related to procedures and strategies for the libraries’ staff, as well as those external to the libraries seeking to collaborate on grant-funded projects, as appropriate.

• Maintains a high level of professional knowledge through self-study, research, and participation in professional development, attends webinars and conferences, and enrolls in training when available and pertinent to grant-seeking and research administration.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required.

• At least three years of experience in grant and contract administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

• Outstanding communication skills to effectively work with members of the Office of the Vice Provost of Research, with faculty as required, with grant funders with deep knowledge in their field, and with library staff who may be writing their first grant applications, is required.

• A record of successful grant writing is required.

• Ability to work independently and coordinate projects with multiple programs and diverse stakeholders is required.

• Good communication skills are required.

• An ability to meet deadlines is required.

• Experience in grant writing for information science/libraries is preferred.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Teams is preferred.

• Experience working in an academic setting or library is preferred.

• Teaching experience is preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

#LI-ONSITE

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.