Grants Research and Engagement Specialist

Vice President Of Planning And Strategy

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.

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.

Essential Functions

• 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

Position Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications Or Skills

Physical / Mental Demands