Grants Manager

Howard University•Washington, DC

20h•$75,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness JOB PURPOSE: The Project Director provides day-to-day operational and strategic implementation leadership for the ASCEND-AI initiative, a multi-year, multi-institution collaboration between Howard University and Bowie State University focused on advancing AI literacy, responsible AI use, faculty development, curriculum infusion, and student application pathways. This role is responsible for translating the project vision and grant goals into coordinated action through faculty learning communities, collaborative workshops, curriculum module infusion, and student-facing activities. The Project Director ensures that activities are well planned, executed on schedule, and aligned with the approved workplan and budget, while supporting continuous improvement in partnership with project leadership and evaluators. The Project Director does not conduct evaluation but plays a critical role in enabling responsive implementation informed by evaluation findings.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience managing complex, grant-funded projects, preferably in higher education, technology, workforce development, or innovation-focused initiatives.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.
Experience coordinating faculty, administrators, and external partners.
Comfort working independently, taking initiative, and following through on tasks with minimal supervision.
Strong communication and coordination skills.

Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Program Execution Lead operational planning to ensure ASCEND-AI goals are achieved through: Faculty Learning Community (FLC) sessions Curriculum module infusion across disciplines Three annual collaborative workshops AI Use Competitions and student application activities Translate high-level project goals into clear timelines, milestones, and execution plans. Coordinate with PI and Co-PIs to ensure consistency between vision, planning, and implementation. Ensure activities across Howard University and Bowie State University align in scope, pacing, and intent.
Faculty Learning Communities and Curriculum Infusion Coordinate logistics, scheduling, and documentation for Faculty Learning Communities. Support FLC facilitators in aligning sessions with project goals related to AI literacy, responsible AI use, and discipline-specific integration. Track progress of curriculum module infusion across participating courses. Ensure faculty development activities remain practical, accessible, and aligned with instructional realities. Support knowledge sharing across institutions while allowing for contextual adaptation. Ensure Faculty Learning Communities and curriculum infusion efforts are structured to support faculty success while minimizing additional administrative or instructional burden.
Workshops, Competitions, and Student Application Pathways Plan and coordinate three annual collaborative workshops, including agendas, speakers, materials, and logistics. Support implementation of AI Use Competitions and other applied learning experiences. Ensure workshops and competitions reinforce project pillars such as human-in-the-loop AI use, ethical reasoning, and applied innovation. Coordinate with partners and facilitators to maintain high-quality, well-run events.
Budget Monitoring and Financial Reporting Monitor project expenditures monthly in coordination with the PI and institutional grants offices. Prepare monthly budget summaries for PI review. Generate quarterly financial reports for: Howard University Grants Office Bowie State University Grants Office ASCEND-AI Advisory Board Track alignment of spending with approved budget categories, including faculty stipends, staffing, curriculum development, workshops, evaluation services, and partnerships. Identify potential budget or resource concerns early and support resolution.
Continuous Improvement and Coordination with Evaluation Participate in quarterly data review meetings with: PI and Co-PIs Project Coordinator FLC facilitators Brick Rose Exchange evaluator Support implementation adjustments based on formative evaluation findings while preserving evaluator independence. Coordinate follow-up actions resulting from data-informed discussions. Ensure documentation and implementation records support learning and accountability.
Cross-Institutional and Administrative Coordination Serve as the primary operational liaison between Howard University and Bowie State University. Coordinate closely with the Project Coordinator at Bowie State University to manage inter-institutional timelines and logistics. Maintain shared calendars, agendas, documentation, and communication channels. Support dissemination activities and preparation of project documentation as needed.