Senior Grants Development Specialist

The Ohio State University • Columbus, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Ohio State University’s motto, Disciplina in Civitatem, or “education for citizenship,” is not merely a slogan; it is an exhortation to remain focused on the responsibility to develop an informed, engaged, and civic-minded citizenry. It is essential to fulfilling Ohio State’s land-grant mission. In 2023, the State of Ohio established and funded the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society at Ohio State ("the Chase Center" or “the Center”). The Chase Center is a multidisciplinary university center that conducts teaching, research, and public programming concerning the core texts and great debates of Western civilization; the principles, ideals, and institutions of the American and Ohio political order; and the foundations of responsible leadership and informed citizenship. It is an independent academic unit of the University. The Center is a leader of the growing cadre of similar schools of civic thought in Ohio and throughout the country. During its first year of operation, the Chase Center laid a strong foundation for long-term success, securing the Center’s mission to “conduct teaching and research in the historical ideas, traditions, and texts that have shaped the American constitutional order and society,” ORC § 3335.39. This upcoming year, the Center’s founding faculty will offer the Center’s first classes and degrees, the Center is hosting a robust suite of public programming, the Chase Society of students is large and growing, the Center launched its support for K-12 schools and their students, and the Center saw significant financial support from the United States, Ohio, and private supporters. The Center will grow toward maturity over the next four years. The Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society is conducting a search for the Center’s Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist, a person who will work closely with the Center’s leadership team to acquire the resources to build the Center into the flourishing academic community envisioned in ORC § 3335.39. The Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist, as with all members of the Center, should embrace the Center’s mission. The Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist for the Salmon P. Chase Center will be responsible for identifying, planning, guiding, writing, and executing the Center’s grant and proposal processes for all grants and relevant donations, public and private, individual and institutional. The Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist will cover all the sponsored research activities for the Center and its faculty. This role requires creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to engage various audiences, including faculty, Ohio State colleagues, and prospective partners. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while providing strategic guidance to optimize funding opportunities and operational efficiency. In addition to managing the full lifecycle of grants and contracts, the position partners with leadership to develop and implement strategic initiatives that advance organizational goals, enhance research infrastructure, and improve financial sustainability. This position collaborates with leadership to identify funding trends, strategic priorities, and growth opportunities. It develops and implements process improvements to streamline grant administration and enhance operational efficiency. It provides insights and financial modeling to support strategic decision-making. It leads or contributes to cross-functional projects aimed at expanding research capacity and institutional competitiveness. This position administers grants for the Center. It assists the leadership team with strategic planning, and with the development, implementation and maintenance of policies. It oversees fiscal management of all grants. It provides expertise in the navigation of OSU processes for submitting multiple types of grants, such as NEH, DoE, State, industry, and foundations. It leads pre-award budget development for high value and complex proposals leveraging extensive experience to ensure successful project implementation and also participates in grant proposal preparation for large program projects. This position participates with training of new PIs and their staff. It conducts risk assessment and recommends mitigation strategies for complex agreements; it conveys difficult, complex or sensitive information, facilitates productive dialogue on sensitive matters; it assists in interpreting and applying sponsor regulation; it leads meetings with Center wide award management team; it represents the Center on external grant and committee meetings as necessary; and it supports the development of in-house publications, such as annual reports, newsletters, and communication plans.

Requirements

• Demonstrated commitment to the Chase Center’s mission of citizenship education.
• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to the Center’s mission of citizenship education, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in grant writing, or similar experience, preferably within a higher education environment.
• Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, and oral communication.
• Demonstrated poise, professionalism, good judgment, and ability to take the extra step to meet customer needs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Regular in-person attendance is expected.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with pre-award proposal initiatives, post-award management and closeout activities for public, private, federal, state, and local sponsors.
• Experience in higher education grant writing, or a related field.
• Knowledge of Ohio State University policies, rules, and procedures.
• Portfolio of successful grant writing for submission with resume and application.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive grant and donation resource acquisition plan to advance and promote the Chase Center’s mission.
• Forecast, plan, and manage research portfolios by identifying funding opportunities.
• Identify and disseminate potential funding opportunities.
• Coordinate and develop proposals including budget development.
• Plan, oversee, and draft grant applications and proposals to all varieties of potential financial supporters.
• Review applications and proposals for institutional compliance.
• Administer grants.
• Assist faculty in finding and preparing grants and proposals.
• Represent the Center in working with funders and developing financial resources and programs.
• Collaborate with Center and University faculty, staff, and administrators to effectuate duties.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, policies and sponsors related to research.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees