Manager, Research Program Development & Grants

The ACES Business Office is seeking candidates for the position of Manager, Research Program Development & Grants. The individual in this position provides varied and high level professional and technical support to the ACES Business Office as well as ACES employees, overseeing daily operations of promoting, identifying, and managing externally funded grants and contracts.

EXTENSION: The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is the outreach organization for the land grant mission of Alabama A&M University and Auburn University. Its educational programs grow from these two land grant university campuses to serve the people of Alabama. Science-based educational programs are delivered that enable people to improve their quality of life and economic well-being. Information and programs are available online or in person through all 67 County Extension Offices and at teaching sites throughout Alabama communities. For more information, please see .

Essential Functions

• Reviews and corrects documentation for compliance with University, legal, cost account accounting standards, and other State, Federal, or sponsor guidelines.
• Coordinates and manages efforts with research support units as needed — The Office of Research Security, Office of Compliance, and the Office of Contracts and Grants Accounting.
• Serves as a liaison with the Office of Sponsored Programs on post award activities such as no cost extensions, contract modifications, additional funding executions, and budget revisions.
• Prepares and manages documentation efforts to facilitate workflow to ensure timely submission of research proposals to external funding resource entities.
• Trains and manages new and existing employees within ACES in proposal development, electronic research administration, internal processes and procedures, external funding agency requirements and research award management.
• Identifies continuing education and professional development opportunities for current staff.
• Assists in the development of training opportunities including in-person training. The position would help design and implement training strategies for faculty and staff related to proposal processes.
• Develops and coordinates efforts to engage with external grant agencies and research providers designed to enhance the college/school’s knowledge of research opportunities. Researches and identifies grant opportunities that support programs and initiatives.
• Develops competitive grant proposals to foundations, state, and federal funding agencies.
• Oversees and assists with writing, editing, and proofreading text of contracts and grants including reorganizing content for better flow, rewording for clarity, and editing to comply with style guidelines.
• Coordinates the development of interdepartmental proposals. Monitors funded grants, including record management of the department.
• Supervise and provide guidance to a Grants Specialist, overseeing their recruitment, training, and professional development to ensure efficient management of the organization’s grant portfolio.
• Supports other activities that may arise aimed at increasing productivity in strategic areas and external funding opportunities.