Grant Writer/Grant Project Coordinator Position

As a part of the College of Engineering (COE), the Offices of Graduate & Professional Studies and Research & Innovation, strategic goals include pursuing external funding opportunities, with a targeted focus on large, multidisciplinary research projects that promote collaboration and positive societal impact.  Our offices are seeking a Grant Writer/Grant Project Coordinator to join the team. The Grant Writer/Grant Project Coordinator is responsible for participating in the preparation and writing of highly competitive, federal research grant proposals by assembling information. This individual will specifically support the development and submission of large, interdisciplinary grants for the COE. The Grant Writer/Grant Project Coordinator also evaluates and redesigns processes to improve proposal-writing results, and compiles and organizes references into one coherent library or list for faculty, while maintaining awareness of trends and changes in the field of specialty. 

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Communicate information of a highly complex nature in a clear, precise, and compelling way;
• Convey technical information, from a variety of subject matter areas, in a clear and accessible manner to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences;
• Proof, standardize, and edit proposal sections written by multiple authors to ensure they reflect the common language of the proposal;
• Assist in preparing proposal narratives and documents in compliance with University, sponsor and federal guidelines and deadlines;
• Research appropriate information to resolve questions or refer to team members who have the ability to resolve the question;
• Conduct training sessions for faculty and students on grant writing strategies;
• Participate in kick off meetings for teams planning to respond to select Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to gain an understanding of the work and to help direct others in the coordinated proposal writing effort;
• Collaborate with subject matter expert (SMEs) technical teams to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be created for proposal development;
• Research, identify and qualify funding opportunities from corporate, foundation, and government sources for specific projects and programs. Makes recommendations whether funding organizations are a good match for projects and programs.
• Develop and maintain mechanisms to identify, coordinate and track ongoing funding opportunities.
• Work on special projects for the Associate Deans as requested;
• Coordinate multi-proposal/project efforts that collectively advance specific research thrusts and/or graduate education initiatives

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated superior writing, editing, and proofreading skills;
• Strong research skills with willingness and ability to quickly synthesize complex information in accessible and actionable formats;
• Articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner;
• Experience in successful management of multiple concurrent projects to meet deadlines;
• Experience in developing, writing and submitting successful grant applications;
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to work in a complex fast-paced and high-profile environment with short deadlines, competing priorities and intense pressure to perform;
• Experience in working both independently and as part of a team, exercising a high degree of initiative;
• Experience in successfully working effectively and cooperatively with an ethnically and culturally diverse population;
• Strong problem-solver; ability to navigate various viewpoints to develop consensus;
• Ability to be flexible and self-motivated in order to deliver high quality work product in multiple communication mediums.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in related STEM field.
• One-year experience in an academic research environment
• Demonstrated success in securing funding or facilitating the securing of funding
• Additional work product samples may be requested during the selection process.

Working Conditions

• Office environment - hybrid/remote option
• Up to 29 hours/week (provided no other position at VT is held)
• Contract position for one year- renewable pending performance and funding availability
• Salary commensurate with experience, benefits not included

Application Documents
To apply, please send the following documents to COEGPS@vt.edu:

• cover letter describing your interest in the position,
• CV or resume,
• contact information for 3 references (we will not contact them without notifying you)
• writing sample - grant proposal, peer reviewed manuscript, or similar (required)

Applications accepted and reviewed on an on-going basis until the position is filled.  Anticipated start date as soon as feasible.

If you have questions, please contact:

Dr. Pam VandeVord, Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, College of Engineering, Virginia Tech, pvord@vt.edu

Dr. Holly Matusovich, Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Studies, College of Engineering, Virginia Tech, matushm@vt.edu