Manager, Research Administration Grants

GRANT MANAGER, RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION

(Exempt | Full-Time)

Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (dba CURE Epilepsy) is the leading non-governmental agency fully committed to funding research in epilepsy. CURE Epilepsy has led a dramatic shift in the epilepsy research community from simply treating seizures to enhancing understanding of underlying mechanisms and causes, so that cures and preventative strategies can be found. CURE Epilepsy’s mission is to find a cure for epilepsy, by promoting and funding patient-focused research.

Position Summary

The Grant Manager, Research Administration role provides integral support for the Research Program by managing all incoming grant applications, contracting, reporting, payments, and other administrative functions. This position plays a critical role in liaising between the Research Team and Communications, Finance, and Development departments. In addition to the grant programs, the Grant Manager coordinates and administers several other programs within the Research department and is a key point-of-contact for various committees and external partners.

The Grant Manager is expected to work independently, will perform duties of a confidential nature and work under general guidance and supervision, reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer. The role is based in the Chicago CURE Epilepsy headquarters. Individuals are expected to work in person in the Chicago office during core in-office days with the remainder being organizational-wide remote workdays. Limited travel is required.

Job Specifications

Education & Training: Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience or other Biology-related discipline.

Experience

2-5 years’ experience in research grant administration preferably in a challenging and fast-paced environment. Prior experience should demonstrate ability to analyze and interpret information, prepare reports, ensure compliance with policies and procedures, track budgets and timelines, coordinate the scheduling of meetings, and produce correspondence. Project management experience desired.

Attributes, Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written skills to effectively communicate with researchers, advisors and government partners.
• Demonstrated evaluation, planning, coordination, organization, and problem-solving skills with ability to think both strategically and tactically to achieve goals and objectives.
• Highly skilled in MS Office and other computer applications including word processing, presentation and spreadsheet software.
• Experience with Grants Management software, e.g. ProposalCentral.
• Budget development and oversight experience.
• Ability to gather, analyze and summarize information including numerical and financial data.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently to follow through on priorities and complete objectives.
• Poise, compassion, creativity and integrity coupled with an ability to earn the confidence of a wide range of internal and external constituents.
• Successful experience working with staff and volunteers to ensure an integrated, organized effort, as well as goal-oriented accomplishments.
• A team mentality and an interest in the success of colleagues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style.
• Entrepreneurial spirit toward advancement of science.
• The ability to work effectively with other staff and to follow approved CURE Epilepsy procedures and policies.

   Key Responsibilities

• Manage the grant administration process, including grant program launches and grant cycle execution, evaluation of completeness of grant applications, execution of contracts, regular reports, and verification of payments. Ensure the process is as efficient and effective as possible, propose and implement changes as needed.
• Assure the accuracy and integrity of the grants database, entering data in a timely fashion and reviewing regularly.
• Work with Finance to manage the processing and tracking of grants and grant payments, coordinating efforts as needed.
• Ensure the accuracy of financial reports from grant awardees.
• Respond to general research program questions received by phone and email on a timely basis.
• Track and report pre-identified metrics on the grant portfolio and the grant administration process to internal and external constituents.
• Communicate grant timeframes, milestones, and payment schedules to appropriate CURE Epilepsy staff.
• Verify presentation and accuracy of grants-related programs and FAQs on the website.
• Ensure accuracy of research communications, track, schedule and coordinate with Communications to execute.
• Work closely with Development and Communications staff on the named grants by coordinating information, reports and ensuring key deadlines are met.
• Serve as point-of-contact for the scientific and lived experience reviewers including assigning applications for review, ensuring all members are notified of grant review conference dates and times, and communicating funding outcomes of review process.
• Administer CURE Epilepsy’s conference support program including sending application materials upon request, receiving applications, ensuring review by internal staff, communicating decisions, and executing payments.
• Administer CURE Epilepsy’s seminar series support program, including drafting and circulating requests for applications, receiving applications, notifying applicants, and assisting each selected site host with coordination of seminar details.
• Staff CURE Epilepsy exhibit booth at industry conferences ensuring all required materials are sent in advance and returned appropriately.
• Maintain awareness of advances in the field of epilepsy research.
• Assist with planning meetings and conferences, providing onsite support as requested.
• Assist with other administrative aspects of the Research department as requested.

The preceding description is not designed to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities required of the Grant Manager, Research Administration.

CURE Epilepsy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CURE Epilepsy is committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse staff; individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. CURE Epilepsy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parenthood, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Health and safety are important to CURE Epilepsy. Accordingly, all candidates must be vaccinated against COVID‐19 unless a candidate would be seeking a medical or religious exemption to our policy if hired.