Careers at Virginia Tech

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented Grants Specialist to help ensure the delivery of exceptional proposals. Working with a dedicated proposal team, the Grants Specialist provides hands-on support to researchers and principal investigators (PIs) throughout the proposal lifecycle, including but not limited to, performing regular upkeep of proposal portals and files, creation of internal proposal checklists and compliance matrices, setting meeting agendas and leading proposal kickoff meetings, performing desktop publishing functions, creating proposal budget templates, monitoring and tracking proposal tasks, and coordinating the process for filling out required forms and obtaining authorized signatures.

The Grants Specialist serves as one of the primacy contacts for Federal funding opportunities for VTTI, with the potential to be tasked with coordinating multiple proposals concurrently. Therefore, the Grants Specialist must possess initiative, the ability to work independently and problem solve, and the ability to maintain professional composure while working under pressure, employing excellent customer service skills to work effectively with internal clients and external business partners.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Provide day-to-day coordination of the proposal process and work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders to facilitate effective proposal development.
• Manage the proposal development process, in cooperation with the PI and Proposal Manager, for Federal proposals. Assist with proposal development and submission for industry and commercial, and other types of proposals.
• Work with Proposal Manager to prepare VTTI submissions for entry into relevant proposal submission systems, such as Cayuse and research.gov.
• Work closely with the proposal PI, Project Manager and/or the Proposal Manager to ensure that budgets, SOWs, and agreements are in alignment.
• As needed, respond to communications addressed to the VTTI Proposal Team to determine the appropriate course of action.
• Assist the Proposal Manager with the preparation of proposals under VTTI’s IDIQs.
• Assist in the development and implementation of newly created team procedures with a goal of improved efficiency. This may include assisting with building new resources, enacting updated procedures that eliminate duplicate efforts, or using team tools that enhance accuracy.

This position is located in Blacksburg, VA; however, leadership is willing to consider a hybrid or remote work arrangement.

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to hear, coordinate, and integrate the input of multidisciplinary team members and stakeholders both internal and external to the university.
• Desktop publishing skills, most importantly Microsoft Excel, and integration of Excel worksheets into Microsoft Word.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of university, Federal, and non-federal regulations and guidelines, cost principles, and uniform administrative requirements for grants and contracts.
• Demonstrated experience working with a team to implement efficient and effective proposal development and submissions.

• Practical experience in the interpretation and application of research policies and procedures including Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200 and the FAR.
• Experience in a university setting involving proposal development and/or grant and contract management and administration.
• Working knowledge of cost sharing, distribution of overhead, use of correct indirect rates, and selection and implementation of appropriate labor categories.

4

Restricted

Starting rate of $50,000; commensurate with experience

4/26/2024

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.