Grants and Proposal Manager

Basic job summary:

Lead the comprehensive management of grants by identifying and implementing strategies to optimize the grants administration process, determining institutional research funding needs, conducting relevant research to identify authentic funding opportunities, and overseeing the implementation of grants to ensure alignment with the operational and financial requirements of the institution.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and enhance proposal writing: Ensure a targeted approach towards proposal writing; structure the ‘go no go’ decision making process on evaluating potential proposal opportunities, coordinate proposal writing and submission. Institute quality assurance measures to guide and enhance quality of proposals submitted.
• Build proposal writing capability: Train proposal developers across the organization to increase the quality of proposals as well as the win rate of proposals submitted.
• Proposal database management: Build a comprehensive database to support and guide the planning, budgeting and resource management of key proposals across the university. Continuously review submitted proposal performance. Identify and address key challenges and communicate lessons learnt; leverage or build on enablers. Generate updates detailing key proposal aspects. Coordinate quality assurance reviews.
• Proposal coordination: Ensure effective writing of proposals by managing and facilitating flow of essential information and feedback among key stakeholders. Regularly and effectively communicate proposal expectations and updates. Build and maintain related working relationships. Sensitize and train on a needs basis in coordination with various project managers.
• Grant winning: Continuously identify and pursue grant opportunities to ensure optimal grant winning. Identify and influence partners to bring on board. Conduct market research and identify new leads and potential new grant opportunities.

Minimum Academic Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in relevant field;
• Bachelor’s Degree in a business related field;

Experience:

• 5 Years working experience in a busy environment with a proven track record in business writing and proposal development. At least two years in a managerial position.

Competencies and Attributes

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Planning and organizing skills
• Leadership
• Project management
• Entrepreneurial drive
• Research and problem solving