The Grants Manager provides comprehensive grant administration for Mathematics and Physical Sciences pre- and post-award grant activities. This role involves supervising a grants administrator and acting as a central point of contact for various stakeholders. It suits a professional with strong organizational and interpersonal skills who can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Act as the main point of contact for applicants, grantees, and institutional administrators
Manage Grants Administrator(s) and serve as the point person for all grant-related questions from the Grants Administrator(s)
Liaise with other departments in the foundation
Interact with internal Simons Award Manager support staff regarding online grants management
Manage entire RFA process, from announcement to grant activation
Facilitate creation of RFA announcements and schedules
Produce application templates, instructions, and FAQs
Coordinate with Program Managers on the review of non-competitive grant applications and renewals
Review grant budgets, send award letters, and activate grants
Oversee grant-related compliance review activities, such as tax status verification and expenditure responsibility for international grantees
Perform grantee due diligence, as needed, to determine legal compliance, as well as financial and reputational risks
Create grant deliverable templates, instructions, and FAQs
Oversee the grant deliverable (renewal, supplemental, carry forward, no cost extension, change of institution and termination) submission and review process
Provide second tier and, in some cases, final review of grant financial statements
Administer the grant closeout process
Prepare internal reports as needed, including quarterly grant updates
Communicate outputs to the Foundation and to the appropriate scientific and grant communities
Develop training materials and standard operating procedures for the department and their portfolio
Develop innovative solutions and continuously improve grants processes and procedures to streamline workflows and increase efficiency
Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and standards
Define workflow requirements for the Foundation’s grants management system, Simons Award Manager (SAM), in partnership with program staff for configuration
Actively build and maintain strong relationships with relevant internal and external grants stakeholders, most importantly, Scientific Program Directors and Managers
Perform other duties or tasks as assigned or required
Requirements
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Bachelor’s degree
At least 3 years’ work experience in grants administration is required, 5 or more is ideal
Experience at the grants manager level is strongly preferred
People management experience (in a direct supervisory role) is strongly preferred, including delegating tasks and mentoring team members
Knowledge of SmartSimple or a related award management system is preferred
Ability to work independently and manage others
Ability to balance/complete multiple tasks while working under deadlines with competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to proactively anticipate needs
Ability to adapt to changing needs while maintaining attention to detail
Demonstrates flexibility and sound judgment when managing multiple priorities
Superb Excel and PowerPoint skills
Strong attention to detail
Outstanding interpersonal skills — must be able to work well with and adapt to diverse personalities and communication styles
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Eagerness to grow with the position as the organization’s needs evolve
Benefits
Outstanding benefits package
Application Process
Submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position
About the Company
The Simons Foundation is committed to advancing basic science and mathematics to benefit humankind and expand our collective understanding of our world. As part of its mission, it supports partners, programs, and initiatives that seek to broaden the scientific community and open pathways to science and mathematics careers.
The Simons Foundation’s mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences.
