Assistant Director, Foundation and Scientific Partnerships

The Assistant Director, Foundation and Scientific Partnerships has a critical role on the Research & Grants Administration team working to help manage the pre-award, award and post-award phases for the Powered by the V Grants Portfolio. The Powered by the V Grants portfolio includes grant opportunities that arise out of donor interest (Designated, Game-Changer, and Mission grants). The Assistant Director also provides administrative support, maintains accurate records, and assists with data requests. While the primary responsibility of this role is to support the Powered by the V grants portfolio, all Research and Grants Team members are expected to assist when needed on any grants related administrative task. Oversees several email inboxes, responds to internal and external questions and requests. Possesses curiosity about cancer research and/or health science. Cultivates good working relationships internally and externally. This position reports directly to the Director of Foundation and Scientific Partnerships.

Key Responsibilities and Activities: 

Grants Administration (40%)
Work collaboratively as a member of the Research and Grants Team implementing activities related to the annual grants calendar, deliverables, and due dates for each step of the grants process, specifically for the Powered by the V grant portfolio. Deliverables include: Timely and accurate drafts of requests for applications, provision of login credentials to new applicants and reviewers, assisting reviewers and applicants with navigation of grants management software (SmartSimple), review of incoming nominations for eligibility and applications for completeness, track grants process for each Powered by the V RFA, creation and distribution of award documents, and tracking progress reports and payments. Participate in Research and Grants Team meetings and professional development opportunities to stay up to date on developments in the field and compliance requirements. Oversees internal and external email inboxes and responds on behalf of the grants team in regard to the Powered by the V portfolio. Mentors and collaborates with other team members on email responses as needed.

Grants Database Management (35%)
Work with the Director of Foundation and Scientific Partnerships to provide up-to-date reports from SmartSimple on the Powered by the V portfolio. Maintain grant records in SmartSimple, including tracking grantee payments and reporting requirements. Create and maintain electronic files. Reminds, tracks, and collects progress and financial reports. Provides first-tier review of progress reports, initiates next steps for payments, and follows up when deliverables are not met.

Powered by the V Policies and Procedures (20%)
Collaborate with the Director of Foundation and Scientific Partnerships to create and maintain internal and external grant-making policies for the Powered by the V portfolio. Contribute toward partnership agreements with foundation funding partners. Maintain all Powered by the V program documents and templates. 

Special Projects (5%)
Helps V Foundation staff/partners/clients, undertakes special projects as needed, and completes other tasks as assigned. 
 

Education
•    Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree (preferably in biology/biomedical/health sciences)

Experience
•    Minimum of 3-5 years of fulltime administrative experience
•    Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in scientific and/or research setting
•    Previous experience with grants administration
•    In the absence of previous experience, a PhD in biological/biomedical/health sciences related field required.

Skills and Other Requirements

•    Experience working in a professional environment where maturity, confidentiality and discretion are essential.
•    Exceptional attention to detail and task follow-through.
•    Serves as a mentor and role model. 
•    Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
•    Excellent writing and editing skills, including proofreading.
•    Highly organized and detail oriented.
•    Strong interpersonal skills, tolerance, flexibility, and cooperativeness.
•    Ability to adapt in a fast-paced work environment, prioritize, multitask, and meet competing deadlines.
•    Excellent customer service skills with emphasis on respectful and tactful communications.
•    Strong computer skills, proficient with Zoom, and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint. Previous experience with SmartSimple or another grants administration software preferred.
•    Ability to work successfully with diverse populations and to promote and enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
•    Eagerness to grow with the position as the department’s needs evolve.
 

Essential Physical Functions
•    Ability to lift 20 lbs. throughout the day.
•    Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.

Equipment Used
Basic office equipment: phone, computer, and copier