Grant Writer - University Police Department

The University Police Department at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Grant Writer.

About the Opportunity

The WVU University Police Department Grant Writer identifies, develops, and manages grant funding to support higher education law enforcement and public safety programs. This position oversees the full grant lifecycle, ensuring compliance with all sponsor and regulatory requirements, effective financial management, and timely reporting. The Grant Writer works closely with police leadership, university departments, and external partners to align grant activities with institutional priorities and maintain accountability throughout the award period.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits info

What You'll Do

• Research, identify, and pursue grant funding opportunities applicable to a higher education law enforcement and public safety environment; lead the preparation, submission, renewal, and post-award administration of grant proposals while ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and eligibility requirements.
• Manage and monitor all active grants to ensure full compliance with federal, state, local, and sponsoring agency regulations; interpret award terms and conditions; coordinate with internal departments and external partners to maintain compliance, reporting accuracy, and effective grant-funded partnerships.
• Oversee grant-related financial management activities, including budget development, expense tracking, financial reporting, billing, invoicing, receivables, and closeout procedures, in coordination with the university's financial systems and policies.
• Provide guidance and technical expertise to police command staff and divisional leadership regarding sponsor guidelines, proposal requirements, allowable costs, and regulatory obligations associated with grant-funded programs.
• Maintain departmental grant tracking systems and databases; monitor timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements to ensure timely submissions and sustained compliance throughout the grant lifecycle.
  Independently plan and execute assigned work while resolving routine issues; communicate project status, compliance risks, and sensitive or high-impact matters to supervisory leadership as appropriate.
• Assist with administrative requests, including reports, background checks, expungements, and other departmental inquiries
  Coordinate and support departmental training sessions and events, including scheduling, booking, and communication with participants
• Perform other related duties as assigned or directed

• Requires a bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience involving:
  • Grant writing experience, preferably in public safety, law enforcement, or higher education.
  • Proven success securing funding from federal, state, and local government sources and private foundations supporting public safety initiatives.
  • Experience researching, writing, and submitting grant proposals including budgets, narratives, and supporting documentation.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and their application to grant-funded budgeting, reporting, and account classification.
• Ability to quickly learn, interpret, and apply institutional policies, procedures, and practices related to sponsored awards and grant management.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and sponsor regulations governing grants and contracts.
• Ability to translate campus policing and public safety needs into clear, compelling grant proposals aligned with sponsor funding priorities.
• Proven skill in reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting complex award agreements to ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to identify compliance risks, assess impacts, and proactively address or appropriately escalate issues.
• Proficiency in the use of personal computers and a range of software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and web-based financial and grant management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey financial, regulatory, and programmatic information to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to high-quality customer service, including professional and diplomatic interaction with internal and external stakeholders and the ability to foster collaborative working relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated reliability and professionalism, including consistent adherence to institutional standards for attendance, punctuality, and workplace conduct.
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to track deadlines and ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify compliance or operational issues and recommend appropriate resolutions.
• Ability to adapt to changing funding requirements, regulatory updates, and institutional or departmental priorities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial, contractual, and law enforcement-related information with discretion.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.