Grant Coordinator

The Office of Research & Policy (ORP) supports sponsored funding/research activities within the College of Education & Human Development, which includes seven academic departments and three research centers. The ORP service model provides services that are responsive to researchers' individual needs, which may include activity classified as grants, gifts, or external sales. The office's grant coordinators work independently and make decisions on how best to provide strategic support for the research agendas of the units with which they work. The grant coordinators work one-on-one with faculty to develop grant proposals and serve as the first point of contact for research-related questions in their units. The responsibilities of this position go beyond financial and compliance matters to include providing leadership to administrative and financial staff involved in grants management within their units, and solving complex problems that affect entire research teams, centers, and departments.

Work Environment: This position can be done remotely.
Monday-Friday: Standard business hours.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Duties/Responsibilities:
Pre-award Proposal Development & Preparation (50%)

• Be responsible for preparing and submitting all grant proposals within assigned departments from initiation to submission
• Advise researchers on issues such as fit with sponsor, submission timing, review panels, project team makeup, cost sharing, etc.
• Coordinate proposal review and presentation
• Work one-on-one with researchers to operationalize research ideas through budgets, personnel planning, and knowledge of departmental and university systems
• Coordinate and prepare detailed bids for research-related external sales activities
• Oversee systems entry and approvals (MN-GEMS, ASSIST, Grants.gov, etc.)

• Ensure compliance with departmental, collegiate, university, sponsor, and federal grant regulations

Research Development (20%)

• Build professional relationships with researchers that demonstrate a strong understanding of researchers' interests, needs, and long-term research objectives
• Work closely with researchers to help them meet their funding goals
• Work with the Director of ORP and the Assistant Dean for Research to deliver College of Education & Human Development research development initiatives
• Identify and contribute funding opportunities for CEHD's tracking database

• Cultivate relationships with and knowledge of current and potential funding sponsors

Project Management (20%)

• Provide coordination as needed through the entire grant process from idea to award closeout
• Determine whether a given project is a gift, grant, or external sale in keeping with UMN policy
• Serve as a liaison between researchers and University organizations such as SPA, RIO, IRB, and the UMF, ensuring that the requirements and timelines of each organization are met while keeping the overall goals of the research project in mind

• Interpret sponsor and University proposal and award guidelines (and the practical impact of those guidelines) to unit staff and leadership

Education & Training (10%)

• Evaluate researchers' needs for training and education and advise on how to meet those needs
• Consult on and help plan CEHD's ongoing Research Office Hours and other events
• Represent CEHD in the University of Minnesota research community, participating in groups such as the Grants Management Users Network
• Engage in national professional associations such as NCURA, SRA, NORDP, or other organizations
• Seek out personal professional development opportunities and be well-informed of issues and trends in research administration

Required:

• Bachelor's degree, plus at least five (4) years of professional experience related to this position, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least eight years.
• Experience preparing and submitting grant proposals from a variety of funding sources, including foundations and state funders.
• Experience with pre-award research administration, including budget development.
• Experience with higher education institutions and an understanding of the academic culture.
• Current or past grant-related work in a higher-education setting.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with researchers.
• Ability to work independently and make day-to-day operational decisions without supervision.
• Willingness to take ownership of projects, determine the strategies needed to ensure success, and follow those strategies through until project end, making adjustments as needed.
• Experience and expertise in technology as related to the needs of the position.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated effectiveness in independent problem solving.
• Familiarity with Minnesota Grants Electronic Management System (MN-GEMS), Enterprise Financial System (EFS), UM Reports/UM Analytics, and other University of Minnesota systems.
• Familiarity with Grants.gov, eRA Commons, Research.gov, and other proposal submission systems.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams to accomplish goals.
• Successful experience consulting with diverse clients on grant requests and funding strategies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to effectively interface with all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with complex and sensitive issues.

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: $82,000 - $95,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Required application materials: resume. Cover letter is optional.

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on September 14, 2026.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.