Grants Manager - Research Development

Grants Manager - Research Development

Des Moines University, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Grants Manager - Research Development. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and forward-thinking health sciences university at a pivotal moment in its continued expansion of research and sponsored programs activity. As DMU continues to invest in innovation, collaboration, and institutional research capacity, the University seeks a proactive and relationship-driven grants professional who is energized by the opportunity to help faculty bring meaningful ideas to life through external funding support. The Grants Manager will play a highly visible and impactful role, working directly with faculty and research leadership to strengthen the quality, competitiveness, and volume of grant submissions across the institution.

Within the Office of Research, the Grants Manager will manage the full lifecycle of grants and sponsored programs under minimal supervision, including identifying funding opportunities, supporting proposal development and submission, coordinating award administration, and overseeing post-award activities. This hands-on, faculty-facing position serves as a key liaison among principal investigators (PIs), sponsors, and university offices, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and sponsor requirements while helping move projects from concept to successful execution. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment and bring a strategic, solution-oriented approach to advancing research initiatives that support DMUs mission of improving lives through education, research, and health care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Pre-Award & Proposal Development

• Identify, analyze, and disseminate relevant funding opportunities from federal, state, foundation, and industry sponsors.
• Proactively identify and advance funding opportunities, working with faculty to move proposals from concept to submission.
• Work directly with faculty to support development of competitive proposals.
• Provide writing, editing, and organizational support for proposals, including administrative sections, budget development, and budget justifications.
• Ensure proposals are accurate, complete, compliant, and submitted on time (including collection and maintenance of information such as bio-sketches, other support, etc.). Review final draft of applications, contracts, etc., to ensure completeness, and compliance with sponsor guidelines. Coordinate and edit complex content for proposals including peer-reviewed publications, research grants, and other program activities.
• Respond to sponsor requests following the submission of proposals to provide additional information as appropriate.
• Coordinate with subaward partners to gather required documentation and ensure alignment with submission requirements.
• Review and coordinate execution of industry-sponsored agreements, including research contracts, subcontract information, material transfer agreements, and confidentiality agreements.

Research Development Support

• Engage faculty to understand research interests and align them with funding opportunities.
• Support early-stage proposal planning and development.
• Assist in advancing proposals from concept to submission through active coordination and follow-up.
• Exercise judgement in prioritizing opportunities and focusing effort on high-impact submission.

Post-Award Administration

• Keep appropriate administrative staff apprised of the status of submissions when proposals are funded to prepare for human resource needs and financial aspects of the post-award process.
• Meet PIs and staff to ensure appropriate use of funds and budget alignment.
• Manage subawards, including gathering appropriate documents, subrecipient monitoring, subaward issuance, and FFATA reporting.
• Serve as liaison between faculty, university offices, and sponsors to resolve issues and ensure smooth project execution.
• Assist with preparation of Just-In-Time requests, progress and final reports that are sent to the funding agencies.
• Serve as liaison with funding agencies to resolve questions and problems that arise during a grant award.
• Monitoring expenditure based on Uniform Guidance and/or sponsor guidelines.
• Ensuring that purchases are allowable and allocable and that there are adequate funds available before the initiation of any expenditure.

Contracts and Compliance

• Assist with review and coordination of research agreements, subcontracts, MTAs, and confidentiality agreements.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations, including Uniform Guidance.
• Provide guidance to faculty and staff on grants administration requirements and compliance expectations.

Collaborating and Reporting

• Develop and maintain comprehensive databases for all externally submitted proposals and funded projects of the faculty and staff.
• Assist in preparing reports and summaries related to sponsored programs for institutional leadership.
• Support initiatives that enhance research funding, faculty engagement, and institutional research capacity.

Training and Support

• Provide guidance to faculty and staff on grant submission systems (e.g., Cayuse, federal submission systems, or similar platforms).
• Support onboarding of faculty, staff, and students into research administration systems and expectations.
• Provide ongoing training on grants administration, Federal policy changes, and Uniform Guidance requirements.
• Aid in development and implementation of research administration processes and best practices.

Internal Research Programs

• Assist in the administration of internal funding programs.
• Support faculty in preparing competitive applications for internal research funding.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support the research mission and evolving needs of the Office of Research.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree (e.g., Masters or PhD in a relevant field) preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience as a grants administrator, research support or related professional experience is required.
• Demonstrated progressive experience providing advanced research planning and proposal writing in industry or academia.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial principles and methods associated with grants and contracts.
• Experience supporting proposal development and submission processes.
• Experience interpreting and/or providing consultation to others regarding federal financial regulations.
• Ability to administer contracts and subawards, including negotiating terms and ensuring compliance with federal and institutional regulations.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred or willingness to obtain within a year.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Able to convey information efficiently and effectively, including writing, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance; understanding of the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.
• In-depth knowledge of federal guidelines for managing and administering grants.
• Strong organizational skills; capable of successfully managing multiple high- priority tasks.
• Strong understanding of how to prepare and manage grant budgets, including forecasting, financial tracking, and ensuring funds are used according to the terms of the grant.
• Able to work well with minimal supervision.
• Experience in monitoring and reporting on grant activities and expenditures.
• Experience with subrecipient monitoring and reporting.
• Active listening skills include understanding, interpreting, and evaluating information from co-workers and responding appropriately.
• Commitment to and alignment with DMUs mission and values.
• Proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Ability to work directly with faculty and build productive relationships.
• Attention to detail and strong compliance awareness.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to prioritize work and focus on high-impact opportunities.

About Des Moines University:

Des Moines University has upheld a rich legacy of teaching, learning and service since 1898. Today, it is a premier medical and health sciences education institution comprising three colleges offering 11 graduate degree programs. The programs share a collective strength - a collaborative campus community where students and faculty come together in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. With a strong foundation in educating exceptional health care professionals and delivering outstanding patient care through the Des Moines University Clinic, the university continues to create opportunities for future leaders and health care experts.

DMU combines the scale and resources of a comprehensive health sciences institution with the personalized attention that helps students thrive. More than 880 students are pursuing the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, and over 1,500 students are enrolled across the universitys 11 academic programs. DMU fosters collaboration across its teaching, research, and service initiatives, from advanced simulation labs to the clinical programs at Des Moines University Clinic, all with a shared focus on advancing knowledge and improving lives. The university also demonstrates a strong commitment to student success, awarding more than $5.5 million in scholarships annually and supporting a robust alumni network of more than 16,000 graduates, including over 3,100 currently based in Iowa.

Current Degree Offerings:

College of Health Sciences

• Master of Health Care Administration (MHA)
• Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)

College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Master of Anatomy (MSA)
• Master of Science Biomedical Sciences (MSBS)
• Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (PhD)
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

• Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)

State-of-the-Art Facilities

• Our Campus: Opened in 2023 and spanning 88 acres at 8025 Grand Ave. in West Des Moines, Iowa, our cutting-edge campus combines academic excellence with access to the vibrant Greater Des Moines community.
• Des Moines University Clinic: Located at 3200 Grand Ave., the clinic provides invaluable clinical training for students while serving the communitys health care needs. The Des Moines University Regional Simulation Center at DMU32 Health and Business Complex also resides at this location.
• Future Ready: DMUs progressive campus in West Des Moines encompasses award-winning sustainable design and cutting-edge learning spaces. Our facilities reflect our vision for the future of medical education.

About the Community:

West Des Moines, Iowa, home to DMUs campus, offers a thriving metropolitan atmosphere and a diverse community of nearly 700,000. It is a city suburb just over 10 miles from the vibrant downtown center of Des Moines, Iowas capital. The region is home to 12 colleges and universities and nearly 300 houses of worship representing 79 different denominations or faiths.

Living in the Greater Des Moines area means having access to a variety of recreational opportunities. Miles of bike paths, numerous lakes and over 130 parks provide ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The area is known for its safe neighborhoods, excellent public schools and family-oriented events, attractions and programs. As one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Midwest, Des Moines beams with community pride and accolades.

The region also offers a thriving arts and cultural scene, with live music, theater and arts events. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy cheering on local teams and the area hosts vibrant cultural festivals, farmers markets and shopping options. With a low cost of living, an abundance of employment opportunities and a high standard of living, the Greater Des Moines is an exceptional place to call home.

To learn more about our fantastic community, explore the following resources:

• Des Moines Rankings (Catch Des Moines)
• Most Recent DSM Rankings (Greater Des Moines Partnership)
• Awards & Recognitions for West Des Moines (City of West Des Moines)
• Relocate (West Des Moines City of Commerce)
• Living Here (Greater Des Moines Partnership)

Application and Nomination Process:

All correspondence relating to the position of Grants Manager Research Development at Des Moines University should be directed in confidence to the Universitys executive search consultant:

Christopher S. Healy, President

Scott Healy & Associates

chris@scotthealy.com

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
2. Updated CV;
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

Applications received by July 6, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information and other characteristics protected by law (protected class).

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