Director of Grants Research & Development

Elgin Community College; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 72,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

Elgin Community College is seeking a strategic Director of Grants Research & Development to drive institutional growth through expert grant management. The role involves securing funding for innovative initiatives, coordinating with faculty and administrators, and ensuring compliance while enhancing financial sustainability. This is a vital position aimed at contributing to the college's mission to support student success through effective partnership and collaborative grant development.

Benefits

Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Commuter)

Retirement Plans (Pension, 457b, 403b)

Time Off with Pay

Professional Development/Expense

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Sick Banks

Qualifications

• Five years’ experience in grants management preferably in higher education.
• Proven ability to secure and manage multiple grants.
• Attention to detail for compliance with funder guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop infrastructure, craft competitive proposals, and manage grant pipeline.
• Coordinate with faculty and staff to write, submit, and manage grants.
• Research grant opportunities and engage in fundraising strategies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Written communication

Leadership

Grant management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Work at one of the top 25 community colleges in the country!

Director of Grants Research & Development

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 495226
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Elgin, IL
Experience Level: Mid-Level
Categories: Administrator
Role: Director of Grants Research & Development

About ECC:

About ECC:

Elgin Community College serves over 9,000 students at every stage of their educational journeys, including university transfer programs, career and technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every person—students, staff members, faculty members, and campus visitors—feels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the college’s mission, and as an employer, the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges, excellent benefits, and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.

Work Schedule:

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Rate of Pay/Benefits:

This is a Full-Time Administrative position at grade 16, with an annual salary range of $72,417 to $96,556. The salary offer will be based on education and experience, in alignment with the College’s compensation philosophy and the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), if applicable.

• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA, DCA, Commuter)
• Retirement Plans (Pension, 457b, 403b)
• Time Off with Pay
• Professional Development/Expense
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Sick Banks

FLSA Status:

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Grant Funded:

Grant Funded:

No

Job Summary:

An employee in this classification secures institutional and private grants, aligning them with the college’s strategic goals. This role involves developing infrastructure, crafting competitive proposals, and managing the grant pipeline. The Director coordinates with faculty, staff, and administrators to write, submit, and manage grants, ensuring proposals meet all requirements. Additionally, the Director oversees grant records, creates a grant handbook, and maintains strategic communication with stakeholders. Responsibilities include researching grants, raising awareness, engaging faculty, facilitating dialogue, providing stewardship, collaborating for data-informed proposals, and offering training on grant-related topics. General direction is received from the Vice President of Teaching, Learning, and Student Development.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Demonstrated leadership abilities; experience leading teams or projects.
• Five years’ experience in grants management preferably in higher education.
• Proven ability to secure and manage multiple grants from various sources, including federal and state agencies, and private foundations.
• Previous experience with or knowledge of non-profit fundraising techniques.
• Experience in deadline-driven, project-based environments.
• Ability to work well in a team environment, handle multiple assignments, and meet deadlines.
• Strong written communication skills; ability to write clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive proposals.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate complex grant processes; strong editing skills.
• Attention to detail to ensure compliance with funder guidelines and deadlines.
• Ability to successfully navigate the changing grant landscape and adapt to new trends and requirements.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions and approaches to grant challenges to diversify funding sources and enhance financial sustainability.
• Knowledge of general fundraising techniques and strategies and an understanding of how grants fit into the mission of a not-for-profit organization.
• Familiarity with research techniques for fundraising prospect research.
• Budgeting and financial management skills to develop accurate grant reports and proposals.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Advanced degree and/or additional certifications preferred.
• Grant management experience in higher education.
• Grant Research: Monitor websites and databases for relevant grant opportunities; identify and pursue grants aligning with institutional priorities; collaborate with leadership to match needs with funding sources and develop innovative solutions to grant challenges.
• Grant Development: Communicate grant opportunities to stakeholders; collaborate with leadership to translate needs into fundable initiatives; facilitate planning sessions to align projects with grant priorities; manage a multi-year grant calendar and proposal pipeline; train and build grant teams for sustainable initiatives.
• Grant Writing/Editing: Lead the writing and editing of grant applications; translate goals into compelling narratives for funders; facilitate stakeholder review and incorporate feedback; ensure proposals meet all requirements; develop accurate budgets with project leads and finance office.
• Grant Process Management: Create and maintain a comprehensive Grant Development Handbook; provide stewardship to grantors with regular updates; collaborate for data-informed proposals and budgeting; train faculty and staff on grant-related topics; maintain grant records and tracking; prepare reports on grant activities for leadership; provide development input for institutional materials; communicate with funding agencies throughout the grant lifecycle.

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned which pertain to the job description.

Physical Demands:

Medium (up to 50 lbs occasionally, or 30 lbs frequently, or 10 lbs constantly)

Close visual acuity (e.g. computer, assembly)

Environmental Conditions:

Typical office or administrative

Current SSECCA Union Member Information:

The initial posting date is 6/11/2025. Elgin Community College Support Staff of Elgin Community College Association (SSECCA) members that apply by 06/23/2025 and meet the posted minimum qualifications will receive full consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Elgin Community College does not discriminate, or tolerate discrimination, against any member of its community on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender/gender identity, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law in matters of admissions, employment, or in any aspect of the educational programs or activities it offers.

In addition, Elgin Community College provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment practices, educational opportunities, and programs and services. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the College’s EEO/AA Officer. Determinations on request for a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Advertised: June 11, 2025 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled

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Elgin Community College seeks a strategic Director of Grants Research & Development to drive institutional growth. Leverage your expertise in grant writing, research, and program development to secure funding for innovative initiatives. Join our dynamic Institutional Advancement team and contribute to student success while advancing the college's mission.

Expression of interest

No expression of interest currently available

Elgin Community College seeks a strategic Director of Grants Research & Development to drive institutional growth. Leverage your expertise in grant writing, research, and program development to secure funding for innovative initiatives. Join our dynamic Institutional Advancement team and contribute to student success while advancing the college's mission.