Grants Specialist I

The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law; Vermillion (SD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law invites applications for a Grants Specialist I to join the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) in Vermillion. The role focuses on research development, identifying funding opportunities, and helping faculty move ideas toward submission.

Responsibilities include collaborating on proposal planning, budgeting, timelines, and compliance, and leading workshops and trainings for faculty and staff.

Responsibilities

• Proactively identify and communicate funding opportunities that align with faculty research interests and institutional priorities.
• Partner with faculty throughout the proposal development process, including proposal planning, interpretation of sponsor requirements, development of timelines, budgets, and supporting documentation.
• Lead and co-lead workshops, presentations, and training sessions related to research development, proposal preparation, funding opportunities, sponsor requirements, and research administration.
• Independently manage multiple proposals, projects, and competing deadlines while anticipating needs, identifying potential issues, and taking initiative to keep projects moving forward.
• Interpret requests for proposals (RFPs), funding announcements, and sponsor guidance and exercise professional judgment in determining applicable requirements.
• Coordinate proposal development, institutional review, approval, and submission.
• Develop and analyze proposal budgets, including direct and indirect costs, cost sharing, personnel, subawards, and other project expenses.
• Monitor proposal approvals to ensure required institutional reviews, certifications, and signatures are completed prior to submission.
• Serve as a primary point of contact between faculty and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, providing responsive and consultative guidance throughout the sponsored project lifecycle.
• Proactively keep researchers informed of changes in federal regulations, sponsor policies, funding priorities, submission requirements, and institutional procedures.
• Facilitate communication among investigators, Vice Presidents, Deans, directors, department chairs, faculty, staff, collaborating institutions, and sponsors as appropriate.
• Coordinate award acceptance and assist with project administration, including review of award terms and conditions and identification of requirements requiring additional institutional review or approval.
• Review grant and contract documents for consistency with applicable federal and state requirements, University and Board of Regents policies, sponsor terms and conditions, and institutional procedures.
• Confirm that required representations, certifications, compliance approvals, and other institutional requirements are completed as appropriate.
• Track and communicate the status of pending proposals and other sponsored project activities to Principal Investigators and University stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of ORSP processes, resources, training, and research development initiatives, including identifying opportunities to improve services and support for the University’s research community.

Job description

Posting Details

Logo Institution The University of South Dakota Working Title Grants Specialist I Posting Number CSA02892P Department USD-Office of Research Physical Location of Position (City) Vermillion Posting Text

Duties

The ideal candidate will be a self-driven, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced research environment and demonstrates initiative, leadership, and ownership of projects from concept through completion. This position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines, work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, solve problems, and build strong working relationships with faculty, staff, and University leadership.

A key component of this position is research development. The successful candidate will proactively engage with faculty and researchers to identify external funding opportunities, interpret sponsor priorities and requirements, assist with the development of competitive proposals, and help move research ideas toward submission. The individual will be expected to demonstrate initiative in leading projects, programs, and activities, initiate outreach, and lead or co-lead workshops, presentations, and training sessions for faculty and staff.

Primary Responsibilities Include

• Proactively identify and communicate funding opportunities that align with faculty research interests and institutional priorities.


• Partner with faculty throughout the proposal development process, including proposal planning, interpretation of sponsor requirements, development of timelines, budgets, and supporting documentation.


• Lead and co-lead workshops, presentations, and training sessions related to research development, proposal preparation, funding opportunities, sponsor requirements, and research administration.


• Independently manage multiple proposals, projects, and competing deadlines while anticipating needs, identifying potential issues, and taking initiative to keep projects moving forward.


• Interpret requests for proposals (RFPs), funding announcements, and sponsor guidance and exercise professional judgment in determining applicable requirements.


• Coordinate proposal development, institutional review, approval, and submission.


• Develop and analyze proposal budgets, including direct and indirect costs, cost sharing, personnel, subawards, and other project expenses.


• Monitor proposal approvals to ensure required institutional reviews, certifications, and signatures are completed prior to submission.


• Serve as a primary point of contact between faculty and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, providing responsive and consultative guidance throughout the sponsored project lifecycle.


• Proactively keep researchers informed of changes in federal regulations, sponsor policies, funding priorities, submission requirements, and institutional procedures.


• Facilitate communication among investigators, Vice Presidents, Deans, directors, department chairs, faculty, staff, collaborating institutions, and sponsors as appropriate.


• Coordinate award acceptance and assist with project administration, including review of award terms and conditions and identification of requirements requiring additional institutional review or approval.


• Review grant and contract documents for consistency with applicable federal and state requirements, University and Board of Regents policies, sponsor terms and conditions, and institutional procedures.


• Confirm that required representations, certifications, compliance approvals, and other institutional requirements are completed as appropriate.


• Track and communicate the status of pending proposals and other sponsored project activities to Principal Investigators and University stakeholders.


• Contribute to continuous improvement of ORSP processes, resources, training, and research development initiatives, including identifying opportunities to improve services and support for the University’s research community.

This position is well suited for an individual who demonstrates initiative, takes ownership of responsibilities, brings forward new ideas, and recognizes opportunities to lead and improve processes. The successful candidate will be adaptable, highly organized, collaborative, and able to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented environment.

Posting Date 11/06/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes First Consideration Date 11/23/2026 Advertised Salary Based on qualifications

Duration of the Term 12 months If Other, describe duration Appointment Percent 100 Work Hours

8-5 Typical Hours Worked Per Week Appointment Type Regular Scope of Search External (includes Internal) If internal, define scope of search

This position requires Travel If other, please indicate Department Description and Cultural Expectations

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) works with a wide variety of constituencies across the University and manages a diverse portfolio of responsibilities, including research development, proposal submission, sponsored project administration, federal compliance, training and outreach, events, and communications.

ORSP is a collaborative, fast-paced environment where teamwork, initiative, and adaptability are essential. Team members are expected to be self-driven, manage multiple priorities, contribute ideas, and pitch in across functional areas to help accomplish departmental goals. Staff have opportunities to be creative, provide input into departmental processes and initiatives, and take ownership of projects from concept through completion.

The position also requires a willingness to take an active role in engaging the University research community, including leading and co-leading trainings, workshops, presentations, and outreach activities for faculty and staff. ORSP values individuals who are proactive, willing to learn and take on new challenges, recognize opportunities for improvement, and contribute to a supportive and team-oriented work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.

Contact Information

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication, Logic, Pace-average, Perform calculations, Frequent Change, Multiple Stimuli, Pace-fast

Protective Clothing/Equipment

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Physical Requirements

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Desk Duty

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Working Conditions & Exposures

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Working Environment

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