Job Description

At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of medicine and health sciences by supporting innovative research and academic excellence. We are seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Grants Administrator to join our team under the leadership of the Executive Director of Research. In this pivotal role, you will manage the full lifecycle of grants and sponsored programs—from identifying funding opportunities and assisting with proposals to negotiating contracts and overseeing post-award administration. You'll collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and external partners to advance the university’s research, teaching, and service mission, while ensuring compliance with institutional and sponsor guidelines. This is a dynamic opportunity to help shape the future of research at DMU. The position supports the Executive Director of Research in the management of grant programs, external research contracts, and grant compliance. The responsibilities of the Grants Administrator may change based on revisions to the research vision and research direction of the University.

What you’ll do:

40% Pre-Award / Processing Proposals

• Write and edit requested portions of grant proposals, contracts, subcontracts, and reports as appropriate. This may include administrative and resource-sharing core components, budget development, budget justifications, description of resources and environment (in consultation with others in and outside of the Office of Research), etc.
• Provide support to ensure applications are accurate and complete (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.
• Ensure all proposals, contracts, and report packets are created and routed through university channels to reach the sponsoring agency before deadlines. Respond to sponsor requests following the submission of proposals to provide additional information as appropriate.

35% Post- Award Processing

• 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 regularly with PI’s and staff of each research team to ensure funds are budgeted appropriately, and budget forecasting is accurate.
• Coordinate with outside organizations and assist PIs with the collection and management of all aspects of sub-awards, including subrecipient monitoring and FFATA reporting.

15% Collaboration, partnership, and other duties

5% Development and Training

5% Internal Grants and Research Support Funds

What we are looking for:

· Bachelor’s and/or advanced degree required.

· Three to five years of experience as a grants administrator and 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 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.

· Experience in successfully bringing new federal funding opportunities and relevant partnerships.

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred or the ability to obtain CRA within a year.

Total Rewards:

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well! Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution towards the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit to learn more about our benefits. 

DMU is proud to offer employees generous benefits and perks, paid time off, free use of wellness facilities, and a host of employee engagement and recognition programs throughout the year.

The salary range for this position is between $80,000 and $90,000, depending on experience.

About:

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges– College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences – offering ten graduate degree programs.

Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

It is an exciting time to join DMU. In 2023, we relocated our primary academic and operational offices to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, while maintaining an active clinic on our former campus. This state-of-the-art campus includes technology-rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Our new research facilities include a vibrant and spacious open laboratory, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

DMU enhances our community’s quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community.

At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.

Required Documents:

Resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at

Department: Office of Research

Status: Exempt  

Des Moines University 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”). Applications from candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

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