POSITION SUMMARY

Launched in 2005, the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) is a research campaign within the Simons Foundation’s (SF) overall suite of programs whose mission is to improve the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders by funding innovative research of the greatest quality and relevance. The SFARI Grants Administrator is responsible for providing administrative support for pre- and post-award activities to the SFARI portfolio of grants. The Administrator will oversee the process of contacting grantees and their administrators to obtain required reporting for the grants team, and in this position, they must be well versed in SF policies and procedures, must work independently and must provide long-term ownership of grantmaking processes. The Grants Administrator must foster good working relationships, both internally and externally. The Grants Administrator reports to the Senior Grants Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Runs the RFA process for streamlined award types/RFAs
• Provides the first-tier review of activation agreements, financial statements, progress reports, as well as carry forward, no-cost extension, institution transfers and termination requests
• In some cases, manages the final-tier review and approval of financial statements
• Responds to inquiries from applicants, grantees, and institution administrators and determines responses using knowledge of SF policies and SOPs to inquiries from applicants, grantees, and institution administrators, as well as judges when to escalate inquiries to the Senior Grants Manager, to scientific program staff, or to the SAM Systems Administrator
• Implements the grant deliverable reminder and submission process and oversees the tracking of deliverable submission, flagging areas for review and works to resolve issues or escalate to the Senior Grants Manager
• Coordinates directly with internal program and scientific managers/directors throughout the grant life cycle
• Comprehensively reviews all LOI and full application materials submitted, directly requesting revisions from applicants as needed
• Provides administrative support for internal and external grant reviews
• Completes annual International Award Verification process to determine grantee institutions are eligible to receive funding, as well as to confirm all personnel on a grant and institution official are not on US Department of Treasury and UN Sanctions Lists, Terrorist Exclusion List, and/or Interpol Notices
• Coordinates initial Equivalency Determination (ED) and ED renewal process for international grants compliance process via NGOsource
• Helps external users troubleshoot the SF online grants management system, Simons Award Manger (SAM)
• Assists in grantee institution due diligence process and review
• Prepares deliverable and portfolio analysis reports as needed
• Aids in the creation and maintenance of all program templates
• Aids in defining, creating, organizing, and updating program policies and processes
• Assists with the maintenance of electronic award records in the online grants management system
• Manages the grantee publication submission and archival processes
• Actively manages competing priorities to balance responsibilities and complete assignments in a timely fashion
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree

Experience

• At least 1–2 years of prior administrative experience
• Previous experience in grants or in sponsored projects administration is a plus

Related Skills & Other Requirements 

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and task follow-through
• Sound judgment and discretion
• Ability to prioritize, multitask and meet competing deadlines
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Word, Excel, and Power Point
• Knowledge of proposalCENTRAL, SmartSimple, or related award management system is a plus
• Eagerness to grow with the position as the organization’s needs evolve

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Please submit a résumé and cover letter stating your interest in the position.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $74,000 to $80,000 depending on experience. 

• In addition to competitive salaries, the Simons Foundation provides employees with an outstanding benefits package.

THE SIMONS FOUNDATION’S DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.