The Director of Grants Administration plays a critical leadership role in advancing the research mission of the Institute by managing all aspects of proposal development and submission, in addition to post-award non-financial administrative actions. This individual is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end pre-award and post-award non-financial administrative process, ensuring timely and accurate preparation and submission of grant proposals to federal agencies, foundations, and other external sponsors. The Director also oversees institutional reporting related to proposal activity and serves as a key advisor to scientists and research staff throughout the proposal lifecycle. 

The Director ensures compliance with sponsor guidelines, facilitates collaborative proposals, and develops systems and policies that support a high-performing research enterprise. The incumbent works closely with principal investigators, research administration teams, and external partners to enable the successful pursuit of extramural funding. The director works closely with all members of the Finance and Research Accounting team to ensure smooth management of grants life cycle. 

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation. 

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Provide strategic leadership for all pre-award operations, ensuring high-quality, compliant, and timely proposal submissions. 
• Work closely with faculty and the Grants Development team to identify needs and develop specific proposals and solicitation methods.  
• Manage and support the development of competitive proposals, including review of application materials, budgets, justifications, and institutional documentation. 
• Serve as the primary institutional point of contact for pre-award and post-award administrative/non-financial communication with federal agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF, DoD), private foundations, and other sponsors. 
• Oversee the use and implementation of electronic research administration systems and sponsor portals (e.g., Grants.gov, NIH ASSIST, Research.gov, ProposalCentral). 
• Lead and contribute to a collaborative team of pre-award professionals; provide guidance, performance management, and training to ensure excellence in service and compliance. 
• Interpret and apply federal, sponsor-specific, and institute policies to ensure proposal integrity and risk mitigation both pre- and post-award. 
• Collaborate with scientific staff to facilitate multi-institutional, interdisciplinary, and complex proposals. 
• Track and report on proposal activity and submission trends; generate reports for internal leadership and external stakeholders as needed. 
• Transitions awards to Research Accounting for post-award financial management. Works with various administrative departments (e.g., Research Accounting, Purchasing, Office of Technology Development) and Committees (e.g., IACUC, IRB, ESCRO) to assure proper stewardship/oversight of grant awards. 
• Develop and implement process improvements and best practices to enhance service delivery and reduce administrative burden on researchers. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Directly supervises up to 6 employees. 
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. 
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. 

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race (race is inclusive of traits associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles. Protective hairstyles include, but not limited to, such hairstyles as braids, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), reproductive health decision making, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.

Discrimination is prohibited with any intersectionality of the above-mentioned characteristics, including:

1. Any combination of characteristics.
2. A perception that the person has any of the characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.
3. A perception that the person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, any of those characteristics or any combination of those characteristics.

What we Require

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in research administration, public administration, science, or related field strongly preferred. 
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in research administration at a research institute, academic medical center, or university, with at least 3 years in a people management role. 
• In-depth knowledge of federal and foundation funding mechanisms, particularly NIH and other health- and science-focused agencies. 
• Proven experience in pre-award grant administration, proposal development, and submission management. 
• Familiarity with research submission/administration systems such as Cayuse, or equivalent platforms. 
• Deep understanding of the research environment, particularly in biomedical or life sciences. 
• Familiarity with collaborative and international proposal requirements. 
• Continuous Process Improvement experience is preferred. 
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or similar credential preferred. 
• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office; Project Management Software, AI tools such as ChatGPT .

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About Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Salk scientists are dedicated to innovative biological research. The Salk Institute consistently ranks among the leading research institutions in the world for its faculty's contributions and the impact of their findings. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer's, diabetes and infectious diseases by studying neuroscience, genetics, cell and plant biology, and related disciplines. "We lead biological research. We prize discovery. Salk is where cures begin."Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in La Jolla, the Salk Institute offers a warm, collegial and collaborative work environment, where employees enjoy a generous benefits program. Social activities on campus encourage interaction as a community.

Connections working at Salk Institute for Biological Studies