Description

The University Grant Writer serves as Pfeiffer University’s central resource for securing external grant funding that advances the institution’s mission, strategic priorities, and programmatic goals. This position leads the full lifecycle of grant development, including prospect research, proposal development and submission, funder communication, and post-award support. The University Grant Writer works closely with senior leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners to identify funding opportunities, develop competitive proposals, and support effective stewardship and reporting for awarded grants.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Grant Prospecting and Strategy

• Research, track, and forecast grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and other funding entities that align with Pfeiffer University’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Monitor trends in philanthropy, education funding, and related data to inform grant strategy and opportunity identification.
• In collaboration with the Vice President of Institutional Advancement, vet grant opportunities and communicate relevant prospects to university leadership, faculty, and staff.
   

Grant Development and Proposal Management

• Lead and manage the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals, letters of intent, and related funding applications.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, leadership, and community partners to translate institutional and programmatic needs into compelling, funder-aligned proposals.
• Coordinate proposal timelines, gather required documentation, ensure compliance with funder guidelines, and submit applications by established deadlines.
   

Post-Award Support, Stewardship, and Reporting

• Provide technical assistance to faculty and staff managing grant awards, including support with budgeting, program design, implementation, and reporting requirements.
• Assist with maintaining positive, professional communication with funding representatives and external partners.
• Support on-time submission of interim and final reports, ensuring compliance with funder expectations and institutional standards.
• Help steward funder relationships by supporting ongoing communication, documentation, and grant wrap-up activities.
   

Collaboration and Institutional Support

• Serve as a collaborative partner to leadership, faculty, and staff across academic and administrative units.
• Provide input and editing support for funding solicitations or related advancement efforts led by university leadership or colleagues.
• Conduct grant-related training and capacity-building activities on an as-needed basis.
• Support institutional events or initiatives, such as Homecoming or special projects, as assigned.

Time Allocation (Approximate)

Grant prospecting and opportunity research: 30%
Grant writing, submissions, and reporting deadlines: 50%
Grant stewardship, wrap-up support, and special projects: 20%

Work Environment

This position requires close collaboration across the university and with off-campus partners. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet grant deadlines or support institutional events.

Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Demonstrated experience with grant research, writing, and submission.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external partners.
   

Preferred:

• Experience in a higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization.
• Familiarity with grant budgeting, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting faculty or staff in grant-funded program implementation.