Grants Specialist

Job Title: Grants Specialist

Reports to: Research Grants Program Director

Location / Hours: San Juan, Puerto Rico / Full-Time

Type of Contract: Regular Position (Probationary Period)

Overview Of The Organization

The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (“PRSTRT” or “Trust”) is a private non-profit organization created in 2004 to encourage and promote innovation, transfer, and commercialization of technology and creation of jobs in the technology sector. We contribute to Puerto Rico’s public policy for science, technology, research, and development. The Trust’s mission is to invest, facilitate and build capacity to continually advance Puerto Rico's economy and its citizens’ well-being through innovation-driven enterprises, science, technology, research, and public health. Our vision is that Puerto Rico is a globally recognized innovation hub.

Purpose

The Grants Specialist will oversee the entire lifecycle of grants, ensuring that RFPs are meticulously prepared, monitoring grantee performance, and ensuring adherence to grant requirements. Also, it will assist with researching funding opportunities and drafting grant applications. Strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential for success in this role.

Grant Management

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Support the administration of awarded grants, including budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, and compliance.
• Collaborate with finance and administrative personnel to facilitate grant-related transactions, such as budget revisions, subawards, and reporting.
• Maintain accurate records of grant activities, ensuring documentation is complete and accessible for audits and reporting purposes.
  
  

Compliance And Reporting

• Ensure compliance with grant agreements, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare and submit interim and final grant reports, including financial reports and programmatic updates.
  
  

Grant Acquisition

• Identify relevant grant opportunities from various funding sources, including government agencies, private foundations, and corporate entities.
  
  

Training And Support

• Lead a comprehensive capacity-building initiative encompassing the identification and orchestration of training and certification programs, outreach endeavors, and collaboration with nonprofits, universities, and other stakeholders keen on enhancing their proficiency in all aspects of the grant cycle.
• Collaborate closely with the DMC Department and the RGP Team to identify resources capable of developing and delivering training programs, workshops, and seminars tailored to researchers and research administrators within the scope of grants.
  
  

Collaboration And Communication

• Foster collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, including principal investigators, departmental administrators, and institutional leadership, to advance grant-related initiatives.
• Liaise with external funding agencies, partners, and collaborators to stay abreast of funding opportunities, policy changes, and industry trends.
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences through written materials, presentations, and one-on-one interactions, tailoring messaging to meet the needs of different stakeholders.
  
  

Qualifications & Technical Job Requirements

• Proficient in planning and scheduling, with a strong technical skill set.
• Demonstrate proficiency in data collection techniques.
• Possesses excellent research and analytical capabilities.
• Exhibits exceptional communication skills, fluently bilingual in English and Spanish, with a strong command of both written and verbal communication.
• Skilled in interpersonal dynamics, presentations, and adept at influencing cooperation and fostering collaboration.
• Capable of prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines.
• Collaborative team player with a knack for providing support and working within diverse teams.
• Adaptable to cross-functional team approaches and responsibilities.
• Possesses a solid grasp of the organization's business and program objectives.
• Proficient computer user, equally adept with various software programs and Internet usage.
• Embraces a "T-shaped" mindset and demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking.
• Dependable and punctual in all endeavors.
• Demonstrates a proven track record of talent and success.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and grant management software platforms (e.g., Grants.gov, or similar systems).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment, fostering a culture of mutual support and innovation.
• Commitment to upholding ethical standards, integrity, and confidentiality in all aspects of grant administration.
  
  

Experience & Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., finance, business administration, public administration, or a scientific discipline). Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in grants administration, research administration, or related field, with a demonstrated understanding of grant processes and compliance requirements.
  
  

Additional Requirements

• During the probation period, the Grants Specialist must be available to work on-site at the office.
• Flexibility to transition to hybrid work arrangements following the probation period.
• Willingness to participate in professional development activities to stay current on grant regulations, best practices, and emerging trends in research funding.
  
  

“The Trust is an equal opportunity employer; we strive to maintain a workplace atmosphere that is free from discrimination. To those ends, the Trust provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, social status, political affiliation, religion, physical or mental disability, veteran status, perceived or real domestic violence victim status, sexual harassment victim status, stalking victim status, and/or any other basis protected by law.”