This same question recently came up in the not-for-profit healthcare sector,
when a colleague was seeking sample position descriptions for a "grant
writer" position at a community hospital. I provided her with the
information I have cut-and-pasted below.

----------------------------------------------------
Molly Daniel
Grants Specialist
Planning Department
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center
1000 Health Center Drive
Mattoon, IL  61938
tel. 217.258.2195
fax 217.258.4135
email: xxxxxx@sblhs.org
http://www.sarahbush.org

Grant Writer vs. Grant Administrator?

If you are seeking someone who is more than a technical writer (understands
the implications of grant-funded obligations to your institution and helps
you navigate the maze of federal regulations), I would recommend including
the following language in the skills/responsibilities for the position. You
will be more successful in hiring for this kind of person if you do not use
the job title Grant Writer, which implies that you are seeking only the
writing skill and not the ability to help your organization manage the
issues that come with grant funding (particularly grants from government
agencies). Alternative job titles are Grants Specialist, Sponsored Programs
Development Specialist.

One other note: the area of the academic specialty is less important than
good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with
others to identify clear project descriptions. I am acquainted with persons
from many different academic backgrounds who are successful in proposal
preparation and post-award grant management. Degrees in English, Journalism,
Marketing, or social sciences would also be applicable.

--- suggested language for a position description ---

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1.	Bachelor's degree in Business, Healthcare Administration,
Communications, Public Administration or related field required.
2.	Three years professional experience in pre- and post-award grant
preparation and administration required.  Demonstrated success in proposal
development, computer use, and record maintenance required.
3.	Applicant must have the ability to maintain precision in working
with details, strong problem-solving skills, ability to work well under
deadlines with minimal supervision, ability to understand broad concepts and
work collaboratively with partner organizations.
4.	Applicant must have working knowledge of federal circulars which
govern federal research expenditures. Excellent writing and verbal skills
are essential. Experience with budgeting and budget development and an
understanding of grant accounting, management, processing and reporting are
preferred.
5.	Experience in a healthcare environment preferred.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.	Conducts research on potential funding sources pertinent to the
objectives of the [organization name].
2.	Remains current on sources for grants including governmental
sources, corporate sponsors, private foundations, vendors and suppliers.
3.	Works with departments, physicians and community partners to plan
projects for grant funding.  Works with project personnel to establish
goals, objectives, expected outcomes, and a detailed budget.
4.	Discusses and clarifies organizational responsibilities and
commitments proposed for sponsored programs funding and obtains approval
from appropriate senior leaders prior to proposal submission. Writes,
prepares and submits innovative and competitive grant proposals,
solicitation letters and other required documentation.
5.	Provides access to and assists project directors and others in
interpreting state, federal, and private funding agency guidelines; provides
information for senior leadership regarding assurances of compliance with
state and federal regulations.
6.	Reviews grant award agreements for accuracy, organizational
commitments, and alerts senior leaders to conflicts with organizational
policy or other potential post-award issues. Suggests revisions to
agreements when appropriate.
7.	Serves as a liaison between [organization] and funding agencies to
provide post-award grant administration support. Assists project directors
with the initiation of new grant awards. Coordinates with the
[organization's] Accounting Department to provide accurate information on
the approved budget of record for grant awards.
8.	Tracks and measures grant projects and funds. Provides reports and
follow-up with funding sources in accordance with the guidelines of the
funding agency.
9.	Prepares reports for the [organization's] Board of Directors.
10.	Networks locally, regionally, and nationally to remain current on
sources in the field of grants.  Is active in professional associations in
the field of grants and fund raising.  Keeps current with publications
pertinent to grantsmanship or fund raising.

--- end ---

-----Original Message-----
From: Alpha Anderson Delap [mailto:xxxxxx@U.WASHINGTON.EDU]
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2005 6:46 PM
To: xxxxxx@HRINET.ORG
Subject: Re: [RESADM-L] Grant Writer

If you have a grant/proposal writer on staff, would you mind sending me
a job description and pay range to: xxxxxx@u.washington.edu? I would be
most grateful. Thanks. - Alpha DeLap, University of Washington

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