Research & Sponsored Programs

Available Position

Sponsored Programs Assistant

The RSP Graduate Assistant supports the University’s efforts to find, prepare and manage grant proposals and funded projects on behalf of faculty and staff. This position plays a central role in monitoring incoming inquiries, routing requests appropriately and ensuring timely follow-up. The assistant will also be responsible for clerical tasks, data entry, research, editing and writing, and will be expected to quickly learn and utilize a variety of technology platforms and software tools to support the office’s work. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, engaged and adaptable.

  • Full-Time (35 hours/week)
  • Compensation: $30,000 stipend

Dates

August 1, 2025 - August 1, 2026

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

  • Monitor RSP inboxes and customer support management platforms to ensure that all inquiries are routed appropriately and handled in a timely and professional manner
  • Perform general clerical duties, including answering phones, providing information, routing calls and managing incoming and outgoing mail
  • Create, maintain, and update grant files and official records, using Cayuse, SharePoint, Dropbox and other cloud-based systems
  • Support the Pre-Award Team with grant opportunity prospecting and management using tools such as Pivot, Grants.gov, Foundation Center and the Internet. Create briefs for complex opportunities to share with faculty and other grant seekers
  • Compiles and formats data and reports, and assists in the creation of annual reports, monthly reports, presentations, and other publications
  • Assist with updates to RSP webpages as needed
  • Collaborate with the RSP team to draft and distribute a monthly newsletter using Constant Contact
  • Support bookkeeping tasks such as monitoring expenditures, reconciling accounts, and assisting with tracking and processing payments
  • Support Post Award Team with business office transactions including payment processing, journal entries, etc
  • Generate reports, correspondence, presentation materials, spreadsheets and graphics and other similar materials
  • Edit and proofread materials for accuracy and clarity, including correspondence, proposals and reports
  • Undertake special projects and assignments as directed
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Knowledge & Skills Needs

  • Bachelor’s degree and current enrollment in a graduate program at Sacred Heart University
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), internet research and web publishing tools
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and effectively use technology platforms and grant-related software (e.g., Pivot, FDO, Grants.gov, Cayuse). Training will be provided
  • Self-starter with strong motivation and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • Excellent writing, proofreading and copyediting skills, with comfort working with budgets and spreadsheets
  • Exceptional attention to detail; strong organizational, time management, customer service and project coordination skills
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills and a positive, proactive approach to problem-solving
  • A genuine interest in research and a commitment to supporting the educational mission of the University

Apply

For more information, or to apply, contact Funda Alp at alpf1@sacredheart.edu.