Grants are at the heart of academic research and development. They fuel the capacity of institutions to innovate, explore new ideas, and drive social transformation. At Strathmore University Business School, we recognize the strategic importance of grants in supporting scholarly activities, expanding collaborative networks, and delivering impactful community-oriented outcomes.
The Associate Director, Grants will play a pivotal role in managing the entire grant lifecycle—from identifying funding opportunities and assisting in application processes to ensuring compliance and effective management of awarded grants. The successful candidate will be instrumental in growing the grants portfolio, establishing robust research partnerships, and strengthening administrative processes across SBS’s diverse research entities.
This role is ideal for a driven, strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the research grants landscape and a passion for supporting academic excellence.
Job Description: Associate Director, Grants
Basic Job Summary
The Associate Director, Grants will be responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational aspects of grants management at SBS. This includes sourcing funding, managing applications, ensuring regulatory compliance, tracking grant implementation, and fostering external partnerships to support research growth and development. The role demands close collaboration with research entities, the finance office, and key stakeholders both within and outside the university.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Grant Strategy and Portfolio Growth
- Develop and execute strategies aimed at increasing financial support for SBS through grants from private/corporate foundations, NGOs, and government agencies.
- Work proactively with research entities to guide and support the grant application process—this includes setting clear timelines, coordinating submission materials, and identifying suitable Principal Investigators (PIs).
- Foster collaborations both internally and externally to enhance chances of securing competitive funding.
- Align grant applications with institutional strategic priorities and facilitate scholarly activities by providing technical assistance in proposal development.
- Continuously research and track potential grant opportunities, engaging relevant SBS departments to prepare competitive submissions.
- Prepare, review, and edit proposals submitted by SBS research entities to ensure alignment with funder requirements and SBS standards.
2. Research Partnerships
- Build and maintain robust partnerships with research institutions, industry stakeholders, and funding bodies to enhance access to research funding.
- Represent SBS at relevant forums, conferences, and collaborative networks to promote research initiatives and explore new funding avenues.
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing platforms between SBS and external stakeholders to maximize research impact and visibility.
3. Grant Management
- Collaborate closely with the finance department to create and manage grant budgets, ensuring resources are allocated and utilized effectively.
- Monitor the progress of approved grants and ensure timely reporting to funders, working through PIs for the submission of quarterly, annual, and final reports.
- Identify administrative needs within research entities and ensure the provision of adequate support to facilitate grant implementation.
- Oversee the maintenance and updating of the grants system, ensuring that data integrity, accuracy, and compliance are maintained throughout the grant lifecycle.
- Promote best practices in grant management and build capacity within SBS for effective grants handling.
Job Requirements
- Master’s degree in Social Sciences.
- Minimum of five (5) years of work-related experience in a similar role.
- Deep understanding of the research grants landscape, particularly in academic or non-profit sectors.
- Demonstrated experience in managing grants—from application to reporting.
- Training in management is considered an added advantage.
Key Competencies and Attributes
To thrive in this role, the ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:
- Coaching and Developing Others: Ability to support and mentor staff and researchers through the grant process.
- Operational Decision Making: Skilled in making informed, strategic decisions that positively impact SBS’s research direction.
- Entrepreneurship and Business Savvy: A forward-thinking approach to identifying opportunities and securing funding to support innovation.
- Passion for Results: High level of motivation to achieve and exceed grant targets and support research excellence.
- Leading Change and Teams: Ability to inspire, lead, and manage cross-functional teams in a dynamic academic setting.
- Establishing Strategic Direction: Competence in aligning grant activities with SBS’s broader strategic goals.
Why Join Strathmore University Business School?
At SBS, we foster a collaborative, innovative, and purpose-driven work environment. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:
- The opportunity to work alongside thought leaders and world-class researchers.
- Access to professional development and training opportunities.
- An inclusive, supportive culture that values ethical leadership and impact-driven research.
- The chance to make a tangible difference in shaping the future of business, policy, and society through groundbreaking academic work.
How to Apply
Are you ready to take on this exciting challenge and help Strathmore University Business School grow its research and innovation portfolio?
We want to hear from you!
Kindly send your updated resume and a letter of application (ONLY) quoting “Associate Director, Grants” in the subject line to:
Deadline: Friday, 30th May 2025 at 5:30 PM
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Strathmore University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not ask for any form of payment during the recruitment process. Please remain vigilant against fraud.
