Grants Manager - Research Development

Advance research that makes a difference.

Des Moines University is seeking a collaborative and proactive Grants Manager – Research Development to help grow and strengthen our externally funded research portfolio. In this faculty-facing role, you will partner closely with investigators and research leadership to identify funding opportunities, support competitive proposals, and guide projects through the full lifecycle of sponsored programs—from concept to closeout. Your work will directly contribute to increasing both the volume and quality of grant activity across the University, while ensuring compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.

• →Identify and disseminate funding opportunities while partnering with faculty to move proposals from concept through submission.
• →Provide hands-on proposal development support, including writing, editing, budgeting, and assembling compliant application materials.
• →Ensure timely, accurate, and fully compliant proposal submissions; coordinate with subaward partners and respond to sponsor follow-ups.
• →Support research development by aligning faculty interests with funding opportunities and prioritizing high-impact proposals.
• →Oversee post-award administration, including budget monitoring, subaward management, reporting, and sponsor communication.
• →Review and coordinate research agreements and ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance).
• →Maintain proposal and award data, prepare institutional reports, and deliver training and guidance on grants systems and processes.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., Master’s or PhD in a relevant field) preferred.
• Three to five years of experience as a grant’s administrator, research support or related professional experience is required.
• Demonstrated progressive experience providing advanced research planning and proposal writing in industry or academia.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial principles and methods associated with grants and contracts.
• Experience supporting proposal development and submission processes.
• Experience interpreting and/or providing consultation to others regarding federal financial regulations.
• Ability to administer contracts and subawards, including negotiating terms and ensuring compliance with federal and institutional regulations.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred or willingness to obtain within a year.

*To see the full job description go to Position Description at the bottom of this posting.

Des Moines University offers competitive salaries. For this position, we anticipate a starting salary in the mid-$70,000s to upper $80,000s. Final compensation will be commensurate with the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well!  Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution towards the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit www.dmu.edu/employment to learn more about our benefits. 

DMU is proud to offer employees generous benefits and perks, paid time off, free use of wellness facilities, and a host of employee engagement and recognition programs throughout the year.

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges– College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences – offering ten graduate degree programs.

Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

It is an exciting time to join DMU. In 2023, we relocated our primary academic and operational offices to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, while maintaining an active clinic on our former campus. This state-of-the-art campus includes technology-rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Our new research facilities include a vibrant and spacious open laboratory, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

DMU enhances our community’s quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community.

At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.

Resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at www.dmu.edu/employment.

Position Description

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