Grants Administrator – Research Funding Management

About the role

The Grants Administrator will lead the administration and technical support of donor‑funded research and institutional projects at the American University of Nigeria. Reporting directly to the President, the role ensures effective grant preparation, submission, and management while maintaining compliance with donor regulations.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals, including budgeting, documentation, and compliance with corporate donor reporting standards.
• Maintain spreadsheets, databases, and paper files to track grant expenses and monitor financial and technical implementation against approved plans.
• Provide stewardship to donors through regular written updates, newsletters, and progress reports.
• Guide faculty and staff in developing research proposals, contracts, sub‑contracts, and budgets, and serve as liaison between the university and funding agencies.
• Analyze grant budgets for accurate calculation of expenditures, indirect costs, and equipment needs, and negotiate terms of pre‑award and post‑award agreements.

Required profile

• Minimum five years of experience writing and managing research grants in a higher‑education setting.
• Proven ability to work with culturally diverse students, faculty, and staff and to provide high‑quality administrative leadership.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and conflict‑resolution skills in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities, with a high degree of integrity and confidentiality.