Remote Research Grant Program Manager

Summary

Join our team as the Research Grant Program Manager, where you will lead GFI's Research Grant Program to advance alternative protein science, overseeing grants management processes and managing a portfolio of grantees. You will work closely with internal teams to identify topic areas for RFPs, manage review processes, and communicate program impacts.

Requirements

• A Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline to alternative proteins (e.g., biology, chemistry, engineering, food science) or equivalent relevant experience with basic technical fluency with the fundamental technologies involved in the production of alternative proteins
• At least 3-5 years of professional experience of funding research using gold-standard peer review processes, preferably in a government research agency
• Prior experience mentoring and developing other team members is preferred
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including exceptional written and verbal persuasion skills, and a demonstrated ability to develop relationships with diverse external stakeholders
• Demonstrated cultural competence and a proven ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, showing sensitivity and respect for different perspectives, values, and customs
• Strong team spirit and open and collaborative instincts
• Strong communication skills including an ability to confidently express ideas, opinions, processes, and needs with respect and professionalism, to ensure that work remains aligned with organizational goals
• Comfort using a range of software such as Grants Management software required; experience using Airtable, Google Sheets, Asana, and other similar tools preferred
• A strategic and analytical mind; with the team, you will be responsible for selecting the highest-impact initiatives to maximize impact in alternative protein research funding
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to organize, summarize, and maintain quantitative and qualitative information
• Self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and in concert with a larger group
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels like they belong
• Comfort working remotely and in a rapidly growing and evolving organization
• Strong support for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in plant-based & other alt proteins, public health, environmentalism, climate change, animal protection, or hunger relief
• A commitment to GFI’s values: believe change is possible, do the most good we can, share knowledge freely, act on evidence, and invite everyone to the table

Responsibilities

• Working internally within the Science and Technology (SciTech) department to identify topic areas for each year's RFP that are appropriate for our Field Catalyst awards and complement other streams of research funding activity
• Managing and delivering GFI’s Field Catalyst funding through a rigorous internal and external review process
• Overseeing process improvements to our internal systems for managing our grants program, including through our grants management platform
• Managing and supporting GFI’s grantee cohort as they deliver their grants and assisting them as necessary with grant-related issues
• Communicating the impacts of the program, by working closely with our SciTech, Communications, and Development teams
• Preparing monthly and ad hoc reports of grant-related information as requested by GFI leadership
• Creating efficient operational systems for all parts of the grant management life cycle, including implementing and maintaining a grant management software platform
• Overseeing the integrity of GFI’s Research Grant Program by ensuring data is complete, accurate, and up-to-date
• Partnering with GFI’s Legal and Finance teams to secure research agreements from grantees and award grant funds
• Managing the Research Grant Program Coordinator with potential for additional direct reports in the future
• Performing other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Working from home
• Full medical coverage
• Optional dental and vision packages
• A 401(k) plan with employer match
• Flexible holiday and vacation plans
• Lifestyle spending account
• Opportunity for advancement
• Respectful managers, and supportive colleagues