Grant Writing Specialist - Dept; s of Student Health and Wellness, and Emergency Medicine

Grant Writing Specialist – Administrative support for grant development and related activities for the Departments of Student Health & Wellness (SHW) and Emergency Medicine Research (EMED), including the Critical Incident Analysis Group (CIAG). This position may be eligible for flex‑work in a hybrid environment with an option to work remotely for up to two days per week. Specialists will be required to report on‑site full time until all onboarding and training has been completed and the candidate is able to work independently.

The University of Virginia is a renowned academic health system committed to advancing the health and wellbeing of students and the broader community through high‑quality research and service. The Grant Writing Specialist will support this mission by enhancing grant acquisition and management.

• Lead the preparation of grant applications across all phases—including specific aims, research strategy, budget and budget justification, biosketches, letters of support, and all required attachments—for federal, state, and private foundation funding mechanisms.
• Translate scientific concepts from investigators into clear, compelling narratives tailored to sponsor priorities and review criteria.
• Develop and maintain grant timelines and submission checklists; coordinate internal deadlines with UVA Sponsored Programs (SPA), SHW leadership, and CIAG leadership.
• Conduct pre‑submission reviews to ensure responsiveness to program announcements (PAs, RFAs, NOFOs) and compliance with sponsor guidelines.
• Draft and revise resubmission applications incorporating reviewer feedback, with particular attention to structured rebuttals.
• Write contract proposals, cooperative agreement applications, and sub‑award narratives as required.

• Proactively monitor federal and foundation funding landscapes to identify opportunities aligned with SHW and CIAG's missions.
• Conduct sponsor research and prepare briefing summaries for leadership, including analysis of funding priorities, award history, and competitive landscape.
• Support the development of both departments' multi‑year research development strategies, fostering focused and collaborative research.
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with external investigators, community organizations, and health systems to strengthen grant applications.

• Draft progress reports, continuation applications, and no‑cost extension requests for active awards.
• Support the preparation of annual reports to funders, including narrative sections describing accomplishments, outputs, and challenges.
• Assist with IRB correspondence and research protocol narratives as needed.

• Maintain a grants calendar and pipeline tracker for all submissions and active awards.
• Coordinate with UVA’s Office of Sponsored Programs, Office of Research, and departmental research business administrators to ensure timely and compliant submissions.
• Support preparation of manuscripts, white papers, policy briefs, and presentations that evolve from funded work.
• Contribute to SHW and CIAG communications, including website content and annual reports, to strengthen the program’s public profile and grant credibility.
• Other functions and duties as assigned.

• Grants and Contracts Professional 3:
  Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Grants and Contracts Professional 4:
  Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and at least five years of relevant grant and contract or research administration experience, or four additional years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• Physical demands:
  Primary sedentary work on desktop computers; occasional short travel for meetings.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public health, health sciences, social sciences, communications, or a related field.
• Work experience in a Grants and Contracts or Research Administration role within a university medical system or higher education environment.
• Research…