Grants Administrator

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This range is provided by Simons Foundation. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$75,000.00/yr - $80,000.00/yr

The Simons Foundation (SF) Grants Administrator is responsible for providing administrative support for pre‑ and post‑award activities for their assigned portfolio of grants. This position is currently assigned to the Life Sciences portfolio; this is subject to change based on departmental needs. The Grants Administrator will work closely with applicants, grantees, and program staff and will be a key resource on the foundation’s grantmaking practices.

The role requires a thorough understanding of foundation policies, procedures, and program‑specific requirements as well as the ability to communicate them clearly. The Grants Administrator will also be expected to develop expertise in the Simons Award Manager (SAM), the foundation’s grants management system. This role requires independent work, long‑term ownership of grantmaking processes, and the ability to cultivate strong working relationships, both internally and externally.

The Grants Administrator reports to the Senior Grants Manager of Life Sciences.

This position is a full‑time position based on‑site at the Simons Foundation’s New York City offices. Visit the Simons Foundation career page to learn more.

• Responds to inquiries from applicants, grantees, and institution administrators, translating complex grant requirements into clear, actionable guidance while clearly communicating SF policies and procedures. Exercises judgment in determining when to elevate issues.
• Runs the request for applications (RFA) processes for streamlined award types/RFAs, as needed.
• Aids in the creation and maintenance of all program templates.
• Reviews all letters of intent (LOI) and full application materials for compliance with SF policies and program requirements, directly requesting revisions from applicants as needed.
• Provides administrative support for internal and external grant reviews.
• Monitors international grants for compliance; completes annual international award verifications and coordinates equivalency determinations.
• Assists with the processing of award letters and other notifications, and with activation of awards.
• Supports the grants management system (SAM) by troubleshooting user issues, assisting with onboarding and training of new users and maintaining award records.
• Manages the grant deliverables process, including sending reminders, tracking submissions, providing first‑tier review of deliverables and, in some cases, manages the final‑tier review and approval of financial statements. Flags areas for review and works to resolve issues or elevate to the Senior Grants Manager.
• Manages the award closeout process.
• Coordinates directly with internal program and scientific managers throughout the grant life cycle.
• Prepares deliverable and portfolio analysis reports as needed.
• Contributes to the development, organization, and ongoing refinement of grants team policies, processes, and SOPs; continuously evaluates existing procedures and collaborates with the Senior Grants Manager to recommend improvements.
• Actively manages competing priorities to balance responsibilities and complete assignments in a timely fashion.
• Performs any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Education

Experience

• At least 2 years of full‑time administrative experience
• Previous experience in grants or in sponsored projects administration is ideal.
• Experience creating or maintaining written documentation, training materials, or user communications preferred.
• Knowledge of Smart Simple or related grants management system is a plus.

• Outstanding interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational, time and workflow management skills. Must be able to prioritize, multitask and meet competing deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail and task follow‑through
• Demonstrates good judgment, discretion and sound…