Director of Sponsored Research and Foundation Grants

Provost / Dean of Faculty

Manage a high functioning team to identify, realize and steward grant and foundation opportunities aligned with Smith's strategic plan and highest priority needs. Reporting to the Provost and Dean of Faculty, the position will collaborate closely with Alumnae Relations and Development, Finance and Administration, academic and co-curricular departments, centers and programs to match targets of opportunity supporting curricular and co-curricular initiatives, research and scholarly activities, capital projects, and programmatic operations. This role will ensure pre- and post- award management and compliance, and will collaborate with trustees, alumnae, parents and community members to identify foundation and corporate grant opportunities.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Strategy and Program Leadership

• Cultivate vision and strategic roadmaps for institutional grants by identifying new sources of funding, assessing alignment of institutional priorities with potential funders, and collaborating with relevant stakeholders on implementation plans.
• Serve on relevant campus wide strategic planning and priority setting committees that support programming in academic and co-curricular departments, centers and initiatives, and develop additional structures for advancing curricular initiatives. This will include serving as a liaison to the Science Center, the Kahn Liberal Arts Institute, and the Smith Office for the Arts in order to secure fundraising opportunities to advance institutional investments in key areas like global citizenship, arts initiatives, human rights-centered leadership.
• Coordinate efforts with the major curricular and co-curricular centers including the Center for Environment, Ecological Design and Sustainability, Jandon Center for Community Engagement, the Jill Ker Conway Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center, Wurtele Center for Leadership, Lewis Center for Global Studies, and Lazarus Career for Career Development.
• Serve as active member of the Advancement Directors group engaged in strategic planning, supporting the overall philanthropic and alumnae engagement efforts of the college.
• Ensure close collaboration with the Offices of the Provost, Finance and Administration, and Alumnae Relations and Development; creating goals that encompass the needs of all areas.
• Facilitate meetings and information sessions with key partners so all are informed about new and ongoing programs to match potential funding sources with areas of need.

Program Administration

Departmental Leadership

Other Functions

Minimum Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum of 10-12 years of professional experience, proven successful experience with grant writing and grant development across a range of funding opportunities, with a preference for experience in the higher education sector, including 5 years of leadership experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree preferred

Experience in a higher education environment

Required Attachments

In addition to a cover letter and resume, applicants are required to submit a writing sample. Examples of acceptable materials include, but are not limited to :

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position. Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin October 22, 2025

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu. As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.