Operations Project Manager - Grant Writing

Operations Project Manager - Grant Writing

The Operations Project Manager plays a key role in advancing the mission and strategic priorities of the University of Utah's Division of Student Health & Wellness (SH&W). This position merges strategic grant development with comprehensive project management, supporting initiatives that strengthen student well-being, mental health, and cross-campus collaboration.

Under the direction of the Associate Vice President for Student Health & Wellness, this position is responsible for identifying and securing external funding opportunities, managing proposal submissions and compliance requirements, and coordinating divisional projects to ensure alignment with institutional goals and timelines. This position will work collaboratively with the AVP of Student Health and Wellness and Manager, H&W Strategic Initiatives, and other wellness colleagues to ensure successful procurement of grants and execution of projects and initiatives to support student health and wellness departments (i.e., University Counseling Center, Center for Campus Wellness, Student Health Center, Financial Wellness Center, Center for Disability & Access, and Center for Recreation Services). This position calls for the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing projects in a fast-paced environment and the capacity to navigate ambiguity.

The role requires strong writing, organizational, and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with internal departments, community partners, and external funders. The AVP of Student Health and Wellness works with sensitive situations and discretion and awareness of HIPPA & FERPA are required.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah at benefits.utah.edu.

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Grant Development & Management (50%)

Research, identify, and evaluate grant opportunities from federal, state, foundation, and corporate sources aligned with SH&W's mission and goals.

Write, edit, and prepare compelling proposals, concept papers, and letters of intent in coordination with university offices.

Develop proposal budgets and justifications in partnership with finance staff.

Track proposal timelines, submission requirements, and post-award deliverables.

Coordinate data collection and evaluation metrics for funded projects; prepare interim and final grant reports.

Maintain a centralized database of proposals, awards, outcomes, and funding analytics to inform divisional strategy.

Ensure compliance with sponsor, university, and federal regulations.

Project & Program Management (50%)

Plan, organize, and manage internal operational and non-technical projects from initiation through delivery.

Define objectives, scope, timelines, and deliverables; establish success criteria and monitor progress.

Collaborate across SH&W departments to ensure project milestones and outcomes are achieved on time and within budget.

Support the AVP -SH&W with implementation of strategic initiatives, dashboards, and divisional reporting.

Lead project meetings, maintain documentation, and track action items using project management tools.

Communicate updates, outcomes, and potential risks to leadership and stakeholders.

Facilitate post-project reviews and knowledge-sharing to improve divisional efficiency and effectiveness.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Demonstrated success in grant proposal writing and management, preferably in higher education, health, or nonprofit settings.

Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills.

Knowledge of budgeting, reporting, and compliance requirements for grants.

Ability to translate complex ideas into clear, persuasive narratives.

Commitment to principles of equity, inclusion, and wellness in higher education.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management platforms.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example : bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels :

Operations Project Manager, I : Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master's (or equivalency) degree.

Operations Project Manager, II : Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Type Benefited Staff

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students.

Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director / Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action :

Director / Title IX Coordinator

Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO / AA)

383 University Street, Level 1 OEO Suite

Salt Lake City, UT 84112

801-581-8365

oeo@utah.edu

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

For more information :

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and / or drug screen.

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