Lead Strategic Funding Initiatives as the Director of Sponsored Programs at CWI!

Are you passionate about securing resources that expand educational opportunities and drive institutional growth? The College of Western Idaho (CWI) is seeking a Director of Sponsored Programs to provide strategic leadership for the development, management, and growth of grants and sponsored programs across the college.

In this role, you'll serve as CWI’s primary resource for grant development and sponsored program administration, working collaboratively with faculty, staff, leadership, funding agencies, and community partners to identify opportunities, secure funding, and ensure successful grant operations that advance the college's mission and strategic priorities.

Why Join CWI?

CWI's commitment to student success, workforce development, and community impact is strengthened through grants and sponsored programs that support innovation and growth. As the Director of Sponsored Programs, you'll play a key leadership role in expanding funding opportunities, developing institutional partnerships, and helping bring transformative initiatives to life across the college.

Benefits:

CWI offers one of the most affordable and comprehensive benefits packages in higher education, including:

• Premium healthcare plans
• 11%+ employer retirement contributions
• Tuition discounts
• Generous personal leave
• Professional development opportunities

Strategic Grant Leadership & Funding Development:

• Lead the college's comprehensive grants and sponsored programs strategy
• Develop and implement approaches that increase grant success rates and expand funding opportunities
• Identify prospective funding sources that align with institutional priorities and strategic goals
• Manage a portfolio of prospective funders and cultivate opportunities for future funding
• Serve as a strategic advisor to college leadership regarding grants and sponsored program opportunities
• Recommend policies, procedures, and best practices that optimize grant management and institutional effectiveness

Grant Development & Proposal Management:

• Serve as the primary liaison and resource for faculty, staff, administrators, and project teams pursuing grant opportunities
• Oversee the development, writing, review, and submission of grant proposals and sponsored program applications
• Collaborate with Project Directors and Principal Investigators (PIs) throughout the proposal development process
• Review and approve grant applications, presentations, and submission materials prior to final approval
• Make recommendations to the Provost regarding grant and sponsored program applications
• Support high-quality, competitive proposals that align with institutional objectives and funder requirements

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external funding agencies, donors, and community partners
• Serve as the key point of contact between the college and sponsoring organizations
• Collaborate with departments across campus to identify funding opportunities and support project development
• Ensure campus stakeholders understand grant opportunities, expectations, responsibilities, and compliance requirements
• Partner with leadership to align sponsored projects with institutional priorities

Budget Development, Compliance & Grant Administration:

• Coordinate with the Business Office and Project Directors to develop grant budgets and financial plans
• Support monitoring of active grant expenditures and project budgets
• Collaborate with post-award staff on financial and programmatic reporting requirements
• Monitor compliance with federal, state, private, and institutional grant regulations
• Stay current on funding agency requirements, federal regulations, and best practices related to sponsored programs
• Support effective stewardship of grant resources and institutional accountability

Foundation & External Partnership Support:

• Partner with the CWI Foundation on grant and funding initiatives
• Review Foundation grant proposals and provide guidance prior to submission
• Support collaborative fundraising and sponsored program efforts that strengthen institutional capacity
• Assist with strategic partnership development and external funding relationships

Team Leadership & Operational Excellence:

• Supervise and support members of the Grants and Sponsored Programs team
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing, and service-oriented team culture
• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development opportunities for staff
• Establish priorities, goals, and performance expectations that support departmental success
• Promote continuous improvement and operational effectiveness across sponsored programs activities

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Significant experience in grant writing, grants management, sponsored programs administration, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and private grant compliance, reporting, and monitoring requirements
• Demonstrated success identifying, developing, and securing grant funding opportunities
• Experience managing complex projects and coordinating multiple stakeholders
• Excellent research, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to guide and develop team members
• Experience utilizing grant management software and related systems