Position Title: Research and Program Administrator
Reports to: Senior Director of Program & Research
THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTE
The Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce health disparities in Rhode Island and beyond. RIPHI oversees public health programs, conducts research related to population health, and trains students and public health practitioners.
In recent years, RIPHI’s programs have attracted local and national media attention as well as local and national awards for public health innovation. RIPHI owns and operates Open Door Health, the state’s first and only LGBTQ+ community clinic; Open Door Health provides primary care, sexual health care, family planning services, and gender affirming care to Rhode Island’s diverse community. Open Door Health also offers "express STI screening," which allows patients to quickly access STI services. RIPHI also hosts a Ryan White HIV treatment and care program at Open Door Health as well as large HIV prevention programs.
In addition, RIPHI operates Food on the Move, one of the largest mobile produce programs in the country. RIPHI leads Nourish Rhode Island, a coalition advocating for SNAP incentives in grocery stores to promote healthy eating among SNAP recipients. SNAP incentives double the value of the dollar when people buy fresh produce. That campaign led to a statewide program for 140,000 SNAP recipients in Rhode Island; this program doubles the value of the dollar when SNAP recipients buy fresh produce.
In 2024, RIPHI and Open Door Health began a statewide program to integrate primary care with behavioral health services for LGBTQ+ and Latinx populations. This is the first program of its kind in Rhode Island.
RIPHI uses population health data in all of its research, clinical and charitable service programs. RIPHI recently adopted a 5-year strategic plan that includes opening and growing a new research center to support RIPHI’s work to advance population health. In the last year RIPHI has secured over $15 million in grant funding and is looking forward to continuing growing our programs and research portfolio in alignment with RIPHI’s strategic plan.
RIPHI’s rapid and currently growing portfolio also includes programs related to food insecurity, nutrition and active living, hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce HIV transmission, mental health, social determinants of health, geographically focused health interventions, and other efforts to reduce health disparities. To learn more about RIPHI and Open Door Health, visit https://www.riphi.org and www.odhpvd.org.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Research and Programs Grants Administrator who specializes in overseeing grants with an emphasis on grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other Federal grantors. This position plans, develops, monitors and coordinates research administration. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of federal grant processes, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to supporting researchers and ensuring grant compliance. This individual will be tasked with supporting the vision and implementation of RIPHI’s strategic plan, specifically the growth of a new research center. The incumbent will be expected to work collaboratively on all grants administration with clinical and non-clinical team members, the executive team, and research staff. The candidate will be expected to help grow and support the research center during this exciting period of institutional growth.
Responsibilities:
- Grant Application Management: Coordinate the preparation, submission, and tracking of NIH and CDC grant applications, ensuring adherence to agency guidelines and deadlines.
- Budget Oversight: Work closely with researchers to develop and monitor project budgets for NIH and CDC grants, ensuring accuracy and compliance with funding requirements.
- Compliance Assurance: Maintain current knowledge of specific grant regulations and policies, ensuring all projects meet regulatory and reporting requirements. Ability to interpret specific grant requirements to relevant staff and partners.
- Proposal Development Support: Assist researchers in developing strong grant proposals for funding opportunities, providing guidance on content, formatting, and submission procedures.
- Award Management: Manage post-award activities for grants, including grant account setup, expenditure tracking, and reporting to funding agencies and internal stakeholders.
- Communication and Liaison: Serve as the primary liaison between researchers, funding agencies and internal departments, facilitating effective communication and addressing administrative issues.
- Database Management: Maintain comprehensive records of grant applications, awards, and related correspondence using appropriate database systems or tracking tools.
- Training and Support: Provide training and support to researchers on grant application processes, budget management, and compliance requirements.
Requirements:
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Health Sciences, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in research administration, specifically managing NIH and CDC grants.
- Certification in Research Administration (e.g., CRA, CFRA) is a plus.
- Experience with NIH and CDC electronic submission systems (eRA Commons, Grants.gov, etc.).
- Familiarity with grant management software or databases.
Knowledge & Skills
- In-depth knowledge of grant application processes, policies, and procedures, especially NIH and CDC.
- Strong understanding of federal grant regulations and compliance requirements.
- Excellent organizational skills with a keen attention to detail.
- Thorough knowledge of software such as Microsoft Suite products. Ability to learn specific research access programs.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands; balance, stoop, kneel or crouch: and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. As RIPHI operates in a normal patient care environment there is possible exposure to infectious diseases. Hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety precautions.
Work Environment:
Rhode Island Public Health Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage diverse candidates to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, expression or preference, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, socio-economic status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- grant administration: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Providence, RI 02907