Grant administration often requires specialized training.
Grant (or contract) administrators are responsible for complying with all of the requirements listed in a given grant contract. This includes data collection and analysis, report writing and adhering to budget guidelines. In smaller facilities, grant administrators are also often required to research grant opportunities and complete grant applications in addition to their other duties.
Education
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, managers of complex services, such as grant contracts, need at least a bachelor's degree. Preferred majors include business administration, human resources or accounting. If grant writing is an important part of the job, successful grant writing experience may substitute for some education.
Specialized Training
The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs offers grant administrator certification in conjunction with Ball Sate University in order to increase the effectiveness of their grants programs. Because of the specialized work required in different grant focus areas, some on-the job training is usually required. Government entities, such as Housing and Urban Development and the U.S, Department of Education, regularly provide free training and technical support to grant administrators who are managing grants from their agencies.
Considerations
Substantial government grants require administrators to attend technical trainings before and during the grant period. This training is usually mandatory and is supplied at no charge by the granting agency. Because each government agency has different rules for compliance, they prefer to train administrators in the specific compliance requirements of the grant they have awarded.
Tags: grant administrators, grant writing, training usually
