Job Overview

The Continuity Planning and Grants Specialist plays a critical role in enhancing the University’s operational resilience and expanding its funding capacity for Public Safety, Student Affairs, and student-led initiatives. Effective collaboration between these departments fosters a comprehensive approach to student success—integrating safety, engagement, and advocacy. The partnership succeeds through aligned goals, transparent communication, and a united commitment to nurturing a safe and well-connected campus community.  

Under the direction of the Director of EMA/Business Continuity this position is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of department and integrated continuity plans to ensure University-wide preparedness, response, and recovery from disruptions. In parallel, the role identifies and secures external funding opportunities by managing the full lifecycle of grant writing and compliance. Serving as a strategic liaison among departments, this position fosters cross-functional collaboration and ensures that all efforts align with the University’s mission, priorities and compliance standards.

This position requires regular on-site presence, with remote work approved only in limited circumstances.
 

Essential Functions

Business Continuity Planning

• Responsible for the development, implementation, and ongoing management of comprehensive business continuity plans to ensure preparedness, rapid response, and efficient recovery from operational disruptions. 
• Conduct in-depth risk assessments, business impact analyses, and scenario-based planning to identify vulnerabilities and develop mitigation strategies for critical academic and administrative functions. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders—including Public Safety, IT, Facilities, Student Affairs, and academic departments—to ensure continuity requirements are aligned with institutional goals and industry best practices. 
• Design and facilitate engaging training sessions and workshops for faculty, staff, and student leaders to promote continuity awareness, emergency preparedness, and response capabilities. 
• Coordinate and lead periodic testing of continuity plans through functional drills and tabletop exercises; analyze results and revise protocols based on findings and feedback. 
• Develop continuity documentation, maintain version control, and oversee regular plan audits to support regulatory compliance, accreditation standards, and strategic risk management. 
• Monitor emerging threats and trends in higher education and emergency management to proactively evolve continuity planning strategies. 

Grant Writing and Funding Acquisition  

• Identify, research, and evaluate grant funding opportunities from federal, state, and private sources to support university initiatives in public safety, student affairs, and student-led programming. 
• Prepare and submit persuasive, high-quality grant proposals and support documentation, ensuring alignment with both funder guidelines and University priorities. 
• Manage all stages of the grant application lifecycle, including coordinating with relevant departments, gathering necessary data, preparing budgets, and tracking deadlines. 
• Build and maintain positive relationships with grant-making entities; represent the University in communications with funding agencies and partners. 
• Track outcomes and impact of awarded grants; manage required reporting and ensure compliance with all applicable terms and conditions. 
• Utilize University-sponsored research systems (SRS) and Kuali grant software to streamline submissions and maintain accurate records. 

Relationships and Communciation  

• Serve as a key liaison between Public Safety, Student Affairs, and other administrative units to support integrated planning and cohesive responses to continuity and funding needs.
• Provide strategic and technical guidance to student groups on identifying funding sources and managing awarded funds responsibly and effectively.
• Develop and deliver reports, presentations, and executive summaries to university leadership and other stakeholders to communicate progress, insights, and outcomes of continuity and grant-related efforts.

Perform related duties basedd on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Required Experience

• Eight  (8)  years of professional experience in business continuity planning, emergency management, risk assessment, or a closely related field. 
• Strong understanding of business impact analysis (BIA), risk assessments, and continuity planning methodologies. 
• Experience conducting tabletop exercises, trainings, or emergency preparedness workshops. 
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to draft technical documentation and deliver presentations to varied audiences. 
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and with a variety of stakeholders. 

Additional Qualifications Considered

• Master’s degree in emergency management, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field. 
• Certifications such as Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP), Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), or related training. 
• Experience in a higher education environment, with knowledge of academic operations and student affairs. 
• Demonstrated experience researching, writing, and managing grant proposals for public, private, or institutional funding sources. 
• Prior success securing and managing federal or state-level grants (e.g., FEMA, DOJ, DOE). 
• Familiarity with grant management systems, particularly Kuali or similar University-sponsored research systems (SRS). 
• Familiarity with incident management systems, crisis communication protocols, and risk mitigation strategies specific to educational institutions. 
   

Physical Requirements/Work Environment