Grant Project Assistant, Theological Integration Center (ThInC)

Job description

Grand Canyon University! One of Arizona’s leading institutions of higher learning. Located in the Valley of Sun in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, GCU is an institutionally accredited, private, nondenominational Christian University. The Grant Project Assistant will provide day-to-day operational and administrative support to the Executive Director of the Theological Interdisciplinary Center (ThInC), helping implement a four-year, $1,000,000 initiative to facilitate and support faith integration at GCU. The position will manage schedules and meetings, coordinate communication across colleges, and support logistics for ThInC events, travel, and programming while tracking progress toward project goals. The Assistant will also maintain project materials and records and help launch the ThInC Advisory Board and other initiatives of the Center. This 12-month position also entails responsibility for event planning and coordination, program-related communications, and assistance with networking and donor cultivation. The Theological Interdisciplinary Center (ThInC) within the GCU College of Theology will serve as a permanent institutional hub that integrates the Christian worldview across all academic disciplines with the outcome of establishing GCU as a national leader in interdisciplinary, Christian higher education. ThInC is funded by a grant that entails a goal of creating an endowment sufficient to sustain the work of the Center in perpetuity. This position will provide capacity and oversight during the duration of the grant term. The grant commitment dates are Aug 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029. Location: Main Campus Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm Benefits: Full benefits portfolio including tuition package What You Will Do: Provide direct administrative support to the Executive Director (prioritize tasks, manage correspondence, and keep workstreams moving across the grant period). Coordinate calendars, meetings, agendas, and notes for the Center’s Executive Director, internal working groups, and grant-related partners. Processes and prepares institutional data and reports in compliance with required grant reporting. Support development and launch of the ThInC Advisory Board, including scheduling, materials prep, and documentation of actions/follow-ups. Coordinate cross-college communication and collaboration to support interdisciplinary faith integration efforts connected to ThInC. Plan and execute events and programming for the Center, including speaker coordination, space/technology needs, hospitality, and travel coordination when applicable. Manages CRM data for potential donors and advisory board members. Manage content, communications, and interactions for relevant webpages, social media, and email campaigns in support of Center initiatives. Track progress toward grant activities and outcomes by collecting updates, documenting milestones, and flagging risks or delays for the Executive Director. Maintain organized grant and program records (project files, contact lists, event documentation, outputs/products, and other required documentation). Assist with annual grant reporting requirements by compiling drafts and supporting documentation for required narrative and financial reports (including tracking how funds were used and what was accomplished). Support budget/expense tracking and grant compliance practices, including maintaining documentation needed for expenditures and reimbursements tied to grant-funded activities. Support implementation of key ThInC initiatives outlined in the proposal (e.g., faculty/staff development and other planned activities), coordinating logistics and communications to ensure timely execution. Serve as a first point of contact for routine inquiries from faculty, staff, speakers, and partners; route requests to the Executive Director and ensure timely follow-up. Tracks and records grant-related expenses in support of Program Director, Barnabas events, invited speakers, church relations efforts, and training initiatives. Assist with drafting and distributing announcements, invitations, event reminders, and internal updates tied to ThInC activities and grant deliverables. Help build simple workflows and tracking tools (e.g., shared timelines, task trackers, templates) to improve consistency in scheduling, documentation, and reporting. Other duties as assigned. What You Will Have: Bachelor’s Degree in a discipline related to theological studies is preferred, but other baccalaureate degrees may be acceptable pending relevant experience. Work experience in an educational environment supporting theological and ministerial studies or church-based ministerial experience. Must be able to sign and teach in accordance with the university’s Doctrinal Statement, Ethical Positions Statement and the College of Theology Covenant. Must pass pre-employment background investigations. Why work at GCU: Exceptional workplace benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a 401K savings plan Generous time off plan and 11 paid holidays Paid time off to volunteer in the community or at GCU sponsored events We also offer full-time employees, their spouses, and dependent children an Education Tuition Discount Program #INDLOPESUP