Charlotte Kiewiet of Research and Sponsored Programs never looked for a job monitoring other people's money. "I just sort of slid into it," she said. Before coming to Montclair State nearly eight years ago, Charlotte oversaw the expenditures of Cooperative Education grants at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Today she not only monitors grant money, she also plays the roles of editor, writer and teacher. But at home she plays banjo and guitar.
"Research and Sponsored Programs handles all grant proposals," she explained. With approximately 60 external and 250 internal proposals a year, Charlotte has her hands full. She distributes information regarding requirements for proposals and produces a grant newsletter for all full-time faculty members three times a year.
"We're involved in each step of the process," she said. "I like to talk with faculty who are submitting proposals to help them focus on their goals." In addition to editing and proofreading proposals, Charlotte confirms that the budget will support the activities described. "It's important to make sure the awards faculty members are seeking will support the mission or research activities of their schools," she said.
Charlotte also offers training sessions for faculty interested in electronically submitting proposals through the Fastlane system. "We're always trying to find ways to make the submission process easier," she said.
Her work isn't done after proposals are sent out. "When awards come in I read the contracts to make sure they're in line with what the faculty submitted," said Charlotte. Working with a grant accountant, she checks each contract for the specifications listed in the proposals and monitors each account to ensure that money is spent correctly.
Charlotte says she's thankful to be surrounded by many accommodating people on campus. "Much of the work we do is unusual to process, but the people I work with are always helpful when I need to get something done."
When she doesn't have money matters on the mind, Charlotte enjoys spending time with her two Labrador retrievers and singing Irish folk music.