Jill Gear recently joined The University of Findlay staff as director of grants and contracts administration within the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.

In this position, Gear is responsible for planning, managing and directing grants administration and contract services of an educational nature. She will work with faculty and administrators to identify areas of need, associate those needs with possible grant sources and assist in the submission of grant proposals.

Objectives of adding this position are to increase grant funds received by the University to help underwrite the regular education program and to provide funds to supplement faculty teaching, research and other scholarly activities that enhance the overall objectives and mission of the University.

Gear has previous resource development experience at Rhodes State College and as a freelance grant writer for regional non-profit organizations. She also is a seasoned marketing and public relations professional, having worked for both HCF Management Inc., based in Lima, Ohio, and Community Health Professionals in Van Wert, Ohio.

Gear has a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. She resides in Van Wert.