Position Definition:
We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Contracts and Grants Specialist to manage both pre- and post-award administration for federal, state, non-federal, donation, and internal funding sources. The candidate is a technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and a recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently with analysis of unique issues/problems without precedent and/or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources. This individual can function with a high degree of autonomy. Specialist will handle all aspects related to budget and cost compliance for their assigned portfolio using their knowledge of grant and contract management rules and regulations, in relation to the governing Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200), institutional policy, technical expertise, and analytical skills.
Department Role (DR): Typically works on highly complex proposals and awards such as grants/contracts which require program project mechanism, complex budgets, option years, multiple investigators, and numerous subcontracts.Is expected to mentor junior staff within the department and assist the Manager with the overall management of the Office of Sponsored Research as assigned by department Manager.
Essential Functions:
- Uses advanced contracts and grants concepts to manage a portfolio made up of complex awards which require high level expertise
- Guides others in the review of financial and administrative management and assists with overseeing various contracts and grant proposals of junior team members
- Assist with awards, and/or other relevant, pertinent transactions to ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor policies
- Works independently to assess complex grants, contracts, and subcontracts where analysis requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors
- May be required to review and sign transactions for less experienced staff
- Serve as a technical specialist in an area, such as federal contracts, state contracts, subcontracts, or information systems
- Works on highly complex proposals and awards such as grants/contracts which require program project mechanism, complex budgets, option years, multiple investigators, and numerous subcontracts
- Mentors junior staff and assist with questions within the department
- Fills in for department manager as assigned
- Liaison for Principal Investigators and sponsors
- Assist Principal Investigators with preparation and submission of contracts and grants
- Review proposals to extramural sponsors to ensure compliance with agency regulations
- Provide fiscal management for all contracts and grants, pre-award compliance post-award administration
- Develop and negotiate contract agreements with private sector sponsors
- Develop and negotiate agreements with subcontractors
- Coordinate approval process of proposals
- Monitor general ledger, identify and resolve any discrepancy with financial journals and cost transfers
- Provide budget projections for Principal Investigators
- Responsible for ensuring all necessary pre and post-award compliance activities (i.e. JIT, progress reports, FCOI) are completed within the required timeframes while adhering to sponsor and institutional policies
- Ensures compliance with prime award terms and conditions
- Maintain working knowledge of financial systems
- Responsible for award close-out and confirm all reports have been submitted to sponsor agency
- Provide guidance to and work closely with Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Information Technology Services, and Human Resources departments
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training or six-plus years of relevant experience in Contracts and Grants.
- Must have experience working with a large portfolio with high level of complexity similar to U01s and R01s with large quantities of subcontracts
- Must be able to understand notice of awards and is able to interpret data.
- The incumbent shows self-initiated growth toward mastery of contracts and grants body of knowledge as evident by mastery of skills. The incumbent requires little assistance or guidance with most tasks
- Detailed knowledge of Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Guidance) and demonstrated expertise in interpreting and explaining requirements
- Detailed knowledge of Federal agency policies including NIH, DOD, and NSF
- Significant experience in developing, negotiating a variety of agreements including creative problem solving and effective decision making
- Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial report
- Demonstrated commitment to excellence in customer service and performance
- Ability to analyze, problem solve, interpret and apply policies/regulations
- Ability to communicate with others and to assimilate and understand information, in a manner consistent with the essential job functions
- Ability to make sound decisions in a manner consistent with the essential job functions
- Ability to manage multiple projects, tasks and priorities to achieve desired goals
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
