Senior Grants & Contracts Specialist

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Sponsored Programs Department Head, the Sr. Grants and Contracts Specialist provides

pre-award, post-award, and compliance support for grants, contracts, and research within the Office of

Sponsored Programs (OSP). This position works with the OSP Department Head to design and implement a

comprehensive system for obtaining, managing and stewarding externally funded grants and contracts. Pre-award activities include assisting faculty and staff in the development, preparation and submission of grant and

contract proposals. The Specialist ensures all applications meet agency and university guidelines, as well as

published deadlines. The Specialist ensures proposals are routed in a timely manner for internal review. Post-award activities include maintaining written/electronic documentation of compliance with all grantor and

institutional requirements (e.g., grant reports) and coordinating with diverse constituencies across campus to

ensure effective project management.

Essential Job Functions:

• Investigates, analyzes and identifies external funding sources to support institutional priorities

and research.

• Conducts workshops on funding sources and grant writing.
• Works with the Department Head to manage subscription databases.
• May serve as a system administrator for electronic or online systems.
• Engages with faculty/staff/students relative to post-award projects and compliance information.
• Advises faculty and staff during funding application preparation to ensure compliance with all

internal and sponsor requirements.

• Assists in editing, budget preparation and packaging funding proposals for submission.
• Oversees the funding proposal routing process for internal reviews and approvals
• Maintains pre and post award files with other OSP staff and prepares reports for internal and

external communication on sponsored programs activity.

• Maintains documentation of compliance with all federal grant certifications and assurances and

other research-related institutional compliance requirements (i.e., reports).

• Serves as liaison with Finance and Administration for budget and compliance matters and all

matters related to federal grant administration.

• Works with OSP staff to develop policies and procedures and appropriate training programs
• Works with other OSP staff to monitor compliance with Financial Conflict of Interest policies and

Responsible Conduct of Research training requirements.

• May include IRB Administration duties including Research Integrity tasks.
• Other duties as assigned to support the successful operations of the Office of Sponsored

Programs.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Sr. Grants and Contracts Specialist may be responsible for hiring and overseeing work-study students to

assist with job duties.

Minimum Job Qualifications Education and/or Experience

• Work requires communications, analytical and organizational skills generally acquired through

completion of a bachelor's degree program.

• Work generally requires 4+ years of relevant grants and contracts experience within Higher Education.
• Ability to maintain and manage accounting records of moderate variety and complexity, including

preparation of financial reports.

• Must be an experienced user with Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with advanced database

management and/or process management software databases a plus.

Certificates, Licenses or Registrations:

Research or grants education and/or certification are highly valued.

Other Competencies (skills, abilities, behavior)

Must have a philosophy that is consistent with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values of the organization. Vision,

commitment, and experience in achieving goals and pursuing excellence is critical. Strong oral and written

presentation skills. Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team. Excellence in organization,

decision-making, problem-solving and creating a collaborative environment. Ability to manage multiple projects

simultaneously. Must be able to read, write and speak fluently in English.

Physical Demands

Ability to sit or stand for up to 8 hours/day. Some lifting (up to 25 pounds occasionally), bending, and carrying.

The employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and to use hands and fingers to handle or feel.