Position Number: 002139

Department: Div of Research (Adm)

Employment Type: Permanent - Full-time

Months Per Year: 12

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Associate Director for Award Management, this position has the responsibility for assisting faculty and staff with the efficient and effective management of their funded awards from contract negotiation and award approval to project closeout. The Award Management Specialist engages with faculty and staff to support the University’s research mission. They work closely with department, college, and other unit-level staff, as well as with University level offices to ensure the highest quality support and guidance. They exhibit excellence in facilitating research, scholarship, and creative activity and maintaining the highest standards of customer service.

Provide sponsored project oversight and serve as the primary point of contact ( POC ) for investigators seeking support for post-award management activities. Work with investigators and campus administrators to solve problems, answer questions, and give guidance on post-award activities and other grants management topics on a daily basis. Answer inquiries related to post-award processes and procedures, and the use of electronic research administration systems.

Assist and provide guidance to faculty and unit level staff on the financial management and tracking of awards, including but not limited to purchasing, travel, hiring of project personnel, reporting, Assumptions of Risk, budget revisions, sponsor prior approval requests, sponsor and sub-award interactions, and award closeout. Plan award launch meetings and additional award review meetings as needed. Review and approve award transactions as assigned. Other duties as assigned.

Assist in the implementation and maintenance of institutional policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory guidelines related to the financial management and timely closeout of sponsored projects. Assist and provide guidance to faculty and unit level staff on the financial and overall management of funded awards.

Maintain strong, positive relationships with faculty and staff, all units within the Division of Research, and sponsor agencies to facilitate the work of research administration at the University. Work with colleagues/team members to jointly solve questions and challenges in their daily work. Promote and maintain close, effective working relationships between ORS and constituent units on campus. Respond to inquiries in a timely and professional manner. Monitor changes to sponsor policies and procedures and assist with communicating key changes to campus research administrators and investigators. Provide consistently excellent customer service.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience / Education:

• Entry-level with Masters;

• Bachelors and 1-3 yrs experience; or

• Equivalent education/experience.

Preferred Education Skills and Experience:

The ideal candidate will have:

• 1+ years of contracts and grants administration experience

• Experience preparing, analyzing, and revising detailed budgets

• Ability to learn, comprehend, interpret, and apply agency guideline requirements for a wide variety of extramural sponsors including federal, state, and private agencies. Preference is given to experience with NSF , DOD , DOE , and similar agencies

• Exceptional interpersonal and professional communication skills;

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines;

• Critical thinking skills and decision-making