Contracts and Grants Officer

Job Description

2 Positions Available

Position Summary:

The Contracts and Grants Officer is responsible for the review, institutional approval and submissions of proposals to a variety of federal and non-federal sponsors. This role includes the review and negotiation of sponsor awards and agreements and processing non-financial post award actions. The Contracts and Grants Officer provides advice and guidance regarding sponsored project administration to department administrators and Principal Investigators (PIs), works with sponsors to resolve proposal and award issues, and coordinates input from a variety of central offices.

Department Summary:

Our goal at the Office of Contracts and Grants is to provide principal investigators assistance with proposal preparation and with resources and expertise so that they may better understand contract and grant administration and successfully administer sponsored awards. The UC ANR Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) is the authorized organizational representative for all extramurally sponsored projects at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

The home department is the Contracts & Grants. While this position normally is based in Davis, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale: $ 66,500.00/year to $ 92,400.00 /year

Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 5/19/2026

Key Responsibilities:

70%

Award Administration/Subcontract Administrator/Post Award Administration:

Review and negotiate awards. Review the terms and conditions of incoming awards for applicability to educational institutions and consistency with University policies. Seek correction or clarifications. Obtain additional information from University policies. Maintain contact with investigator through award process. Obtain final signatures. Prepare sub awards to collaborators. Negotiate changes with sub awardee. Obtain final signatures. Consult with Contract and Grant Analyst Supervisor. Suggest when exceptions to Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) or University policies are warranted. Seek reviews and approvals from senior officials such as those at ANR or Office of the President. Confirm receipt and documentation of all required project approvals such as commitment of space or other resources, human or animal subject use, financial disclosures, and commitment of matching or cost sharing funds. Function as a resource to the investigator(s) and their administrative units. Review on-going post-award issues such as no-cost time extensions, carry-forward of funds, and re-budgeting between cost categories. Determine whether requests can be approved by the University/ANR or require sponsor approval. Analyze information. Formulate and select resolutions. Respond to questions from investigators, administrative staff and sponsoring agencies. Communicate essential terms of grant awards.

25%

Proposal Administration:

Advise investigators, administrative staff, and sponsor officials. Review "Calls for Proposals" and other proposal solicitations. Review proposals for compliance with both sponsor and University policies. Confer with investigators and administrators. Approve, with delegated authority, and submit proposals/grant applications on behalf of the University. Review requests for advance spending authorization prior to receipt of award document and verify funding commitment from the sponsoring agency representative.

5%

Other Activities:

Participate in training and outreach activities. Contribute to the Office of Contracts and Grants unit's ongoing efforts to improve forms, website, and processes. Maintain current and accurate data in the unit's tracking and reporting databases. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc.
• Ability to manage significant volume of transactions.
• Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports.
• Ability to maintain independent judgment; strong organization and communication skills; and a customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas.
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.

Preferred Skills:

• Strong writing skills in a variety of styles to draft persuasive text for a variety of audiences while ensuring adherence to funding sponsors guidelines.