"Grants & Contracts Specialist - Research & Sponsored Programs"

Job Details

SUMMARY

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a professional position responsible for drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and finalizing research and sponsored program contractual agreements between the university and federal and state agencies as well as private organizations. Responsible for supporting the implementation of new research awards, monitoring of federal and state agency funding regulations, and assisting with post-award compliance and monitoring. Works under general supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Director of Research and Sponsored Programs.

QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, legal studies, accounting, finance, research administration or a related field is preferred. Related experience may be substituted for required education on a basis set forth by the Department of Human Resources.

Three years of experience in writing, reviewing, editing, and negotiating complex proposals, contracts, and/or agreements is required. Experience with post-award grant management activities such as effort reporting, monitoring subrecipients, or managing cost-sharing requirements for federally or publicly funded projects is preferred. Experience in research administration or a closely related field, such as contract management or regulatory compliance, within a university or public agency setting is preferred. Familiarity with electronic research administration systems such as Cayuse, InfoEd, or similar platforms commonly used in higher education or government funded research environments is preferred. Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-award Research Administrator (CPRA), or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) is preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Drafts, reviews, and negotiates a wide range of research and sponsored program agreements including vendor contracts, award agreements, subrecipient agreements, data use agreements, material transfer agreements, and other collaborative research contracts with public and private entities.
2. Coordinates contract activities throughout the award lifecycle to include processing amendments or modifications, supporting project initiation, and ensuring compliance with sponsor regulations and university policies.
3. Analyzes contract terms to identify potential legal, financial, or compliance risks and provides guidance on risk mitigation strategies.
4. Supports subaward monitoring and management to ensure compliance with university, sponsor, and regulatory requirements.
5. Serves as a liaison with faculty, staff, and external partners to ensure mutual understanding of agreement terms, sponsor requirements, and institutional obligations (e.g., effort reporting, cost sharing, and closeout requirements).
6. Monitors and interprets changes in federal, state, and institutional regulations and serves as a subject matter expert on contract compliance.
7. Maintains accurate contract records in electronic systems and promotes effective administrative practices.
8. Assists in the development of administrative procedures designed to comply with appropriate regulations affecting both governmental and private research grants and contracts.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university and departmental policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing contracts or sponsored agreements.
3. Knowledge of contract principles, to include drafting, negotiating, and executing agreements in compliance with university policies and applicable regulations.
4. Knowledge of contract performance monitoring and compliance concepts to include reporting obligations, audit considerations, and third-party oversight.
5. Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, presentation, word processing and database applications.
6. Organizational skills in managing projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a satisfactory work product and meeting deadlines.
7. Skill in grant, proposal, contract, and budget preparation.
8. Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
9. Ability to learn specific requirements governing research and sponsored programs in higher education.
10. Ability to use electronic systems to track, manage, and report on contracts or grant activities.
11. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret contracts and regulatory documents to ensure compliance with university, sponsor, state, and federal policies and to clearly communicate requirements to stakeholders.
12. Ability to interpret legal and financial language and apply it to institutional and operational contexts.
13. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
14. Ability to prepare and edit professional documents with correct formatting and grammar.
15. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
16. Ability to exercise independent judgment while working collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
17. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT

This is an on-campus position.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check. This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.