"Grants Specialist I"

Job Details

Posting Number: S13491P

Working Title: Grants Specialist I

Department: VPR-SPA Pre-Award

About the University of Georgia: Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Advertised Salary: $53,040, Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 04/16/2025

Open until filled: Yes

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Classification Title: Grants & Contracts Professional

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Position Summary: Sponsored Projects Administration, Pre-Award is the central pre-award or sponsored projects office at the University of Georgia. The office manages a portfolio of approximately 2,500 awards annually, totaling more than $441 million in FY21. Work is considered highly professional and technical, involving the review and processing of research and other types of grant proposals, negotiation of awards and contracts, and a variety of post-award non-financial administrative duties (no-cost extensions, amendments, compliance, problem-solving, etc.) The successful candidate will join several other research administrators in SPA and maintain a caseload of proposals or awards spanning a group of departments, colleges, centers, or institutes at UGA. Highly professional customer service drives all activities in SPA. The employee will promote application of uniform guidance, sponsor rules and regulations and UGA policies and procedures as it relates to proposal preparation and award acceptance and provide assistance to faculty, staff, and graduate students in this regard. The employee will independently manage a caseload, possess signatory authority to bind the University and communicate with our sponsors as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Foundation level of knowledge of institutional policies and procedures pertaining to external funding and finance and administration.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with university personnel, state and federal agencies and private organizations on complex matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, directly with PIs (Principal Investigators) and other UGA personnel about a limited array of research administration topics.
• Work under varying levels of supervision in a deadline oriented environment.
• Strong commitment to excellent customer service and the ability to manage an entry level desk with the guidance of a mentor

Physical Demands: Sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying up to 20 lbs. Sitting for long periods of time at a desk and computer.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: No

Is this a Position of Trust?: No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?: No

Does this position require a P-Card?: No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?: No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?: No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications): No

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Reviews grant proposals for compliance with federal, state, and sponsor rules and regulations as well as UGA policies and procedures and signs and submits the same on behalf of the University of Georgia and the Research Foundation. (Percentage of time: 30)
• Prepares revised budgets, Just In Time Responses, and other pre-award, but post proposal submission information and submits the same to sponsors. (Percentage of time: 15)
• Assures compliance with agency guidelines and all applicable federal, state, and university regulations, such as animal and human subject use, debarment and suspension, drug-free workplace. Ensures accuracy of proposal budget including indirect costs, cost share, and subcontracts’ adherence to internal legal considerations. (Percentage of time: 20)
• Assists faculty and staff with proposal development and preparation by interpreting agency philosophy, policies, regulations and guidelines; interprets, clarifies, and documents diverse agency requirements, procedures, and policies. (Percentage of time: 15)
• Serves as liaison between potential funding agencies and faculty regarding complex questions. Performs related work and carries signature authority to bind the University to a contract, including the ability to agree to terms and conditions of an award at proposal time. (Percentage of time: 20)

Contact Details: For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name: Brandon Scott

Recruitment Contact Email: brandon.scott@uga.edu