Grants Specialist I, Post Award

Job Description

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume, cover letter and at least 3 references in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Grants Specialist in the Post-Award Department at Rice University is responsible for the financial and administrative management of externally funded research projects from award setup through closeout. This role ensures compliance with sponsor regulations, university policies, and federal guidelines while providing expert guidance to faculty and research staff on financial reporting, budget monitoring, and expenditure control. The Grants Specialist collaborates with principal investigators (PIs), departmental administrators, and funding agencies to facilitate timely invoicing, reconciliations, and audits, ensuring the effective stewardship of research funds. Additionally, this position supports effort reporting, cost transfers, and project modifications, contributing to the university’s commitment to excellence in research administration.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is someone who actively seeks out new knowledge, asks thoughtful questions, and embraces challenges as opportunities for development. They are naturally inquisitive, eager to explore new ideas, and open to feedback, using it as a tool for continuous improvement. This individual is adaptable and thrives in dynamic environments, demonstrating a willingness to take on new responsibilities and expand their skill set. They are proactive in their learning—whether through research, professional development, or collaboration with colleagues—and take initiative in problem-solving rather than waiting for direction. Their passion for growth is evident in their resilience, ability to navigate setbacks, and commitment to refining their expertise. Ultimately, they contribute to an innovative and forward-thinking workplace by bringing fresh perspectives, a positive attitude, and a dedication to lifelong learning.

Workplace Location:

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. [Insert hybrid schedule]. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $56,560 - $70,599 annually

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
• One or more (1+) years of related experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively correspond with faculty, administrators, and external partners including funding agencies.
• Evidence of ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Evidence of problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams, including researchers, finance staff, and external sponsors.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to assist with multiple grant awards, track deadlines, and ensure timely reporting.
• Ability to review and interpret complex regulations and sponsor requirements with guidance, ensuring compliance and accurate financial management.
• Strong working knowledge of Excel

Preferences:

• Experience in research, clinical trial, or department administration
• Experience using research administration systems, including, but not limited to, federal government portals such as FedConnect, eRA Commons, PMS, Research.gov, Grants.gov, and eGMS

Essential Functions:

• Grant Management (including, but not limited to, participating in award setup, monitoring financial activity, interpreting and adhering to award terms and conditions, cost principles, and applicable regulations)
• Grant Closeout (Monitor end dates and provides feedback to all stakeholders regarding status of accounts and availability of funds)
• Grant Reconciliation and Reporting – including, but not limited to, financial reports, labor and cost distributions, budget and obligations, ad-hoc reporting for internal stakeholders

Additional Functions:

• Ensure that federal regulations, sponsor guidelines, Rice University policies, and department procedures are observed and followed
• Effectively assess and complete post-award activities for the sponsored programs community, plan, coordinate, and process post-award transactions
• Work collaboratively and effectively with the sponsored programs community
• Conduct clear and concise communications supporting the sponsored programs mission
• Manage sponsored projects post-award activities utilizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent initiatives, facilitating interdisciplinary teamwork
• Serve as a post-award resource to the sponsored programs community on federal, industry, state, and non-profit awards as assigned
• Participate as a team member on selected projects
• Effectively fosters own personal and professional growth through a variety of educational and professional strategies
• Maintain accurate records of assigned sponsored program activities