Lead Grant/Contract Administrator, Division of Research & Innovation

Position Purpose

Provides comprehensive pre and post award activities within a school/college/division, including assisting division faculty and principal investigators (PI) in the development, preparation, submission, and management of grant and contract proposals and awards. Serves as a key member of the school/college/division, and in partnership with other Grant and Contract Administrators, work with faculty and research groups within the University on the preparation and submission of research proposals. This position ensures compliance with university, sponsor, and regulatory requirements while promoting efficient, strategic, and customer-focused research administration.

Essential Functions

Award Management & Compliance (Post-Award)

Review and interpret grant and contract terms in collaboration with Sponsored Program Administration (SPA). Monitor expenditures for compliance with sponsor guidelines and university policies. Support faculty with financial management, including fund transfers, payroll allocations, and project extensions. Oversee closeout processes to ensure timely and accurate completion. Manage life cycle of the grant.

Faculty Support & Budget Development

Identify funding opportunities and collaborate with faculty on proposal preparation. Develop and review budgets and budget justifications to ensure compliance with sponsor, university, and regulatory requirements. Submit proposals to SPA for final approval.

Proposal Development & Submission (Pre-Award)

Ensure all applications meet sponsor and university guidelines, timelines, and submission requirements. Coordinate proposal routing, approvals, and timely submission through institutional systems.

Cost Share & Financial Oversight

Reconcile cost sharing and matching funds to ensure accurate accounting and compliance with sponsor and university commitments.

Process Improvement & Policy Development

Develop, implement, and continuously improve pre- and post-award policies, procedures, and workflows to enhance efficiency and compliance.

Training & Consultation

Provide training and guidance to faculty and staff on grant policies, systems, and best practices. Serve as a subject matter expert on grant administration and compliance requirements.

Institutional Engagement

Represent the division on university committees and contribute to cross-functional initiatives related to research administration.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field or an equivalent combination of experience and education. Master's Degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience related to grant and contract pre and/or post award activities and oversight, and preferably in a Dean's Office or large research department. Experience with research administration systems (e.g., Cayuse, Banner, iLab).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). Strong financial analysis and budget development skills. Ability to interpret sponsor guidelines (NIH, NSF, etc.).