"Post-Award Specialist"

Post-Award Specialist

Company:
North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category:
Sponsored Programs, Grants, and Contracts

Type:
Full-Time

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Department: 140888 - Materials Sci Engr-Grads&Temps

Location: Raleigh

Essential Job Duties:
As a Post-Award Contracts and Grants Specialist, you will play a vital role in supporting groundbreaking research by managing the financial and administrative side of sponsored projects-from grant setup through closeout.

In this role, you will ensure the integrity and compliance of research funding by working closely with faculty, department staff, and central university offices. Your attention to detail and ability to navigate complex regulations will directly support the department's mission to drive discovery and collaboration at the highest level.

This position will:

• Oversee the full post-award lifecycle for grants and contracts in the MSE department.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, university, and sponsor-specific regulations.
• Monitor project expenditures and reconcile accounts to maintain fiscal accuracy.
• Prepare financial reports and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate and process award modifications, no-cost extensions, and budget revisions.
• Serve as a resource for PIs, providing guidance on allowable costs and project budgeting.
• Liaise with the Office of Contracts and Grants and other university units to resolve issues and support best practices in research administration.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven ability to analyze financial data and monitor budgets to ensure accurate spending and compliance with award terms.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, university, and sponsor regulations to ensure grant management meets all compliance standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to clearly convey complex information to faculty, staff, and funding agencies.
• Experience resolving complex post-award issues, including budget revisions, cost transfers, and award modifications.
• Ability to manage 10+ active projects simultaneously while maintaining organized and accurate financial records.
• Effective team collaborator with a track record of building strong working relationships across departments.
• Strong commitment to providing timely, solution-focused support to faculty and research staff

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience managing post-award grant and contract activities in a university setting to ensure compliance and timely reporting.
• Proficiency in using financial and research systems (e.g., PeopleSoft Financials, PINS, Research.gov) to manage awards and track spending accurately.
• Experience preparing for and responding to audits, ensuring documentation is complete and aligned with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Experience using research administration platforms such as NSF FastLane, NIH ASSIST, or NC State's RED system.

Required license or certification:
NA

Position Number: 14DB2

AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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