"Post-Award Specialist"

Company: North Carolina State University

Job Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Category: Sponsored Programs, Grants, and Contracts

Type: Full-Time

Join the Pack! A community with nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, and 30,000 students. NC State is one of the largest employers in North Carolina, offering a large range of career opportunities. Visit us at https://jobs.hr.ncsu.edu/.

Location: Raleigh, NC

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

If you're excited by the opportunity to support high-impact research and ensure its success behind the scenes, we encourage you to apply.

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Minimum Experience/Education:
Bachelor's degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience

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