Projects Officer/Grants Specialist

Overview

The Projects Officer/Grants Specialist serves as a key institutional liaison with external sponsors, including federal and state agencies, foundations, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners. Working with a high degree of independence, this position manages complex pre-award and non-financial post-award activities for a diverse portfolio of grants, contracts, and other sponsored agreements, while providing expert guidance on sponsor requirements, regulatory compliance, and institutional policies.

As a member of the NYU Office of Sponsored Programs, which oversees submission of 2,000 proposals and management of $400M in research awards annually, the Projects Officer/Grants Specialist reviews, endorses, and submits complex funding proposals and sponsor-required documentation; processes incoming awards, interprets award terms and conditions; coordinates non-financial award management activities and communication with sponsors; and advises faculty and administrators on critical sponsored research administration matters. The position collaborates extensively with academic and administrative units across the University to ensure the timely, effective, and compliant administration of sponsored projects.

A critical aspect of the role is evaluating and managing sponsor requirements related to fundamental research, export controls, research security, sensitive data, cybersecurity, and foreign collaborations. The position advises faculty on these complex requirements and partners with specialized University offices to address sponsor-specific certifications, security requirements, and compliance obligations. Experience supporting advanced science and technology research programs and navigating the requirements of sponsors such as the Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and Department of Energy (DOE) is strongly preferred.

Qualifications

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree or equivalent Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent work experience

Preferred Education: Master's Degree

Required Experience: 5+ years relevant experience with pre-award research administration or an equivalent combination. Must include review, advisement on and editing of proposals for externally sponsored research and preparing budgets.

Preferred Experience: 5+ years relevant experience with research administration or an equivalent combination. Must include review, advisement on and editing of proposals for externally sponsored research and preparing budgets. Relevant experience in a pre-award in a large college, university or research institution

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Familiarity with various sponsor agency electronic research administration systems, experience using Cayuse SP and Cayuse 424 (or equivalent grants management software), an understanding of federal Uniform Guidance and federal regulatory compliance requirements including conflict of interest, export controls and research involving animals, human subjects and biohazardous materials; possess excellent judgment, communication and time management skills; be service oriented; have a sense of humor and an energy level conducive to working in a deadline driven environment. This position requires extensive computer knowledge of MS Word and Excel programs as well as web-based browser compatibility for a vast number (300+) sponsor electronic portals for both pre-award and non-financial post award institutional management of sponsored research related activities. Excellent analytical, organization and communication skills. Proficiency with word processing, presentation and spreadsheet software preferred for outreach and analytical functions. (e.g.) Research Administration Academy.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Must be adaptable, skilled at leveraging influence without authority, energized by change, able to maintain composure with differences of opinion and under deadline pressures, be team-oriented, goal-oriented, and have the ability to simplify, identify priorities and retain a collegial and friendly attitude. Most importantly, we are looking for individuals who want to contribute to the growth of our organization and themselves.