Grants Officer

The Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) is seeking an experienced Pre-Award Research Administrator well versed with Budget Development and Proposal submission, and possesses a familiarity with federal sponsors, especially the National Institutes of Health (NIH) applications.

Job Function Summary:

Involves providing analytical, financial and training activities in support of contract and grant proposal development, grant-writing, funding, administration, and budget development. Activities may include pre-award proposal initiatives, management of funds post-award, and closeout activities for federal, state, local and private sponsors. Involves activities associated with analyzing research funding trends and sources, forecasting, planning, and managing of research portfolios by performing some or all of the following: coordinating and identifying and developing and / or presenting proposals, contracts and other agreements; reviewing proposals to ensure institutional compliance and program success; negotiating, administering and monitoring contract and grant awards, including compliance with regulations, terms and conditions; financial management and reporting; and sub award / subcontract issuance and administration.

Generic Scope:

Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues / problems without precedent and / or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy.

Custom Scope:

Uses advanced contracts and grants concepts to manage high volume and high complexity transactions. May review and guide others in the review of financial and administrative management requirements of research contract and grant proposals, awards, and / or transactions to ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor policies. Works independently to assess complex grant, contract and subcontract transactions where analysis requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. May be eligible for delegated signature authority. May review and sign transactions for less experienced staff. May serve as a technical specialist in a particular area, such as federal contracts, state contracts, subcontracts or information systems. Central Role (CR): Typically works on highly complex proposals and awards such as grants / contracts which require task budgets, option years, multiple investigators and multiple sub awards. Is eligible for delegated authority.

Department Overview:

The Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) is an advocate for all researchers at UCSF and provides them with comprehensive pre-award services. OSR service teams, a XXM operation, is comprised of shared service teams including 124 Research Services Coordinators (RSC), Associate RSCs, Award and Sub-Award Specialists, Contract Specialists and Team Managers supporting 2000+ faculty, and is responsible for pre-award contract and grant activity for the campus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.

Advanced knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc.

Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.

Ability to manage significant volume of transactions.

Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting.

Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations including the application of cost principles.

Demonstrated advanced competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in the development of complex budget estimations and projections.

Independent judgment and strong organization and communication skills and customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas.

Ability to analyze complex situations, identify workable solutions and make appropriate determinations based on regulations and the particular policies, sensitivities and the needs of the department, School and UCSF unit(s) being impacted.

Demonstrated advanced ability to interpret and communicate policies and guidelines effectively, both written and verbal. Ability to deal with ambiguity and the willingness to explore exceptions and options.

Strong and effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Excellent interpersonal skills.

Good leadership, diplomacy, judgment and decision-making skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Strong time management skills.

Advanced skills in using software applications such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat. Ability to learn new systems with ease.

Ability to provide quality customer service. Ability to interface with various levels of faculty, staff and departments. Effectively balance customer service with regulatory compliance.

Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

Ability to work independently and possess a pro-active approach.

Ability to take and pass general research administration training.

Experience working with UCSF faculty and UCSF research administration business processes and practices, electronic Systems used to manage research administration (e.g., eProposal, Proposal Express, Grants.gov, etc.)

Education:

Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.