Grants & Contracts Administrator

Title: Grants & Contracts Administrator

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Dean - Natural Sciences

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Remote

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Grants & Contracts Manager for the College of Natural Sciences (CNS), the Grants & Contracts Administrator analyzes and administers sponsored programs for the largest academic unit on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus. The Grants & Contracts Administrator reviews contract terms and negotiates sub-awards; informs faculty and college personnel of special contractual requirements; resolves award issues; ensures compliance with university guidelines; and provides training & guidance to university personnel on grants and contracts administration.

Essential Functions

Monitors operating expenses and provides recommendations based on expertise; prepares timely variance-to-budget reports for critical business operation decisions; and advises on reconciliation actions. In partnership with faculty Principal Investigators, prepares and reviews regular financial forecasts to monitor grant performance as it relates to the budget and stated objectives.

Analyzes and makes recommendations to develop and implement a system to monitor and provide Principal Investigators budget updates.

Troubleshoots problems in sub-contracts, payments, and PO processing.

Works with faculty, principal investigators, and staff to resolve problems and optimize the use of funds as required; finalizes all expenditure activity of expired grants.

Partners with the Human Resources team to ensure timely appointment of grant personnel and manage funding changes as needed.

Assists and participates with grant accounting in award termination process including account reconciliation, ensuring final expenses are posted, and partnering with the Grant Accountant on closing out the award.

Advises faculty in interpreting and adhering to sponsor and university guidelines, resolves issues related to contract compliance, and corresponds with sponsors and sub-recipients regarding performance issues.

Serves as a liaison for faculty throughout the full life cycle of awards from proposal development to post award administration, award close-out, and award compliance.

Acts as a liaison between Principal Investigators and the Office of Pre-award Services (OPAS) for pre-award/proposal matters, the Office of Post-Award Management (OPAM), and Controller's Office for post-award matters.

Responds proactively and reactively to problems, concerns and finds appropriate and timely solutions.

Other Functions

Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness.

Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support CNS' strategic priorities.

Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Takes initiative and operate with self-direction.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (preferably in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting or related field) AND at least two (2) years of experience in research project management, grant development, budgeting and administration OR an Associate's degree (preferably in Business Administration or related field) AND at least four (4) years of experience in research project management, grant development, budgeting and administration.

Knowledge of grants writing and project coordination.

Experience with budget construction and monitoring, ability to analyze and interpret financial information.

Ability to plan, organize and lead administrative activities related to grant development and administration.

Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills needed to present and communicate effectively with all levels of management.

Self-directed, organized, and goal oriented.

Ability to recognize administrative problems and implement effective solutions.

Experience with quantitative data collection and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with post-award grant support, and managing finances with an institution of higher education, including knowledge of government and fund accounting.

Experience with using PeopleSoft and Summit computer programs as well as Human Resources and other systems used by the University.

Experience with preparing/submitting research proposals and budgets. Proficient with electronic grants management systems (i.e. research.gov, NIH eRA Commons, NSF Fastlane, Proposal Central, etc.). Experience with Kuali.

Certification in Research Administration such as CRA, CPRA, CFRA.

Additional Details

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences' Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst's For the Common Good: 2024-2034 Strategic Plan.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm, 37.5 hours per week.
This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee's work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 26

Click here to view the Professional Staff hiring ranges.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.