Grant Management Specialist

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU:

A nationally ranked private university located near the heart of Dallas, SMU is a distinguished center for global research and teaching.

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences , Cox School of Business , Lyle School of Engineering , Meadows School of the Arts , Simmons School of Education and Human Development , Dedman School of Law , Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies .

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

The Office of Research is responsible for assisting faculty and other researchers in the preparation and submission of research proposals and the administration of awarded grants.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Grant Management Specialist (GMS) reports to the Director, Sponsored Projects and Contracts and provides customer focused support to faculty and administrators for pre-award and award management (non-financial) oversight of sponsored projects in a dynamic, deadline driven environment to advance research at SMU.

The GMS partners collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure accurate proposal development and submission, compliance with sponsor and institutional policies and applicable regulatory requirements, and processes non-financial post-award actions.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with proposal development process for sponsored project proposals developing budgets and budget justifications and ensuring applications are complete and accurate prior to submission and in accordance with established agency/institutional guidelines.
• Advise and answer questions from investigators and research teams relating to pre-award administration and proposal development, including interpretation and application of granting agency policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Prepares standard forms, enters grant information, and uploads materials to submission portals, including but not limited to ASSIST, Research.gov, Grants.gov, Proposal Central, etc. ensuring all internal review processes/approvals are completed at the time of submission. Reviews any errors, makes all necessary corrections, and ensures proposals are successfully submitted to sponsors.
• Assist investigators in responding to sponsor requests for additional information at the just in time (JIT) stage. Reviews, negotiates, and processes incoming awards. Award phase functions include those necessary to establish new grant awards and to ensure a seamless workflow from Pre-Award to Grant Accounting.
• Advise sponsored project investigators in accordance with sponsor requirements and deadlines related to progress reports, carryforward, prior approval, and no-cost extension requests. Review and submit progress reports, carry forward, prior approval, budget change requests, and no-cost extension requests related to awarded projects and in accordance with sponsor requirements and deadlines. Liaison to, collaborate and coordinate with sponsor agencies, universities, contractors/consultants, etc.
• Develop and provide training and outreach to researchers, faculty and administrators on grant submissions clarifying roles and correct research process, and application of appropriate regulations.
  Assist in providing guidance and training to team members as needed under direction of the Associate Director/Director.
• Participation in required training and professional development opportunities in the field of research administration.
• Assists with other activities and special projects at the direction of the Associate Director/Director. Performs other duties as required.
• Responsible for work content.
• Occasional travel to professional conferences.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of three (3) years of professional work experience is required.

Experience in general accounting, project budgeting, and/or cost accounting is preferred. Experience in higher education is strongly preferred. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification is a plus.

OR

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of five (5) years of professional work experience is required.

Experience in general accounting, project budgeting, and/or cost accounting is preferred. Experience in higher education is strongly preferred. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must also demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing. A strong customer service orientation is essential.

Candidate must demonstrate strong time management, organizational, and planning skills. The ability to manage multiple priorities and excel in a deadline driven environment is essential. Must also be able to work independently and as part of a team with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues. A strong focus on attention to detail and accuracy is essential.

Candidate must have strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills with the ability to identify, analyze problems and devise solutions.

Candidate must demonstrate strong proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, and Outlook). Familiarity with various eRA systems is preferred. An understanding of Uniform Guidance and federal regulatory compliance requirements, including conflict of interest, export control, and research involving animals and human subjects, is desired. Candidate must be service-oriented; excel in a deadline-driven environment; have a strong sense of ownership and accountability; and demonstrate excellent independent judgment. Candidate must possess the ability to handle numerous tasks concurrently with strong attention to detail. Candidate must also possess the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and work as part of a team. Occasional travel to professional conferences is required.


Physical/Environmental Demands:

• Carry/lift 25lbs.
• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

The position is open until filled.

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by October 14, 2026.


EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io .

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities , including tuition benefits .