Contract & Grant Specialist I, II, III or Senior

Contract & Grant Specialist I, II, III or Senior Apply now Job no: 510713 Position type: Full-Time 12-Month Department: 010100 - MAFES Administration Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS Categories: Professional Position Open Date: Jun 10 2026 Position Function Provides administrative and technical guidance and support to faculty and staff seeking outside funding for research, public service, and special sponsored institutional projects. Researches and interprets relevant regulations, guidelines, and standards. Prepares and reviews proposal budgets and oversees the processing of contracts and grants. Responsibilities Assists Principal Investigators (PIs) and staff in the development, preparation, and submission of grant and contract proposals. Ensures all applications comply with agency and university guidelines. Assists PI with adherence to funding agency requirements (budget requirements, bio sketches, current & pending support, other required forms, cost sharing obligations, etc.) for consistency, accuracy, and completeness. Coordinates with PI and pre‑award and/or post‑award support staff at collaborating institutions to secure necessary subaward documents for proposals. Ensures proposals are entered and routed in a timely manner for further review. Monitors proposal and award (non‑financial/financial) status and advises PI on requirements and deadlines associated with reports, research protection and protocols. Advises the PI and assists with budget adjustments, modifications, and revisions necessary to meet the sponsor requirements. Assists PI with navigating search tools and communicates funding opportunities and proposals. Stays informed of sponsor updates and changes relative to grants administration. Work with other contracts and grants staff, departments, and faculty to ensure timely submission of Hatch, Hatch Multistate, Animal Health, and competitive NIFA project initiations and annual report of accomplishments. Knows policies and procedures applicable to assigned duties. Provides guidance, training, and support for departmental staff. Performs similar or related duties as assigned or required. Minimum Qualifications Contract & Grant Specialist I – Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. One year of relevant experience. Contract & Grant Specialist II – Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. Three years of relevant experience. Contract & Grant Specialist III – Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. Five years of relevant experience. Senior Contract & Grants Specialist – Master’s Degree and a Professional Certification related to Research Administration (CRA, CPRA, CFRA, or PMP). Five years of relevant experience. Substitution for Education – Two years of experience may be substituted for a master’s degree at the senior level. Substitution for Experience – None except as noted. Rank and salary commensurate with education and experience. Preferred Qualifications Three years’ experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance (OMB Circulars) and standard cost accounting. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to analyze budgetary line items for compliance with budget guidelines. Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Information research skills. Database management skills. Organizing and coordinating skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Mathematics, spreadsheet, database, and word processing skills mandatory. Ability to provide technical advice and information to faculty and staff in area of expertise. Knowledge of federal, state and/or community funding sources and mechanisms. Records maintenance skills. Knowledge of grant funding policies and procedures and applicable local, state, federal and university regulations. Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance (OMB Circulars) and standard cost accounting. Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments. Attention to detail. Working Conditions and Physical Effort No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility. Frequent - Externally imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; irregular hours may be anticipated; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position. Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands. Job requires standing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, and lifting up to 10 pounds. Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically. Hearing requirements: Heavy telephone contact requires ability to hear and respond to telephone conversations. Applicants must apply online at Please include a cover letter and resume along with names and contact information of at least three professional references. Screening Date June 23, 2026, until filled. Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, View phone number on click.appcast.io. Accommodation Information In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired. Advertised: Jun 10 2026 Central Daylight Time Applications close: #J-18808-Ljbffr