Grants Analyst II, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

PAY GRADE: 30E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Under general direction of the Manager, Grants Administration, the Grants Analyst II primarily manages the pre-award and post-award administration for all external funding to the Cooperative Extension unit within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR). Additionally, this position is responsible for college-wide financial/budgetary projections of Federal Appropriations including cost share on state appropriations, and analyses of actual activity to facilitate decision making and planning by CANR leadership.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Cooperative Extension:

• Provide in-depth support of pre-award processing including close communication with the PI and relevant Extension personnel; review the solicitation information and sponsor requirements to guide the process, including observation of potentially difficult clauses, match requirements, etc.; recommend budget, certifications, effort committed and matching funds requests; interface with subcontract participants, where applicable, to ensure subcontract proposal inputs are completed; verify accuracy prior to submission to the University Research Office.
• Create, collect, and review complex proposal information including budget, budget justification, and proposal documents. Recommend matching funds sources and advise PI on optimal use of resources. Review and make suggestions for award document for restrictions, reports, and anything specific to the award.
• Process journal vouchers, budget revisions, reconcile account code activity, and manage the labor allocation module (LAM). Effort Administrator for the unit.
• Act as liaison between faculty member/Extension personnel and Research Office on all proposal matters. Communicate and work directly with the Research Office and other CANR departments to monitor and manage sponsored funds. Communicate with sponsors in conjunction with Extension leadership.
• Collaborate with the Cooperative Extension Business Administrator with the review of financial statements to ensure expenditures are allocated to proper grants/accounts and against the correct budget categories specific to personnel engagements on Federal Appropriations.
• Review monthly financial statements with the Associate Dean for Cooperative Extension to ensure expenditures are allocated to proper grants/accounts and against the correct budget categories. Research and report on variances to program budget, and budgetary matters related to personnel engagements. Proactively work to resolve discrepancies.
• Manage daily financial activities and compliance with all UD policies and procedures, and sponsor regulations.
• Collect and analyze financial data in preparation for monthly reports for distribution to PI and to provide relevant expenditure projections, including to review post award activity, projections, and future proposal submissions.
• Monitor and track Extension-wide salary obligations, including updating the LAM and tracking appropriate cost share on sponsor funds.
• Review with the Business Officer complete fiscal year operational budgets for Cooperative Extension funds, including State and Federal Appropriations. Assist with the management and timely data gathering from all fund sources for the budget planning files for Cooperative Extension.
• Provide training for Extension personnel and assist with the training of other CANR personnel and faculty in all aspects of proposal preparation and grant management.

College-wide:

• Provide monthly college-wide reports for external and internal sponsored research and all other sponsored programs. Design and implement improved methods for compiling existing information to improve reporting capability and information.
• Develop and prepare reports on sponsored programs funding utilizing various reporting and analysis tools, including but not limited to - PeopleSoft, advanced Excel and Cognos. Responsible for suggesting and developing reports that will further the missions of the College and the University.
• Make recommendations for better business practices to the Manager, Grants Administration and the Associate Dean of Research and assist in the implementation of these recommendations.
• In-depth understanding of federal, state, and local governmental regulations, as well as other sponsor regulations.
• Responsible for complying with university policies, procedures, and best practices regarding protecting data and following UD data governance rules
• Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and three years related experience. Degree in Accounting, Finance,
  or business-related field preferred.
• Experience with federal grants administration.
• Familiarity with all stages of grant processing from the request for proposal through closeout.
• Familiarity with UD accounting system, PeopleSoft financials, UD grant policies and procedures, Research.gov and Cayuse online systems, is preferred.
• Working knowledge and understanding of federal and state regulatory policies, procedures and guidelines. General familiarity with 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance regulating federal allowable and unallowable costs strongly preferred.
• Proficient knowledge in budget preparation, contracts and grants administration, analysis and financial management.
• Ability to analyze and monitor awards according to sponsored guidelines.
• Experience in a higher education institution preferred. An understanding of Cooperative Extension is preferred.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated advanced skills with spreadsheet, database, word processing, and
  presentation software.
• Ability to be flexible, work independently and have high accountability for a
  large volume of work.
• Must be able to handle multiple assignments concurrently.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, make independent decisions and good
  attention to detail skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.