Grants and Contracts Administrator

The department is seeking a Grants and Contracts Administrator to join our team and play a critical role in supporting research and sponsored projects from proposal development through closeout. In this role, you’ll work closely with faculty and principal investigators (PIs) to ensure proposals are accurate, compliant, and submitted on time—and that funded projects are managed effectively throughout their lifecycle. Position Responsibilities Manage assigned projects and financial portfolios across the full lifecycle of grants and contracts Develop and review budgets and budget justifications, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and consistency Advise PIs on administrative, financial, and compliance requirements for proposal preparation and submission Prepare and coordinate proposal components (e.g., biosketches, facilities & resources) for accuracy and completeness Ensure compliance with agency and university submission requirements, including proper application of overhead rates Route and review proposals through SPS to ORA/ORS for institutional approvals and signatures Monitor project financial performance, identify issues, and recommend budget adjustments to meet sponsor requirements Track proposal status and advise on deadlines, regulatory requirements, and research protection protocols Develop project management plans for review by PIs or senior grants administrators Manage budget timelines, reporting deadlines, and compliance requirements throughout the project lifecycle Establish sub-recipient requirements and coordinate sub-agreements with ORA/ORS Reconcile monthly budget reports and process corrections, adjustments, and cost transfers as needed Prepare and submit rebudgeting requests and modifications in response to changing project needs Monitor reporting compliance with sponsor and institutional regulations Maintain financial records in accordance with document retention policies Ensure proper handling and recording of sponsor payments in alignment with institutional procedures Monitor patient care expenses and ensure appropriate charging to study fund codes Interpret policies and procedures, resolve operational issues, and provide guidance within the unit Manage overdrafts in accordance with institutional guidelines Ensure proper revenue recording and apply revenue management standards Close out funded projects in compliance with university timelines and requirements Apply federal and university rules related to effort allocation and cost principles Prepare reports for Divisional Administrator/Business Manager as requested May supervise grants and contracts assistants or support staff Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree required (research or grants-related education/certification preferred) Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills Ability to analyze data and formulate conclusions Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and projects simultaneously Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with all levels of the organization Knowledge of federal rules and regulations relating to grants and contracts activity Understanding of financial processes and reconciliation practices Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of Duke University policies, procedures, and systems related to grants and contracts Experience with SPS, R3, grants.duke, and SES systems Ability to apply federal costing rules and effort allocation requirements Familiarity with research administration processes and compliance standards Strong project management and reporting skills Other Requirements Successful completion of the Research Administration Academy (RAA) Onboarding Training and registration in a learning track within the first 90 days Ongoing completion of required training and continuing education to maintain certifications Ability to adapt to changing technologies related to grants and contracts management Work Arrangement This position is hybrid , requiring the individual to be onsite at least 2 days per week on Duke University’s campus and reside in a Duke University-approved state. Job Code: 00002647 GRANTS AND CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATOR Job Level: 81 Anticipated Pay Range Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $59,829.00 to USD $96,900.00. Duke University considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: Equal Opportunity Employer Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status. Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values. Essential Physical Job Functions Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: View email address on click.appcast.io; phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io). #J-18808-Ljbffr Duke University