Grants Specialist

The Donald Danforth Plant Science Center is hiring an experienced full‑time Grant Specialist. This position works at the nexus of science and finance at the Center by providing pre‑award and post‑award grant support to several scientific Principal Investigators (PIs). It is vital to the success of the Center’s scientific community. The Grant Specialist role is a service‑oriented position that requires the ability to multi‑task, meet deadlines, and juggle competing priorities while maintaining positive and collaborative relationships. The successful candidate will build a partnership with their PIs to manage a financial portfolio made up of multiple projects from a variety of funding sources. Responsibilities Pre‑Award (35%) Review grant RFPs/FOAs and create checklists for proposal submission Communicate internal proposal deadlines to the proposal team, including subaward organizations, and manage the proposal process to ensure deadlines are met Update personnel documents (Biographical Sketch, Current & Pending Other Support, Collaborators & Affiliations) and review with the PI Provide appropriate proposal document templates to the PI and assist with updating them to meet solicitation requirements Review proposal documents against formatting and content requirements and coordinate updates with the PI Work with the PI to create the proposal budget and write the budget justification; ensure the budget meets solicitation requirements Input proposal record into InfoEd for internal review by Finance and scientific leadership Communicate with internal and external co‑PIs throughout the proposal process to ensure subaward documents are obtained for both internal review and proposal submission Post‑Award (60%) Track funding sources (grants, subawards, start‑up, industry) and assist PI or Core Facility Director with managing their portfolio by creating monthly budget and projection reports; provide guidance during decision‑making Process invoices for payment, including subaward invoices Review subaward agreements and track subaward expenditures/reporting; work with appropriate subaward contact to resolve issues Identify, prepare, and submit expenditures requiring cost transfer, budget adjustments, and salary allocation changes Assist the PI with annual/progress reports Perform project close‑out activities in concert with Finance Assist with capital equipment orders by coordinating with Finance, ensuring necessary internal codes are created, equipment ordered, and Finance is notified to begin capitalization Communicate and coordinate with the Finance Department on items/issues that arise during project execution to ensure internal policies and federal/sponsor guidelines are met Overall (5%) Suggest process improvements with management and share with the team Support system implementations by participating in requirements gathering meetings and performing testing Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Pre- and post‑award grants management/research administration experience with exposure to various federal agencies (NSF, DOE, USDA, NIH) Demonstrated budgeting, financial, analytical, critical thinking, project management, and problem‑solving skills Ability to meet deadlines and build positive relationships with internal and external collaborators Experience with grant management lifecycle, grant submissions, grant budgeting, writing budget justifications, and project financial management (tracking performance to budget, identifying necessary adjustments, etc.) Solid proficiency in Excel (understanding/creating complex formulas, VLOOKUP, pivot tables, utilizing complex workbooks, etc.) Proficiency with Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint Ability to organize, multitask, manage time efficiently, prioritize responsibilities appropriately, be proactive, and work both independently and collaboratively while demonstrating professionalism and respect Strict attention to detail Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards, especially cost allowability, is preferred Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining collaborative and professional relationships Possess a service‑oriented mindset, be eager to share knowledge, and be willing to identify and lead process improvement initiatives Actively contributes to a positive work environment Experience with Research.gov, Grants.gov, and InfoEd is desirable Qualifications Bachelor’s degree 3‑5 years’ experience of pre‑and post‑award grants management/research administration experience or relevant experience Live the Danforth Center values: Collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, Integrity & Respect, Environmental Sustainability, and Stewardship. #J-18808-Ljbffr