Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Specialist

Apply now Search #: 495082
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Grants and Contracts

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of the Vice President for Research, Sponsored Program Services (SPS), is actively recruiting to fill multiple Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Specialist positions, to expand infrastructure capacity in support of significant growth in sponsored research activity.

The Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Specialist provides specialized professional guidance and administrative support for the review, approval, and submission of sponsored program proposals and related pre-award activities (finance, compliance and technical).  Working under limited supervision from a designated manager, the role provides guidance, oversight, and assistance to faculty and staff to facilitate University research and sponsored program activity, in accordance with federal and state laws, sponsor guidelines, and University policy and procedure. 

Sponsored Program Services (SPS) assists faculty with the administration of sponsored program activities to reduce administrative burdens on researchers and department staff. Our goal is to help faculty win more grants and provide comprehensive pre- and post-award services, including:

Pre-Award Activities:

• Budget development assistance and review
• Proposal review and submission

Post-Award Activities:

• Set up of new grant and contract awards and related budgets in UConn’s accounting system
• Assistance with and processing of budget adjustments
• Final financial report preparation

Faculty Services (Pre-Award and/or Post-Award) Activities:

• Proposal preparation and award management support through a shared service program (Faculty Services) to participating Schools and Colleges

Other Activities:

• Industry contract review and negotiation
• Guidance and consultation on grant-related questions
• Assistance with intercampus award applications

The Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Specialist will provide specialized professional guidance and administrative support for the review, approval, and submission of sponsored program proposals and related pre-award activities (finance, compliance, and technical).  Working under limited supervision from a designated manager, the role provides guidance, oversight, and assistance to faculty and staff to facilitate University research and sponsored program activity, in accordance with federal and state laws, sponsor guidelines, and University policy and procedure. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide assistance, guidance, and oversight to faculty and administrators seeking external funding for research and other sponsored projects through the complex process of proposal preparation and submission; submit proposals and ensure they are submitted correctly and according to appropriate deadlines.  
• Serve as the primary source of expertise to ensure that proposals meet sponsor requirements; regulatory compliance requirements, university, school, federal, and state policies and regulations governing sponsored research; consult with appropriate managerial staff on any exceptions to university policy, including program matching commitments, facilities, and administrative rates, etc.
• Provide direction, training, and assistance to faculty and administrators in the development of proposals, including but not limited to budgeting, interpretation of sponsor terms and policies, and University policies and procedures; obtain all necessary clearances and authorization prior to submission.
• Review terms and conditions on proposal solicitations and award documents as appropriate; collaborate with other SPS, OVPR, and university officials to negotiate terms as necessary for interdisciplinary, complex, and non-standard proposals and partner with other SPS staff to facilitate agreements, including subcontracts, clinical trials and State agreements to ensure conformity with University policies. 
• Analyze and understand complex information from multiple sources including funding opportunity announcements, sponsor submission procedures, and sponsor electronic research processes and procedures.
• Confirm investigators and other personnel on a proposal have completed required university, sponsor, regulatory, and other training mandates and disclosures.
• Keep abreast of laws, regulations, external and internal policies, and procedures governing the administration of grants and contracts. 
• Serve as university liaison and represents the university and researcher within the scope of authority in the negotiation of changes to sponsored research commitments, such as budget adjustments or project extensions.
• Serve as a trusted resource both within SPS and to the university community.
• Exercise sound judgment in clarifying and resolving issues of concern.  Maintain complete records and documentation.
• Contribute to workflow, business process, and policy improvements.
• Assist in training new pre-award staff and may develop and present training materials to SPS and the university community.
• Perform other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field.
2. Four to five years of experience in a complex business organization, university, industry, or governmental/regulatory agency involving pre-award administration, accounting, budgeting, contracting, or related work.
3. Experience reading, interpreting, and applying sponsor policies or Federal or State laws and regulations regarding grants and contracts, or equivalent translatable experience.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Effective time management, follow-through, and organizational skills.
6. Customer-service orientation and experience working with a diverse constituency.
7. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume, and deadline driven environment.
8. Ability to problem-solve and maintain professional composure while working under the pressure of internal and external deadlines.
9. Ability to adhere to work schedule during business hours of operation with schedule flexibility to ensure that deadlines can be met.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience with the development, preparation, review, and submission of budgets and grant proposal applications or comparable documents, in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
2. Knowledge of OMB Circulars A-81 (Uniform Guidance) and/or the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), appropriate to area of specialization.
3. Ability to interpret contract language applicable to sponsored research and understand its implications.
4. Experience with electronic research administration systems (such as grants.gov, Fastlane, eRA Commons).
5. Ability to manage a project portfolio of significant complexity, requiring an advanced level of knowledge and experience.
6. Experience working in an institution of higher education.
7. Experience working in a high volume, high production, and/or sponsored-research intensive environment.

APPOINTMENT TERMS 

These positions include an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement, as well as employee and tuition reimbursement at the University of Connecticut.  Salaries typically start at the minimum of the salary band and range to the mid-point for progressively experienced candidates.  Positions are anticipated to be based on the main UConn Storrs Campus.  Employees are currently telecommuting until directed to return to campus or as an otherwise authorized condition of employment. Strong candidates may also be considered for temporary positions or asked to apply to other department positions.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #495082 and upload a resume and cover letter that illustrate how applicants (1) satisfy the education and experience requirements, and (2) effectively demonstrate the proficient level of knowledge, skills, and experience required for the position and contact information for three (3) professional references. 

Employment of successful candidates will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. 

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on November 8, 2021.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Advertised: May 12 2021 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Nov 08 2021 Eastern Standard Time

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Laurie

Laurie N. Pudlo, Administrative Manager

University of Connecticut

Office of the Vice President for Research

PHONE  860.486.4247