Grants and Contracts Specialist II- Post Award (S02479P)

Job Summary:

Provides Post-Award administrative guidance in the administration and processing of sponsored grant and contract projects. Develops and maintains contacts with sources of faculty research support. Provides support to researchers, departmental and center/institute administrators, regarding the allowability and allocability of research-related expenses and other compliance related activities. Responsible for administering and monitoring procedures designed to comply with and implement appropriate regulations relating to government and private research grants and/or contracts pertaining to the interpretation and application of such procedures and regulations.

Essential Duties:

Monitors post award activities to ensure compliance for issues involving allowable costs, re-budgeting and reporting requirements, cost sharing and spending limitation, etc. Facilitates, reviews and approves budget transfer and cost transfer requests in adherence with sponsoring agencies’ regulations and university policies and procedures. Process and submit prior approval request to the sponsor that includes actions such as No Cost Extensions, budget transfer requests and requests for additional funds. The Specialist drafts and submits these requests to the funding agency when necessary. Review project expenditures and budgets; requests corrections and resolve discrepancies; interpret rules, regulations and compliance issues with respect to sponsored awards. Reviews and approves Purchase Orders and requisitions initiated by the department for capital equipment items and other large value purchases to be charged to sponsored award projects. Review and negotiate continuing projects and amendments to existing grants, contracts, cooperative agreements. Update the award and associated project budget in the financial system in tandem with executed amendments and advanced spending forms. Works with PI and administrators to ensure appropriate close out of projects in accordance with the sponsor and university closeout guidelines and requirements. Create and execute subaward agreements for all new and existing awards, as well as process budget changes, extensions, and closeout procedures during and throughout the life of the subaward. Set up/update Subrecipient PO's in the financial system as necessary. Assists management in the preparation of ad-hoc reports. Participates in special projects such as: development and presentation of training workshops, updating/ drafting procedure manuals and report development. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required, master’s preferred. Two (2) years of experience in higher education or the equivalent combination of experience in research administration, and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong ability to understand user needs, requirements and requests to identify priorities; escalates urgent/conflicting requests. Strong and collegial interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively in person, writing, and by phone; Skill in establishing and maintaining effective professional working relationships. Good understanding of overall unit objectives/goals with the ability to work effectively across boundaries with potential for conflict. Skill in administering sponsored projects and post award functions. Knowledge of budgeting and financial analysis. Knowledge of costs principles, administrative requirements and specific agency guidelines and regulations as well as research methods. Knowledge of computer applications and information dissemination technology.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint as well as familiarity with other commonly used software. Working knowledge of PeopleSoft. Critical thinking and problem solving skills. Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities and communication plans. Ability to utilize strong cross unit knowledge and understand to overcome issues to achieve results. Ability to prepare detailed documents reports, and/or related materials. Provides analysis of data for identification of trends. Ability to work both independently or within a complex structured team. Normally receives no instructions on routine work and general instructions on new assignments with review of completed tasks. Exercises judgment within generally defined practices & policies in selecting methods & techniques for obtaining solutions. Provides solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects. Ability to review contracts and legal documents and negotiate to an acceptable resolution. Initiate and negotiate subcontracts and sponsored research agreements on behalf of the University.

Special Instructions:

­Applicants must include in their online resume the following information: 1) Employment history: name of company, period employed (from month/year to month/year), job title, summary of job duties and 2) Education: school name, degree type, and major.

EEO Statement:

UTA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Additionally, the University prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation. A criminal background check will be conducted on finalists. The UTA is a tobacco free campus.

Open Until Filled: No

Location: Arlington