Grants Specialist

The Post Award Specialist manages post-award activities within the Research Services function for a range of grants and contracts, both internally and externally funded. This role ensures compliance with grant and contract regulations while handling financial tasks such as budgeting, account reconciliations, and financial reporting. The Specialist works closely with the Senior Post Award Specialist and Post Award Associate Director to ensure faculty and administrators receive necessary support throughout the entire project lifecycle, collaborating with internal and external centers.

Operational Responsibilities

• Coordinate the receipt of financial and technical reports from project investigators, ensuring proposals are current, accurate, complete, and compliant with institutional policies.
• Collaborate with the Grants & Contracts team for timely account reconciliations, contract service agreements, no-cost extensions, budget modifications, and expense projections.
• Maintain accurate records of research collaborator activities and ensure all financial documents, such as subcontract budgets and vendor quotes, are up to date.
• Assist the Senior Post Award Specialist and Post Award Associate Director in tracking research personnel on internal and external payrolls.
• Support the tracking of proposed student assignments on grants and manage their reallocation between internal and external projects.
• Provide financial support for post-award activities, including account management and reconciliation for faculty.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders (researchers, finance teams, administrators, funders) to facilitate effective post-award service delivery.
• Manage project account setups, closeouts, and fund centers while tracking and following up on open commitments.
• Prepare and coordinate the delivery of financial reports as required by award terms.
• Ensure compliance with agency and university regulations related to financial reporting and award modifications.
• Maintain records of reporting requirements for internal and sponsored programs.
• Process and monitor requests for no-cost extensions, carryovers, re-budgeting, and other award changes according to sponsor guidelines and university policies.
• Ensure timely submission and filing of progress reports and assist with project amendments, including re-budgeting and extensions.
• Track spending, monitor variances, and follow up as necessary.
• Accurately input data into financial and research systems.
• Collaborate with faculty and administration to ensure proper allocation and accounting for research staff and students.
• Track and log approvals for travel, expense reimbursements, research visitors, and payment requests.
• Adhere to the university's information security and confidentiality policies, reporting any breaches or security risks.
• Coordinate with other departments to facilitate task accomplishment as needed.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
• Perform additional tasks assigned by the Line Manager.

Qualifications & Experience:

Required Qualifications : A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field.

Required Experience : A minimum of 2 - 5 years of relevant experience