Grants and Contracts Manager

Overview

MESC/Dauphin Island Sea Lab seeks a Grants & Contracts Manager. The Grants & Contracts Manager reports to the Director of Finance and Administration and is responsible for ensuring compliance with sponsor regulations, safeguarding project funds, maximizing DISL’s cash flow position via timely and accurate billing, collections and resolution of budget overruns, maintaining good relations with sponsoring agencies and Sea Lab staff, and facilitating the progress of sponsored projects for principal investigators and department administrators.

Primary Position Responsibilities:

• Execute all grant administrative and fiscal activities through all phases of the grant life-cycle including pre-award reviews, post-award monitoring and administration, and final closeout.

• Monitor grant/project budgets to ensure accuracy, appropriate use of funds, and compliance with DISL and sponsor policies and procedures. Interprets regulations and applies to situations encountered in daily interactions with departments and PIs. Identify irregularities and work closely with PI and departments/offices 

• Performs all grant related post-award functions according to the terms and conditions of the sponsor including but not limited to budget and expense analysis, monthly invoicing, letter of credit cash draws and quarterly reporting, financial reporting, effort reporting, and re-budgeting according to sponsor terms and regulations. Insures these functions are properly and accurately recorded into the accounting system in a timely manner 

•  Administers the establishment of new grant and contract awards into the accounting system. This involves review of sponsor terms, identifying unusual billing terms and resolving them with supervisor and PI. Ensures integrity of data in the accounting system and proper set up for cash management and receivable management

• Review business, financial, administrative, and management policies and practices to evaluate risks posed by subrecipient institutions. Based on your evaluation, you will identify and recommend appropriate levels of subrecipient monitoring to management.

• Responsible for responding to department questions or requests for information, investigating problems and issues that arise with grant data. Supports a positive and constructive relationship between various personnel and departments. Instructs P.I.s and their staff in grant management procedures and DISL policies and procedures. Facilitate department needs by developing and offering viable alternative solutions to issues and problems.

• Responsible for other special projects as assigned by the Comptroller and/or Director of Finance & Administration.  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or significant relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.Certification in Grants Administration is desirable but not required.

• Solid understanding of federal/university grant operations, rates and regulations along with knowledge of relevant government regulations including the Uniform Guidance (2CFR200) and higher education accounting procedures preferred.

• Strong computer skills, particularly analytical skills, strong attention to detail, ability to manage/prioritize multiple projects.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Prior grants administration or related experience with an emphasis on applying, monitoring and managing research grants..

• Ability to perform under challenging conditions such as during proposal deadlines..

• Be respectful, courteous, collaborative and maintain a positive outlook.

• Demonstrate an aptitude for using software tools with a strong proficiency with MS Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook.

This is a full time position which requires a 40 hour work week during standard work hours. Additional hours are occasionally required which may include working evenings to complete special assignments.