Pre-Award Grants And Contracts Specialist - Faculty Shared Services

Overview

Search #: 496157
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Grants and Contracts

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR), Sponsored Program Services (SPS), is seeking an energetic Pre-Award Grants and Contracts professional to fill two specialist position vacancies in the administrative area of Faculty Shared Services and Centralized Pre-Award Services.

Working under limited supervision from a designated manager, the role provides pre-award administrative 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 business administration, accounting, finance, or another field/discipline relevant to the area of specialization.
  2. At least four years of experience in a complex business organization, industry, or governmental/regulatory agency involving accounting, budgeting, contracting, or related work.
  3. Working knowledge of federal laws and regulations regarding grants and contracts; or equivalent translatable experience.
  4. Experience with developing budgets, performing financial transactions, and preparing financial reports or proposals in a timely and accurate manner.
  5. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  6. Effective time management, follow-through, and organizational skills.
  7. Customer-service orientation and experience working with a diverse constituency.
  8. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume, and deadline-driven environment.
  9. Ability to problem-solve and maintain professional composure while working under the pressure of internal and external deadlines.
  10. Ability to adhere to work schedule during business hours of operation with schedule flexibility to ensure that deadlines can be met.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Knowledge of OMB Circulars A-81 (Uniform Guidance) and/or the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
  2. Ability to interpret technical solicitation or contract language applicable to sponsored research and understand its implications.
  3. Experience with electronic research administration systems (such as grants.gov, Fastlane, eRA Commons).
  4. Experience working in an institution of higher education.
  5. Experience working in a high volume, high production, and/or sponsored-research intensive environment.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

Full-time positions include an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement, as well as employee and tuition waivers 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.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #496157 and upload a resume and cover letter that effectively demonstrate how the qualifications required for the position are satisfied and contact information for three (3) professional references.  Review of applications will begin immediately.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on May 20, 2022.

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 links 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.

Contact Information

Company
University of Connecticut
First Name
Kelley
Last Name
Bilodeau
Address
Phone
(860) 486-4247
Contact Email
kelley.bilodeau@uconn.edu
Contact URL
https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/

Background Information

Education
4-Year Degree
Years of Experience
4
Industries
  • College/University
  • Non-Profit
  • Government
  • Legal
Categories
  • Administrator or Administrative
  • Business Manager
  • Compliance
  • Government
  • Grants and Contracts
  • Research Administrator/Manager
Work Authorization
Security Clearance
None

Target Job Information

Salary
Job Type
  • Full Time