Senior Grants & Contracts Analyst

Support Astronomy! Come join and be part of the team at AURA’s Central Administrative Services (CAS) group supporting critical operations for astronomical research funded primarily through the National Science Foundation (NSF).  AURA receives NASA support via FAR-based contracts.  AURA’s Centers enable the next decade of astronomical discoveries through world-class facilities (terrestrial and space-based observatories) and science. The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. (AURA) is a charitable, nonprofit organization that operates astronomical observatories and furthers access to scientific data and research.

CAS seeks a Senior Grants & Contracts Analyst to provide dedicated professional sponsored-awards management with specific responsibility for pre-award and post-award functions in a primarily grant and cooperative agreement environment with some FAR-governed efforts. Works independently on a variety of grants/contracts that range from simple to highly complex. The primary goal of this position is to ensure timely, effective and efficient functioning of sponsored funding.

HYBRID Work – Aura supports in-person and remote work. This position can  be based in Baltimore, MD, Washington, DC, or Tucson, AZ. Relocation assistance provided.

Key duties include, but may not be limited to, reviewing departmental proposal preparation efforts, proposal preparation, submission, budget development, award account maintenance and oversight, support to billing/invoicing, reporting, compliance, and closeout.

Essential Functions:

• Understand and utilize institutional policies for pre-award grant process and sponsor guidelines.
• Review all sponsored project proposals for prior to them being forwarded to the Sponsored Programs and Grants manager or Contracts Officer for signature. Review involves accuracy, content, adherence to all relevant guidelines.
• Reviews budget for completeness and accuracy before submitting request to set up project in Deltek’s Costpoint. Verifies that funds awarded are setup properly in accordance with AURA guidelines, funding agency guidelines, including personnel costs, merit adjustments, supplies, materials, services, etc.
• Responsible for the timely preparation of non-Center proposal budgets for Principle Investigator Review.
• Provide instruction, preparation assistance and support related to grant application procedures. Serve as liaison between CAS, Centers and funding agencies.
• Monitors grants and contracts expenditures on a monthly basis to ensure labor costs are matched appropriately within budget requirements. Report spending anomalies.
• Reviews billing associated with grants and contracts on a monthly basis to ensure accuracy of spending allowability.

Required Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in substantive contract administration in federally funded environment (federal assistance environment preferred) to include experience in complex contract and grant functions such as: proposal preparation, proposal compliance, award negotiations, contract/grant administration, and closeout with government agencies.
• Knowledge of Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200), Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), and other applicable regulations covering contract and grant administration, closeout procedures and requirements, and proposal preparation and review.
• Must possess the ability to anticipate and resolve complex problems, exercise sound judgment, and plan, organize, and prioritize multiple demands efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and evaluate requests for proposals and contractual agreements.
• Excellent customer service skills to both internal and external customers.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and multi-task.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working directly with NSF grant/cooperative agreement funding and regulations
• Experience with Research Infrastructure regulations
• Experience working with Deltek Costpoint

AURA offers a mix-model workspace (in-office & remote) and stimulating environments for all.

We also offer an excellent benefits package and competitive salary. Highlights:

• Health Benefits – Start first on the month following hire
• Retirement Options:
  • 401(a) Money Purchase Pension Plan / 10% Employer Contribution
  • 403(b) / Your own retirement contribution
• Paid Time Off:
  • Vacation / Accrual of up to 24 days per/yr.
  • Paid Sick Leave / 8 hour per/mo.
  • Holiday Time / 10 days per/yr.

And much more so please explore:

• Our benefits at: https://hr.aura-astronomy.org/employee-benefits-guide/
• All career opportunities through our website at: https://www.aura-astronomy.org/careers/

AURA, as a leader in the astronomical community, is committed to diversity and inclusion. AURA develops and supports programs that advance our organizational commitment to diversity, broaden participation, and encourage the advancement of diversity throughout the astronomical scientific workforce. Learn more at http://www.aura-astronomy.org/diversity

Applicants are asked to submit a resume by 2/24/23 to receive full consideration. The position will remain open until it has been filled. 

Direct link #0012922 :  https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/SPA1004AURA/JobBoard/93330e50-7b3a-4ba8-94f2-6f32360aa4e1/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=eb129491-524a-4de9-a871-1894d27e4e66

Veterans, disabled individuals, or wounded warriors needing assistance with the employment process should request assistance at employment@aura-astronomy.org.  #LIHYBRID #INDHP

The Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) is a consortium of over 40 US institutions and three international affiliates that operates world-class astronomical observatories. AURA’s role is to establish, nurture, and promote public observatories and facilities that advance innovative astronomical research. AURA is responsible for managing the operations of the NSF’s NOIRLab, the National Solar Observatory, and the construction of the Vera C. Rubin Observatory and the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope under cooperative agreements with the National Science Foundation and operations of the Space Telescope Science Institute under contracts with NASA for both the JWST and Hubble Space Telescope.

 As a recipient of U.S. Government funding, AURA is considered a government contractor and is subject to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action regulations. As an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, AURA does not discriminate based on race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender identity expression, lawful political affiliations, veteran status, disability, and/or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws. The statements below as well as the requests for self-identification are required pursuant to these regulations. We encourage your participation in meeting these federal reporting requirements which are included for protection and to assist us in our recordkeeping and reporting. Your responses are kept strictly confidential.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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