Research Administrator, Grants and Contracts, UNLV Sponsored Programs [R0138822]

Overview

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Research Administrator, Grants and Contracts, UNLV Sponsored Programs [R0138822].

UNLV Administration offers eligible employees the opportunity to work remote from home, in the office, and/or on a flexible schedule.

ROLE of the POSITION

The Research Administrator is responsible for the review and set up of grants and contracts for research, service projects, and other creative activities.

• Review awards and proposals for accuracy and compliance
• Work with the faculty to obtain necessary documents in order for Contract Manager to review and negotiate contracts
• Obtain fully executed award documents and prepare internal documentation for award entry into Workday
• Initiate corrections and other data entries into Workday as needed,
• Administer sponsored program awards for programmatic compliance
• Review budgets and any changes in scope of work or personnel during life cycle of awards
• Act as the liaison between the faculty and the sponsors and serve as the UNLV Point of Contact
• Assist faculty with award-related questions
• Aid with developing relevant training and presentations to faculty and staff
• Educate and train faculty and staff on all aspects of award management
• Utilize and become proficient in Cayuse for grant management (award) activities.

Primary Job Duties

• Maintain authoritative knowledge of Uniform Guidance and other relevant grant regulatory requirements. Apply knowledge to the interpretation and analysis of grant documents
• Responsible for managing a significant volume of awards
• Provides advice to faculty and staff regarding sponsored research administration issues, interpreting a broad range of sponsor policies, government regulations and terms and conditions in a timely manner
• Regularly and consistently respond to award administration for all grants in portfolio, and assist peers as needed
• Administer awards through eRA Commons, ASSIST, Fastlane, Research.gov, Grants.gov, etc.
• Receipt and review for formal acceptance of grants, prepares documents for AOR signature
• Compares proposal with agreement and makes sure agreements are accurate with appropriate scope, budget, and terms and conditions
• Ensures any projects with compliance components have all of the proper documentation and that all internal and external procedures and policies have been followed
• Review award for compliance, to include but not limited to, IRB, IACUC, export control, participant support, extra contractual compensation (ECC), short turn around timing, reporting requirements, special conditions (e.g., prior approvals), etc.
• Communicates with extramural agencies on grant-related matters to include, no cost extensions, PI change, changes in scope, and funding (increased & carry over), or to verify allowable/allocability, etc., as needed
• Work closely with the Pre Award Research Administrator and Financial Research Accountant teams on various issues related to proposals and award management
• Complete award transfers
• Annual non-competing continuation submissions (examples include, HRSA and CDC)
• Prepares subaward agreements and modifications
• Work with other institutions regarding sub-contracting
• Review task orders under Master Agreements
• Review and approve/reject buyout and ECC from faculty
• Prepare award documents and budget(s) for entry into Workday
  • Ensure programmatic reporting deadlines are completed and uploaded into award/financial system
  • Prepare corrections, such as adding GR lines and other award information into award/financial system
• Collaborates with other University groups such as Principal Investigators and study teams, IRB (Office of Research Integrity), Risk Management, sponsors and other relevant offices to ensure that sponsored research projects are managed in an efficient and effective manner consistent with UNLV policies and procedures, and applicable agency guidelines, laws and regulations.
• Serves as a resource on Post Award Grants and Contracts activities and overall technical resource to principal investigator and other university staff
• Assist in making decisions on allowability, allocability, reasonableness and consistency
• Initiate the close-out of completed grants before Post Award-financial close out
• Creatively and proactively evaluates and resolves problems and makes decisions
• Assist in educating faculty, departmental administrators and other staff members in understanding all areas of grant administration and review of awards documents
• Assist in developing training guides and providing training to faculty and administrative staff for award management
• Ability to use of the Cayuse grants management system for awards to cross reference with Workday 
• Work independently or with others on various projects such as surveys, policy/procedure development, form development, or special reports. 
• Participate in and contribute to process improvements
• Maintain expertise in federal, state, and university regulations, policies and procedures.
• Regularly review federal sponsor policies and proposal guides and participate in webinars, trainings or conferences to keep updated on ever changing regulatory compliance pertaining to grants and contracts.

KNOWLEDGE

Required

• Experience with Federal grants and post-award grants administration, analysis and understanding of terms and conditions
• General understanding of the nature and requirements of sponsored project contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements
• Understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities
• Knowledge of major funding sources and their unique policies and procedures (NSF, NIH, NASA, DOE)
• Knowledge of University and state regulations
• Knowledge of the functional areas of sponsored program administration (Pre-award through Post-award) and a good general knowledge of the nature of research in all academic disciplines

Preferred

• Previous Workday experience to include grants module
• Previous Cayuse experience
• CRA Certification
• Possess knowledge of federal procurement regulations, including the CFR & FAR, agency CFR/FAR implementations, and the Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200 and audit regulations (Single Audit)
• Previous experience negotiating contracts

SKILLS

Required

• Experience working in common federal agencies grant submission/award platforms such as NIH (ASSIST, eRA Commons), NSF (Research.gov, Fastlane), DOE (Workspace, grants.gov), NASA (NSPIRES)
• Extensive proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; and ability to use and execute advanced Excel functions to work with complex data
• Strong computer, systems and technology proficiency, including experience with Workday
• Demonstrated customer service focus and an ability to communicate verbally and in writing clearly and effectively, presenting ideas, answering questions and documenting activities
• Strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills

ABILITIES

Required

• Self-starter, diplomatic, pro-active, and ability to manage stress
• Ability to communicate complex information (financial, legal and regulatory) to a diverse population, both verbally and in writing
• Ability and capacity to work with a high degree of independence within a fast paced environment that is deadline driven and a multi-tasking operating environment
• Ability to interact and collaborate with multiple constituencies as well as excellent analytical, organizational, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to interpret policies and act independently in a highly complex regulatory/legal/fiscal environment
• Ability to maintain a high level of attention to detail, and ability to work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Maintain independent judgment; strong organization and communication skills; and a customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas
• Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration
• Requires sound judgment to select the most appropriate and applicable standards by referring to available rules, regulations, policies and manuals and related documents
• Adaptable to changing environments
• Ability to learn new software systems and technology skills

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as participate in maintaining a respectful, positive work environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and 1-3 years of experience in Research Administration in review of contracts, and administering a portfolio of awards. Credentials must be obtained prior to the start date.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

University setting with research administration. College, Department grant administrator is a plus. Workday experience. Cayuse experience. Certified Research Administrator (CRA).

SALARY RANGE

Salary competitive with those at similarly situated institutions. Salary range $60,000 - $67,000, dependent on experience.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT UNLV

• Generous compensation packages, up to 48 days of paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
• Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision
• No state income tax
• Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs
• Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools
• Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents

PERKS

• Flexible work schedule (depending on your department)
• Employee recognition and appreciation programs
• Personal and professional development opportunities
• UNLV athletics ticket discounts
• Statewide employee purchase program discounts
• RebelCard discounts on and off campus
• Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost
• Opportunity for career advancements to leadership roles

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance.

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based.

Although this position will remain open until filled, review of candidates’ materials will begin on October 1st, 2023.

Materials should be addressed to Hallie Lyons, Search Committee Chair, and must be submitted through Workday, as we do not accept emailed materials. For assistance with the application process, please contact UNLV Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or UNLVJobs@unlv.edu.