Post-Award Specialist

NC State University; Raleigh; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Raleigh is seeking a Post-Award Contracts and Grants Specialist. This role involves managing the full post-award lifecycle for grants and contracts, ensuring compliance, and monitoring expenditures. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and experience in accounting or grant management. Strong analytical and communication skills are essential for success. Join us to support groundbreaking research and improve financial management processes.

Benefits

Free attendance at non-revenue generating sporting events

Childcare discounts

Wellness & Recreation Membership

Wellness Programs

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in accounting work related to grants and contracts.
• Ability to manage 10+ active projects simultaneously.
• Experience resolving complex post-award financial issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full post-award lifecycle for grants and contracts.
• Monitor project expenditures and reconcile accounts.
• Prepare financial reports and documentation for stakeholders.

Skills

Attention to detail

Financial data analysis

Compliance knowledge

Communication skills

Project management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

PeopleSoft Financials

Research.gov

Job description

As a Post-Award Contracts and Grants Specialist, you will play a vital role in supporting groundbreaking research by managing the financial and administrative side of sponsored projects—from grant setup through closeout.

In this role, you will ensure the integrity and compliance of research funding by working closely with faculty, department staff, and central university offices. Your attention to detail and ability to navigate complex regulations will directly support the department’s mission to drive discovery and collaboration at the highest level.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full post‑award lifecycle for grants and contracts in the MSE department.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, university, and sponsor‑specific regulations.
• Monitor project expenditures and reconcile accounts to maintain fiscal accuracy.
• Prepare financial reports and documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate and process award modifications, no‑cost extensions, and budget revisions.
• Serve as a resource for PIs, providing guidance on allowable costs and project budgeting.
• Liaise with the Office of Contracts and Grants and other university units to resolve issues and support best practices.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency and at least one year of experience in accounting work; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Proven ability to analyze financial data and monitor budgets to ensure accurate spending and compliance with award terms.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, university, and sponsor regulations to ensure grant management meets all compliance standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to clearly convey complex information to faculty, staff, and funding agencies.
• Experience resolving complex post‑award issues, including budget revisions, cost transfers, and award modifications.
• Ability to manage 10+ active projects simultaneously while maintaining organized and accurate financial records.
• Effective team collaborator with a track record of building strong working relationships across departments.
• Strong commitment to providing timely, solution‑focused support to faculty and research staff.

Preferred Experience & Skills

• Hands‑on experience managing post‑award grant and contract activities in a university setting to ensure compliance and timely reporting.
• Proficiency in using financial and research systems (e.g., PeopleSoft Financials, PINS, Research.gov) to manage awards and track spending accurately.
• Experience preparing for and responding to audits, ensuring documentation is complete and aligned with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Experience using research administration platforms such as NSF FastLane, NIH ASSIST, or NC State’s RED system.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well‑being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

• Attend non‑revenue generating sporting events for free.

Work‑life balance with our Childcare discounts, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving Wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and benefit eligibility is based on Part‑Time or Full‑Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Application Process – Supplemental Questions

• How did you learn of this opportunity?
  • NCSU Website
  • Job Alert (automated email from our system)
  • NCSU Executive Search Services
  • Monster.com
  • CareerBuilder.com
  • InsideHigherEd.com
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • Other Online Job Board
  • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
  • Job / Career Fair
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Professional Journal
  • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
  • Radio / Television Advertisement
  • Professional Organization
  • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
  • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
  • NCSU Employee Referral
  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
  • Other
• If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.
  1. (Open Ended Question)
• Describe your experience with post‑award grant management, including financial reporting, compliance monitoring, and award closeout.
  1. (Open Ended Question)
• Do you have experience with PeopleSoft Financials or a similar financial software?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume
• Contact Information for References

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter

NC STATE UNIVERSITY

RALEIGH, NC 27695

PHONE: (919) 515‑2011