Contracts and Grants Specialist

Indiana University Bloomington; Bloomington (IN); On-site; USD 58,500 - 71,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental insurance

Health savings account with IU contributions

Tuition subsidy for employees and family members

10 paid holidays plus a winter break

Generous paid time off plans

Job summary

Indiana University Bloomington is looking for a Pre-Award Grants Manager to support faculty in funding proposal submissions. The role involves monitoring research activities, collaborating on funding opportunities, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

A bachelor’s degree and two years of experience are required. Excellent communication skills and professionalism are essential for this position in the vibrant academic environment of Bloomington, Indiana.

Annual salary is $65,000 with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 2 years of relevant experience required.
• Ability to effectively communicate and operate a computer.
• Sedentary work with some movement around an office.

Responsibilities

• Monitor research activities and support proposal submissions.
• Work with faculty on funding opportunities and proposal development.
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.

Skills

Proficient communication skills

Maintains a high degree of professionalism

Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills

Demonstrates a high commitment to quality

Possesses flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Willingness to acquire knowledge in area of specialty

Highly thorough and dependable

Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

Pre-Award Grants Manager

CHEMISTRY (BL-CHEM-IUBLA) – Faculty and staff in the Department of Chemistry are committed to developing students’ understanding of science and problem‑solving skills, preparing them for careers in science and the health professions.

The Department of Chemistry, part of Indiana University’s College of Arts and Sciences, offers employment opportunities ranging from academics and scientists to laboratory technicians, administrative support, and technical services. Every role supports the department and the university’s educational and research mission.

Department‑Specific Responsibilities

• Familiarize with current research activities and monitor the limited submission website for opportunities.
• Notify faculty and scientists of potential opportunities and assist them in assembling submission groups.
• Work closely with the Office of Research Administration to keep the department aware of university deadlines, policies and procedures.
• Participate actively with faculty and staff to build the department’s funding base for both individual PI and collaborative projects.
• Provide counsel, guidance and assistance to faculty and staff in preparing and submitting proposals and contracts.
• Develop proposal budgets and budget justifications in line with university, federal and agency guidelines.
• Establish timelines, coordinate proposal components, and manage the full proposal lifecycle from concept to submission.
• Organize and lead proposal development activities, convening collaborators and facilitating team meetings.
• Edit and review proposals for clarity, consistency, compliance and competitiveness.
• Coordinate proposal routing and submission through institutional systems in collaboration with the Office of Research Administration.
• Identify and analyze funding opportunities from federal agencies, foundations and other sponsors.
• Conduct targeted funding searches aligned with faculty research interests and institutional priorities.
• Provide strategic guidance on positioning proposals relative to sponsor priorities and program criteria.
• Facilitate connections between investigators and internal/external collaborators to strengthen proposals.
• Maintain relationships with funding agencies and foundations to stay informed of current and emerging opportunities.
• Prepare complex proposal components including subawards, subcontract budgets and small business plans.
• Coordinate with collaborating institutions, private foundations, and internal partners to support proposal development and funding acquisition.
• Provide targeted support for large, interdisciplinary or strategic proposals, including facilitating multi‑institutional collaboration.
• Track proposal status, internal approvals and compliance requirements; initiate actions to resolve issues as needed.
• Prepare financial projections, expense reports and assist with effort reporting and grant‑related financial adjustments.
• Ensure adherence to institutional policies, federal regulations and sponsor guidelines throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Assist faculty and staff with documentation and administrative requirements for pending and funded projects.
• Initiate internal documents such as KC proposal documents, salary transfers and general accounting adjustments related to grant activities.
• Provide backup support for post‑award functions, including monitoring progress report deadlines and submissions.
• Develop and deliver workshops, training materials and educational resources related to funding opportunities and proposal development.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives related to research administration and reporting systems.

General Responsibilities

• Provide financial monitoring and analysis of contracts and grants and partner with Principal Investigator(s) to ensure expenses are paid according to contract.
• Consult on and complete pre‑award applications and participate in contract closeouts.
• Perform post‑award accounting of complex grants; interpret regulations and guidelines of program funding for standard grants and prepare reports for the grant agency.
• Evaluate contract compliance and advise others on contractual rights and obligations.
• Analyze awards to determine reporting requirements and send reports/invoices.
• Request or approve amendments to contract terms or contract extensions.
• Prepare bids or requests for proposals (RFPs), including specifications and requirements; negotiate contract terms and participate in determining acceptable bids.
• Analyze and determine cash needs for cost‑reimbursable grants to the various agencies and manage cash.
• Close out awards as appropriate.
• Provide policy and procedure interpretation to various stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor terms, university policies/procedures and federal/state regulations.

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree (preferably in a related field).

Work Experience

Required: 2 years of relevant experience.

Required Skills

• Proficient communication skills.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
• Highly thorough and dependable.
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Bloomington, Indiana

$65,000.00 annually

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long‑term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU‑sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Career Level: Career

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Research

Job Family: Research Administration

Indiana University is an equal‑opportunity employer and provides ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non‑Discrimination for details.