Grant & Contract Administrator III

University of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); Hybrid; USD 66,480 - 118,860; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Hampshire is seeking a Grant & Contract Administrator III to manage complex research proposal submissions. This hybrid role based in Durham, NH requires advanced guidance for faculty in proposal preparation, compliance reviews, and operational excellence.

Qualified candidates should possess a Master’s degree with relevant experience or a Bachelor’s with additional years of experience. Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills are essential, along with proficiency in Excel and platforms like Cayuse.

The pay range is between $66,480 and $118,860, reflecting skills, experience, and internal equity.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in sponsored programs administration with proposal submissions.
• 5 years of similar experience with a Bachelor's degree.
• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance and Federal Acquisition Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage preparation and submission of complex proposals.
• Conduct compliance reviews for proposal components.
• Mentor junior Grant & Contract Administrators.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time-management skills

Supervisory ability

Education

Master's degree in finance or business

Bachelor's degree in finance or business

Tools

Excel

Cayuse

Workday

Job description

As a member of the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration Pre‑award Compliance team, the Grant & Contract Administrator III is a senior pre‑award specialist responsible for managing complex research proposal submissions from intake through final submission. This role provides advanced guidance to faculty and staff on sponsor requirements, develops and reviews budgets, ensures full compliance with institutional and sponsor policies, and coordinates all components of the proposal package. The GCA III serves as a key resource for faculty and staff, independently handling high‑volume, high‑complexity submissions and ensuring timely, accurate delivery to sponsors. This position is a hybrid, office‑only role requiring presence at UNH’s main campus in Durham, NH.

Duties/Responsibilities

Proposal Development and Submission

• Manage end‑to‑end preparation, review, and submission of complex proposals, including multi‑PI, multi‑institution, center‑level, and limited‑submission applications.
• Interpret and apply sponsor guidelines, FOAs, and institutional policies to ensure compliant and competitive submissions.
• Develop, review, and revise detailed proposal budgets, budget justifications, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate with PIs on required materials and resolve issues prior to submission.
• Ensure timely submission through sponsor portals (e.g., Grants.gov, Research.gov, NIH ASSIST).

Compliance and Risk Management

• Conduct comprehensive compliance reviews for all proposal components, including budget accuracy, cost principles, effort commitments, subrecipient documentation, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and mitigate compliance risks related to sponsor terms, institutional policies, and federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, agency‑specific rules).
• Ensure adherence to internal deadlines, routing procedures, and institutional approval workflows.
• Interpret and apply regulations, policies, and laws related to sponsored programs within the institution's goals, priorities, and practices.

Operational Excellence

• Communicate proactively and collaboratively to maintain positive, service‑oriented relationships.
• Mentorship and support to junior GCA’s.
• Support team culture by modeling critical thinking, accountability, and collaborative problem‑solving.
• Collaboratively gain consensus among a diverse constituency of internal and external stakeholders across different geographic locations and needs.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionally represent the institution.

Requirements

• Master's degree in finance or business and three years of experience in sponsored programs administration, including proposal submissions, or Bachelor's degree in finance or business and five years of similar experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of sponsor, government, and organization regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret policy, assess risk, and resolve issues independently.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and submitting proposals.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time‑management skills.
• Proficiency in using Excel.
• Comfortable working on various platforms (e.g., Cayuse, Workday).
• Supervisory ability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Research Administrator.

Compensation Pay Range

$66,480.00 – $118,860.00. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Benefits information can be found on the UNH Employee Benefits page.

Location

Durham

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.