Grant & Contract Officer

Northeastern University; Boston (MA); Remote; USD 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative university is seeking a Grant & Contract Officer to support research initiatives and ensure compliance with funding regulations. This role involves advising faculty and staff on proposal submissions, conducting institutional reviews of awards, and providing non-financial post-award administration. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a strong understanding of government grant regulations, and a commitment to customer service. Join a dynamic team committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment while making an impact in research administration.

Benefits

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Wellness and life benefits

Retirement plans

Commuting and transportation benefits

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in research administration required.
• Strong judgment and discretion in resolving ambiguities.

Responsibilities

• Advise on proposal submission and compliance with regulations.
• Review and process sponsored awards and ensure timely entry.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

Analytical and creative problem-solving

Knowledge of government grant regulations

Customer service orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Grants.Gov

NSF Fastlane / Research.gov

NIH eRA Commons / ASSIST

Job description

Grant & Contract Officer

About the Opportunity

Northeastern University's Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) provides leadership and expertise to faculty, investigators, and college administrators in support of research and sponsored programs at Northeastern University. NU -- a dynamic, innovative, and entrepreneurial university with a diverse and growing research portfolio -- seeks to hire talented, experienced administrators who are dedicated to supporting investigators secure and manage their extramurally sponsored activities. The University is committed to hiring and developing personnel who enjoy working in a high-performing culture that rewards excellence. To learn more about Northeastern's unique academic environment and generous benefits please see: http://www.northeastern.edu/hrm/.

Northeastern is a global university and NU-RES supports its team working remotely. Remote locations and work schedules are determined based on operational needs and in consultation with Team members, consistent with University policies and guidance.

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Grant & Contract Officer is the point of contact and primary resource for the faculty, department staff, and funding agencies, providing guidance on University and funding agency policies and regulations. The Grant & Contract Officer works in partnership with faculty, University staff, and funding agencies by facilitating the coordination and flow of information in support of effective administration of sponsored programs throughout the entire program lifecycle.

Responsibilities

1. Advise and assist researchers and administrative staff on the proposal submission process including providing guidance on federal regulations, agency requirements, internal policies and procedures, and budget development; review of proposals to a wide range of federal, state, local government agencies, and private foundation sponsors to ensure conformance to funding agency and University requirements prior to signature/release by authorized organizational representative to ensure that proposals are submitted accurately and in a timely manner.
2. Conduct institutional review of notices of award providing critical analysis of terms and conditions of federal and non-federal sponsored awards; in conjunction with Associate Director, conduct negotiation of awards on behalf of the University; monitoring for regulatory compliance with the funding agency's terms and conditions of award from acceptance through closeout.
3. Collaborate with University legal counsel, Office of Institutional Compliance, and other NU offices as needed.
4. Provide non-financial post-award administration. Serve as a source of information on sponsor and University policies and regulations. The Grant & Contract Officer will offer effective analytical and creative problem-solving skills and the ability to manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment.

Qualifications

Excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment preferred. Must have solid judgment and capacity to exercise discretion to resolve ambiguity and promote effective solutions. Must have a strong commitment to constructively contribute to a customer service environment, providing professional, timely, efficient, and courteous service to the university research community.

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years relevant experience in the field of research administration in an academic or non-profit setting is required. Knowledge of government grant regulations, agency policies, and familiarity with customary policies and procedures of an institute of higher education, and experience with the use of Grants.Gov, NSF Fastlane / Research.gov, NIH eRA Commons / ASSIST a plus.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1. Review of funding applications to federal, state, local government agencies, private foundations, and industry/corporate sponsors to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, University policies, and program solicitation. Assist faculty and administrative staff with development of proposal; explanation of agency guidelines, budgeting, and internal processes. (25%)
2. Review and process sponsored awards and ensure timely entry in University systems. Coordinates with other University offices to ensure compliance with University policies; responsible for interpretation of federal and non-federal rules and regulations, including FAR, DFAR, export controls clauses, and intellectual property rights as they relate to sponsored awards. (35%)
3. Provide non-financial award administration during the life of an award, including, but not limited to, submission of progress reports, processing and approval of advance account requests, no-cost extensions, changes to scope of work, changes in key personnel, and assistance in the submission of annual/final progress reports. Function as liaison with funding agencies and manage coordination between other units within NU-RES and faculty/department administrators. (30%)
4. Develop expert knowledge of research administration necessary to provide assistance as the point of contact for the University research community. Engage in University-wide professional development activities, i.e., training, workshops, and developing resources useful for customers. Participate in special projects assigned by NU-RES. (10%)

Position Type
Research

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education, and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement, as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.

To apply, visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Grant---Contract-Officer_R130943