Grant Specialist

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 47,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University is seeking a Grant Specialist to manage all preaward research administration, focusing on proposal preparation, budget development, review and certification, and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws and university policies.

You will advise faculty and administrators involved in extramural funding, support electronic proposal submissions, and coordinate with sponsors while upholding university policies and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Five years of relevant experience in grants and contract administration.
• Experience in preaward research administration, proposal preparation, budget development, review and certification.
• Ensure compliance with federal/state laws and university policies.
• Experience with electronic proposals to Federal agencies or sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of preaward research administration and proposal preparation.
• Develop, review and certify budgets; ensure sponsor and university compliance.
• Consult with faculty/administrators involved in extramural funding; assist with grant/contract development and negotiation.
• Coordinate electronic proposals to Federal agencies and other sponsors.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

MBA (preferred)

Job description

Grant Specialist

Kansas State University

About This Role

This position is responsible for all aspects of preaward research administration with a focus on proposal preparation and processing, including budget development, review and certification, reviewing for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and university policies, meeting sponsor requirements; assistance to and consultation with faculty and administrators involved in the University's extramural grant and contract activities, with backup support provided in the area of grant and contract development, review and negotiation for such issues as intellectual property rights, insurance, liability, indemnification, consistency with federal and state laws, regulations and University policies. Responsible for the development and review of electronic proposals to Federal agencies and other sponsors as prescribed by the particular agency.

About Us

The Office of Sponsored Programs provides a one-office approach to the full life cycle of research administration in assisting faculty, staff, and administrators in obtaining and administering funding from non-university sources to support K-State's creative and scholarly activities.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma (or equivalent)
• Five years of relevant experience. Requirements may be met through a combination of work experience and education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years experience, specifically in Grants and Contract Administration
• Advanced degree, such as a M.B.A., emphasis on accounting or finance.
• Certified Research Administrator certification
• Strong communication (both oral and written)
• Interpersonal skills experience
• Experience in the interpretation and application of guidelines, statutes and regulations.

Sponsorship Eligibility

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Application Window

Applications close on: September 22, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$47,486 - $60,541