Grants and Contracts Coordinator (Grants & Contracts Professional 2)

University of Minnesota; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Paid holidays and generous time off

Low-cost medical and dental plans

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks a Grants/Contracts Professional 2 to support grant and research activities in the Department of Surgery. This hybrid position involves managing research grants, liaising with faculty, and ensuring compliance with university and federal regulations.

The ideal candidate will possess a BA/BS, strong organizational skills, and experience with grant management systems. Excellent benefits, including remote work options and professional development opportunities, are provided.

Qualifications

• At least two years of relevant professional experience or a combination of six years of education and work experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated independence and initiative.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple multi-year awards from notification to closeout.
• Prepare administrative portions of proposals and progress reports.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.

Skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Team collaboration

Time management

Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel)

Education

BA/BS or equivalent work experience

Tools

eRA Commons

NIH RePORTER

MN-GEMS

Job description

About the Job

This hybrid remote/in-person position provides grant and research support to faculty in the Department of Surgery and reports to the Surgery Grants & Contracts Manager. The Grants/Contracts Professional 2 will be part of the Surgery Grants & Contracts (SGC) team to manage research grants and contracts following award. The role works closely with the other members of SGC, the finance team, faculty and their teams to manage and facilitate grant activities throughout the award lifecycle. The individual offers guidance on budgeting, compliance, electronic data and file management, and reporting, and coordinates funded projects by drafting sponsor prior approval letters, preparing subaward documents, tracking budgets, and assisting with vendor agreements and other research‑related contracts.

Responsibilities

Award Management, 80% effort

• Manage multiple multi‑year awards from process notification to closeout.
• Respond to sponsor requests, understand budget limitations, identify solutions to sponsor restrictions, prepare budget and administrative portions of proposals and progress reports, obtain subaward documentation, liaise with departmental and collegiate administration and SPA, prepare support documents for faculty, and work with the finance team to manage prime and subaward budgets.
• Understand and communicate sponsor and University policies regarding PI/staff eligibility, cost sharing, F&A sharing, sponsor restrictions, and award terms, and monitor research compliance requirements.
• Track status of submitted applications.
• Set up outgoing and incoming subawards and research agreements with the Sponsored Projects Administration office.
• Manage the completion and submission of progress reports, carry‑forward, no‑cost extension, and other prior approval requests.
• Develop budgets for annual grant renewals and requests to carry‑forward unobligated balances.
• Work with other departments and institutions on collaborative awards.
• Maintain NIH Other Support documents.
• Assist with new departmental research initiatives as they are developed.
• Manage UFRA submissions, including Material Transfer Agreements, and coordinate with the Privacy Office on Confidentiality and Data‑Use Agreements.
• Monitor and review subaward invoicing.
• Liaise and communicate effectively with stakeholders in the grant process, including faculty, researchers, SPA, sponsors, finance teams, internal and external collaborators, and team members.

Development and Planning, 10% effort

• Participate in weekly SGC team planning meetings regarding current issues, policy updates, workload, processes, future tool development, etc.
• Develop and maintain a library of standard application, award, or management components.
• Provide feedback on templates, job aids, and guidance for new and experienced PIs to improve processes and documentation.
• Continue professional development by attending relevant courses, workshops, seminars, professional society meetings, and other training opportunities.

Compliance and Research Project Management, 10% effort

• Ensure research personnel are compliant with all UMN, state, and federal regulations and update records to identify needed trainings for supported faculty.
• Ensure compliance with University research policies and procedures in all tasks.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS plus at least two years of professional experience performing scientific, administrative, budgetary or grant duties or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years (4 years for the bachelor’s degree plus 2 years of work or education).
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously work on multiple projects with regularly occurring, fixed deadlines and ability to re‑prioritize tasks as needed to meet all deadlines.
• Effective team member skills and the ability to interface with all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated effective problem identification and problem solving skills.
• Capable of accepting responsibility with a high level of independent initiative, proactivity, and creativity.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with a high level of accountability, follow‑through, and internal drive.
• Effective organizational skills to juggle multiple multi‑year awards that may have periods of increased activity.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and similar Google tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a higher education institution.
• Experience working with post‑award management, budget, and contract preparation, including NIH award management, business and industry award management or clinical trial management.
• Experience with electronic systems such as eRA Commons, other grant management systems (e.g., MN‑GEMS), sponsor grant databases (e.g., NIH RePORTER), or University of Minnesota financial systems.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn and grow professionally.
• Project management experience.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $29.93–$34.94; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. Compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within the organization.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your 'My Job Applications' page and uploading documents in the 'My Cover Letters and Attachments' section. To request an accommodation during the application process, e‑mail [e-mail] or call (612) 624‑8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.