Grants & Contracts Specialist III

Pittsburgh Tomorrow; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Grants & Contracts Specialist III at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health Dean's Office provides advanced support in pre- and post-award accounting, budget development, and review of complex sponsored projects across multiple departments. The role guides faculty and staff on proposals, budgets, and compliance, and supports school‑level processes for grant submissions and reporting.

The position requires proficiency with Microsoft Office and financial systems (PERIS, Fiscal

Qualifications

• Experience in pre- and post-award research administration across multiple departments.
• Ability to interpret policies and prepare complex government applications.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all levels of research administration for complex sponsored projects.
• Prepare, review, and monitor grants, contracts, and budgets.
• Guide faculty and staff on proposals and budgets and ensure compliance.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners and generate financial reports.

Skills

Communication

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Time management

Tools

PERIS

Fiscal Panther

Tableau

Concur

Panther Express

Job description

The Grants & Contracts Specialist III will assist the Director of Research Administration in the School of Public Health Dean's Office. Responsibilities are advanced and multidimensional, including participation in all levels of research administration. The Grants & Contracts Specialist III will support pre- and post-award tasks for complex sponsored projects across multiple School departments and will contribute to school-level review of sponsored project submissions, award activations, and modification requests. The role provides flexible pre- and post-award support to School departments as workload and priorities shift. The role instructs and guides faculty and support staff on applications and proposal budgets, facilitates account reconciliation and maintenance, collaborates with faculty and administrators in other University departments and at external institutions and foundations, and solves problems while managing multiple priorities with strict deadlines. The role interprets and applies University and funding agency policies, advises departments on the long‑term financial viability of their awards, assists with preparing financial reports for internal use and sponsor requirements, and supports the development of school-wide policies and procedures for grant submissions and reporting.

Performs pre- and post-award accounting duties for complex grants and contracts. Prepares, negotiates, and monitors grants, contracts, and budgets. Maintains award‑related schedules, prepares complex government applications and reports, and interprets policy and procedure. Monitors account activity, performs internal audits, resolves complex issues, and reviews routine financial documents. Develops and implements accounting techniques and procedures for operational improvements and assists with managing special projects and preparing operating budgets.

This position requires diverse grant submission experience in order to accurately review departmental submissions, along with pre- and post‑award research administration experience supporting multiple departments. The incumbent must work effectively across multiple departments and portfolios of varying size and complexity and be comfortable stepping into unfamiliar awards and workflows. The incumbent must be proficient with Microsoft Office and financial software systems, including but not limited to PERIS, Fiscal Panther, Tableau, Concur, and Panther Express, and be able to use them for account projections, summaries, and related fiscal activities. The incumbent must communicate effectively electronically and in person; work is conducted frequently by email, telephone, in‑person meetings, and video technology (Zoom, Teams, etc.). The incumbent must work well under pressure and constant deadlines, work autonomously with minimal supervision, and exercise discretion and independent judgment in significant matters.

The position is generally sedentary and requires extended periods of time at the computer. It requires the ability to travel within the SPH building, campus, and the Oakland area to attend meetings as needed.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.