Grants Management Specialist, GS-1109-14 NF

Inside Philanthropy; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Science Foundation in Alexandria, VA seeks a Grants Management Specialist within the ISB/OAM to lead negotiation, award, administration, and oversight of complex cooperative agreements for major research facilities.

You will advise program officials on business, policy, and financial matters, monitor compliance, conduct cost analyses, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders throughout the award life cycle.

Qualifications

• Experience in pre-award and post-award functions for complex grants and cooperative agreements.
• Ability to analyze budgets and ensure proper use of federal funds.
• Knowledge of federal rules and policies governing research funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiation, drafting, awarding, administration, amendment, and closeout of complex cooperative agreements and grants.
• Advise program officials on business, financial, and policy issues throughout the award lifecycle.
• Oversee compliance with terms, conditions, and regulations; conduct risk assessments and audits.
• Develop, interpret, and revise grants management policies and procedures.
• Perform detailed financial reviews and cost analyses to support decisions.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

Skills

Grant management

Budget analysis

Policy guidance

Stakeholder comms

Negotiation

Job description

Summary

This Grants Management Specialist is located within the Infrastructure Support Branch (ISB), Office of Award Management (OAM), at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This position is responsible for the negotiation, award, administration, monitoring, and oversight of complex cooperative agreements in various stages of the facilities lifecycle.

Duties

As a Grants Management Specialist, you will perform the following duties: Negotiate, Award, and Administer Complex Agreements- Lead the negotiation, drafting, awarding, administration, amendment, and closeout of complex cooperative agreements, grants, and other funding arrangements for major research facilities and mid-scale research infrastructure projects Advise on Business and Policy Matters- Serve as a key advisor to program officials and project teams, providing authoritative guidance on business, financial, and policy issues throughout the award lifecycle. Monitor Compliance and Performance- Oversee and assess awardee compliance with terms, conditions, and federal regulations; conduct program evaluations, risk assessments, and resolve audit findings to ensure proper use of federal funds. Develop and Implement Grants Management Policies- Design, interpret, and revise grants management policies, procedures, and practices; recommend and implement changes to improve effectiveness and compliance. Conduct Financial and Cost Analyses- Perform detailed financial reviews, cost analyses, and budget evaluations to support negotiation, award decisions, and ongoing oversight of funded projects. Engage in Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication - Proactively build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including program officials, awardee organizations, and cross-functional teams.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen. Selectee will be required to have a background investigation prior to onboarding. Selectee may be required to serve a 2-year trial/1-year probationary period. Additional Requirements: Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade/equivalent. You must meet eligibility and qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date. You must answer all job-related questions in the NSF eRecruit questionnaire and any external assessment that is included. All online applicants must provide a valid email address. If your email address is inaccurate or your mailbox is full/blocked, you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position. It is NSF policy that personnel employed at, or Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) individuals detailed to, NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign talent recruitment programs. Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. NSF has determined that all of its positions are eligible for situational telework. Situational telework may be approved on an occasional basis in accordance with agency policy, supervisory approval, and operational requirements. Selected candidates interested in telework, or other workplace flexibility arrangements, should discuss available options with the selecting official. Participation in telework is voluntary and requires an approved telework agreement.

Qualifications

To qualify at the GS-14 level, you have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal service performing the full range of pre-award and post-award functions for complex cooperative agreements, grants, and other federal financial assistance instruments within an organization. Examples of specialized experience may include: Working with universities or research organizations to set up, negotiate, and oversee multi-million-dollar cooperative agreements or grants. Helping project teams or program managers understand and apply federal rules and policies when planning, awarding, or managing research funding. Carefully checking proposed project budgets, analyzing costs, and resolving any financial or audit problems to ensure federal funds are used properly and efficiently. Experience refers to paid/unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training/experience that translates directly to paid work. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.