Grants Manager A

University of Pennsylvania; United States; On-site; USD 66,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is seeking a Grants Manager A to oversee comprehensive financial management of cancer research programs, focusing on industry-funded trials and complex agreements. You will handle pre-award and post-award duties, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements and institutional policies.

The role requires advanced knowledge of research administration, budgeting for multi-component projects, and managing contractual obligations across locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Experience with budgeting, contracts, and multi-location trials is expected.

Responsibilities

• Pre-award: prepare proposals, budgets, and negotiate terms for multi-location trials.
• Post-award: monitor expenditures, invoicing, and cost accounting for complex grants.
• Compliance/Reporting: ensure adherence to federal regs and contract terms.
• Communication: liaison between investigators, sponsors, and university offices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Excel

Budgeting

Contracts

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor of Science

Tools

Excel

Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Grants Manager A

Job Profile Title

Grants Manager A

Job Description Summary

The Grants Manager A provides comprehensive financial management of cancer research programs, with an emphasis on industry-funded therapeutic clinical trials and other complex research agreements for a large and diverse portfolio. This role oversees all aspects of pre-award and post-award activities ensuring compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements. The position requires advanced knowledge of research administration, budgeting for multi-component projects, and managing intricate contractual obligations.

Job Responsibilities

• Pre-award: Review study protocols and partner with investigators, operations teams, and billing compliance to prepare and submit proposals. Develop detailed budgets and negotiate term for multi-location, multi-year trials, requiring proficiency in Excel. Coordinate with legal affairs to finalize contracts and amendments.
• Post-award: Set up accounts, monitor expenditures, and ensure compliance with sponsor terms. Track invoicing schedules and payment terms for complex agreements. Design and maintain an invoicing system to ensure all billable items are requested and collected, including establishing safeguards to protect the integrity of the process. Identify incorrect transactions and taking corrective action. Reconcile and close-out study accounts a study completion. Prepare financial reports and reconcile accounts for multi-million-dollar projects. Manage effort reporting and salary allocations for grant-funded personnel.
• Compliance/Reporting: Ensure adherence to federal regulations, institutional policies, and contract requirements. Regularly review clinical trials to ensure all potential costs are accurately reflected in budgets, including a detailed comparison of actual UPHS expenses against contract language; amend existing budgets, if needed. Maintain documentation for audits and internal reviews. Stay current on clinical trial regulations and industry standards.
• Communication: Serve as a main contact and key liaison between investigators, operations teams, sponsors, and clinical trials offices, including the University's Office of Research Services (ORS) and School of Medicine's Office of Research Support Services (ORSS). Recommend and, upon approval, implement policies and procedures to ensure consistency in reporting and compliance with University, School, and sponsor requirements. Provide guidance to faculty and non-financial staff on financial issues related to their portfolios. Provide training to junior grants coordinators and managers.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Job Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Perelman School of Medicine

Pay Range

$65,628.00 - $74,000.00 Annual Rate Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color