GRANTS OFFICER I

UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences seeks a Grants Officer I to manage complex pre-award contracts. The role involves reviewing grant contracts for compliance with regulations, mentoring Grants Specialists, and independently negotiating contracts. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of professional experience in grant administration. This position promises a challenging and rewarding work environment focused on policy adherence and excellent customer service.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of professional experience in grant administration.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with faculty and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Review grant contracts for compliance with federal, state, and sponsor rules.
• Manage contracts from pre-award through project close-out.
• Negotiate and authorize contracts on behalf of UGA.

Skills

Knowledge of institutional policies and procedures for external funding

Contract negotiation

Customer service orientation

Ability to work independently

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

Position Summary

Sponsored Projects Administration, Pre-Award, is the central pre‑award office at the University of Georgia. The Grants Officer I manages the high‑level desk with the most complicated sponsors, contracts, and authority lines, serves as a mentor to other SPA research administrators, and independently negotiates contracts and binds the University to terms and conditions on behalf of research funding. The role combines a deep knowledge of institutional policies, contract negotiations, and compliance with federal, state, and sponsor regulations. (https://www.uga.edu/)

Responsibilities

• Review grant contracts for compliance with federal, state, sponsor rules, and UGA policies.
• Manage contracts from pre‑award through project close‑out; mentor Grants Specialists I‑III.
• Ensure compliance with agency guidelines and regulations, including animal/human subject use, debarment, and drug‑free workplace policies.
• Ensure accuracy of proposal budgets, including indirect costs and subcontract compliance.
• Assist faculty and staff in interpreting agency policies, regulations, and guidelines.
• Negotiate and authorize contracts on behalf of UGA or its research foundation.
• Serve as liaison between potential funding agencies and faculty regarding complex questions.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the department.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent with at least 2 years of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience with grant administration and contract negotiation.
• Proven ability to work independently in a deadline‑oriented environment.
• Strong customer‑service orientation and mentoring skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of institutional policies and procedures for external funding and finance.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• High level of knowledge of institutional policies and procedures pertaining to external funding, finance, and administration.
• Established knowledge of contract negotiations and the ability to draft agreements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with university personnel, state and federal agencies, and private organizations on complex matters.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, directly with PIs and other UGA personnel.
• Ability to work under varying levels of supervision in a deadline‑oriented environment.
• Strong commitment to excellent customer service and ability to manage the desk and serve as mentor/trainer of newer employees.

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).