GRANTS OFFICER I

University of Georgia

Athens (GA)

On-site

USD 58,500 - 71,500

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A public research university in Georgia is seeking a Grants Officer I. This role involves managing research proposals, ensuring compliance with regulations, and negotiating grants. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years of experience. Responsibilities include reviewing grant contracts, providing mentorship to staff, and maintaining effective communication with various stakeholders. A strong commitment to customer service is essential. Competitive salary starts at $65,000+.

Qualifications

Minimum 2 years of professional experience in a relevant field.
Established knowledge of contract negotiations.
Ability to work under varying levels of supervision.

Responsibilities

Review grant contracts for compliance with regulations.
Manage contracts from pre-award stages through project close-out.
Negotiate and authorize contracts on behalf of UGA.

Skills

Knowledge of institutional policies and procedures

Contract negotiation

Effective communication

Mentoring and training

Customer service orientation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.

Posting Details

Posting Number: S14819P
Working Title: GRANTS OFFICER I
Department: VPR-SPA Pre-Award

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP
Employment Type: Employee
Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Advertised Salary: $65,000+, commensurate with experience
Posting Date: 03/04/2026
Open until filled: Yes
Closing Date: Proposed Starting Date 05/01/2026

Position Summary

Sponsored Projects Administration, Pre-Award, is the central pre-award or sponsored projects office at the University of Georgia. The office manages an extensive portfolio of awards/proposals. Work is highly professional and technical, involving the review and processing of research and other types of grant proposals, negotiation of awards and contracts, and a variety of post‑award non‑financial administrative duties (no‑cost extensions, amendments, compliances, problem‑solving, etc.). This position serves on the contract team. The successful candidate will join several other research administrators in SPA and manage the high‑level desk with the most complicated sponsors, contracts, and internal/external authorities. In addition to the current workload, the Grants Officer I serves as a mentor and helps train others in SPA. Due to the breadth of knowledge and experience, seldom needs assistance with the most complicated sponsors/issues. Consistently demonstrates an ability to independently manage work queue, honor deadlines and performance metric expectations, resolve issues, and consistently demonstrate SPA Customer Service Standards. The employee will independently negotiate contracts and will possess signatory authority to bind the University to terms and conditions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications: (none specified).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- High level of knowledge of institutional policies and procedures pertaining to external funding, finance, and administration.
- Established knowledge of contract negotiations and ability to effectively 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 about a limited array of research administration topics.
- Work under varying levels of supervision in a deadline‑oriented environment.
- Strong commitment to excellent customer service and the ability to manage their desk as well as serve as a mentor/trainer of newer employees.

Responsibilities

Reviews grant contracts for compliance with federal, state, and sponsor rules and regulations as well as UGA policies and procedures, and mentors a Grants Specialist I‑III.
Manages contracts from pre‑award stages through to project close‑out, although not responsible for financial accounting and mentors a Grants Specialist I‑III.
Assures compliance with agency guidelines and all applicable federal, state, and university regulations, such as animal and human subject use, debarment and suspension, drug‑free workplace.
Ensures accuracy of proposal budget, including indirect costs and subcontracts’ adherence to internal legal considerations.
Assists faculty and staff with interpreting agency philosophy, policies, regulations, and guidelines; interprets, clarifies, and documents diverse agency requirements, procedures, and policies.
Negotiates and authorizes contracts on behalf of UGA or its research foundation; may defer to Legal Affairs and Innovation Gateway on some issues.
Serves as liaison between potential funding agencies and faculty regarding complex questions. Performs related work as assigned.

Physical Demands

Sitting at computer for long periods of time, standing, walking, bending, stooping, carrying, lifting up to 20 lbs.

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 (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, and the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job‑based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website for more information.

Contact Information