Grants Specialist

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln, Northern (NE, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is seeking a Grants Specialist to support sponsored research proposals from faculty and departments. The role involves expert guidance on grants administration, budget coordination, and startup activities, ensuring compliant processes.

Located on UNL's East Campus in Lincoln, the position offers potential for a hybrid schedule after training. A strong service mindset and collaborative relationships across stakeholders are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus four years of related experience in grants administration, proposal development, finance, or a related field.
• Experience working with SAP or another large integrated financial system.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with faculty and departments to develop and submit sponsored proposals.
• Provide consultative guidance on grants administration policies and best practices.
• Coordinate proposal budgets, documentation, submissions, and startup activities.
• Collaborate with university partners to deliver compliant research administration.

Skills

Grant administration

SAP experience

Excel data analysis

Communication

Organization

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Working Title Grants Specialist

Department Natural Resources Business Center-0914

Requisition Number S_260596

Posting Open Date 07/31/2026

Application Review Date (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 08/31/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Managerial/Professional

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? No

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date:

Appointment End Date

Join the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources ( IANR ) Business Centers, where we strive to deliver exceptional service, innovative solutions, and responsible stewardship that advance IANR’s teaching, research, and extension missions.

As a Grants Specialist, you will serve as a trusted resource to faculty and departments, providing expert guidance and administrative support throughout the sponsored research proposal process.

Responsibilities include:

• Partnering with faculty and departments to support the successful development and submission of sponsored research proposals.
• Providing consultative guidance on grants administration policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Coordinating proposal budgets, documentation, submissions, and grant startup activities.
• Collaborating with university partners to deliver exceptional service and promote effective, compliant research administration.

We seek a proactive, service-oriented professional with strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to helping faculty and departments navigate the sponsored research proposal process. The ideal candidate builds collaborative relationships, communicates effectively with diverse stakeholders, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where attention to detail, organization, and sound judgment are essential.

This position is located on UNL’s East Campus in Lincoln, NE, home to the beautiful Maxwell Arboretum, the UNL Dairy Store, and plenty of parking! Following an initial training period of up to six months, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with a minimum of 3 days per week worked on campus. Hybrid arrangements are subject to supervisor approval and determined based on operational needs. Note: Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.

About Us

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Robust retirement plans with university match

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus four (4) years of related experience in grants administration, proposal development, finance, or a related field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Experience working with SAP or another large integrated financial system.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software, including Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and university policies.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, manage multiple deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Experience with grant, project, or cost accounting.
• Experience providing consultative support, training, or mentoring.
• Experience in a higher education or non-profit environment.
• Knowledge of sponsored programs administration.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required No

Physical Required No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please describe your experience with grants management and/or finance, including years of experience. (Open Ended Question)
• * Do you have any experience preparing grant proposals (compiling documents, budgets, etc.)? If so, please describe. (Open Ended Question)
• * Do you have any experience with SAP or another fully integrated electronic human resources, financial management or payroll system? If yes, please describe. (Open Ended Question)