GRANTS SPECIALIST I

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens seeks a GRANTS SPECIALIST I in Sponsored Projects Administration, Pre-Award. You will review and negotiate awards, coordinate proposals, and support faculty and graduate students through the pre-award process.

With a bachelor's degree and strong customer service, you will manage a diverse portfolio, ensure sponsor compliance, and collaborate with PIs, departments, and external sponsors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Foundational knowledge of external funding policies and administration.
• Ability to review, negotiate, and process awards and modifications.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and processes grant awards, cooperative agreements, and MOU's from sponsors; negotiates changes as needed.
• Manages awards from setup through project close-out, including modifications.
• Ensures compliance with agency guidelines, regulations, and budget considerations.
• Interprets agency requirements for faculty and staff; provides guidance accordingly.
• Negotiates and authorizes agreements on behalf of the university; may defer to Legal Affairs.
• Acts as liaison between funding agencies and faculty on complex questions.

Skills

Customer service

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15825P

Working Title: GRANTS SPECIALIST 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

Additional Schedule Information: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 09/28/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 11/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

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]).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title: University Grants Pro I

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent

Position Summary: Sponsored Projects Administration, Pre-Award is the central pre-award or sponsored projects office at the University of Georgia. The office manages a portfolio of approximately 2,500 awards annually, totaling more than $200 million. Work is considered 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.) The incumbent will join several other research administrators in SPA and maintain a caseload of proposals and awards with a focus on awards spanning a group of departments, colleges, centers, or institutes at UGA. Highly professional customer service drives all activities in SPA. The employee will review, negotiate, and process awards and modifications while providing assistance to faculty, staff, and graduate students. The employee will independently negotiate awards and modifications as needed and will possess signatory authority to bind the University to agreement terms and conditions.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Foundational level of knowledge of institutional policies and procedures pertaining to external funding and finance and administration.
• Awareness of the standard methods and procedures used in proposal preparation, coordination, submission, and implementation.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with university personnel, state, and federal agencies and private organizations on complex matters.
• Participate in the evaluation and analysis of OSP policies and procedures, and to assist in devising new institutional policies.
• 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 multitask and manage a caseload from a variety of sponsors.

Physical Demands: Sitting at computer for long periods of time.

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

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.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? No

Is this a Position of Trust? No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access? No

Duties/Responsibilities

• Reviews and processes grant awards, cooperative agreements, and MOU's from state, private, non-profit, and federal sponsors; and negotiates changes when needed on behalf of UGA and UGARF. (20%)
• Manages awards from set up through to project close-out, including negotiating and requesting modifications when necessary. (20%)
• 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. (20%)
• Assists faculty and staff by interpreting agency philosophy, policies, regulations and guidelines; interprets, clarifies, and documents diverse agency requirements, procedures, and policies. (15%)
• Negotiates and authorizes agreements on behalf of UGA or its research foundation. May defer to Legal Affairs on some issues. (15%)
• Serves as liaison between potential funding agencies and faculty regarding complex questions. Performs related work as assigned. (10%)