Grants Specialist - NIC Business Center

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking a Grants Specialist to provide pre-award grant support, guidance on policies, and financial coordination for sponsored research proposals. The role focuses on proposal development, budgeting, and startup activities while partnering with faculty and departments.

Located at UNL's Innovation Campus in Lincoln, NE, the position may offer a hybrid schedule after training, with potential days remote. Sponsorship is not offered for this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; four years of related experience considered in lieu of education.
• Experience with grants administration, proposal development, budgeting, and financial management preferred.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support development and submission of sponsored research proposals.
• Provide guidance on grants administration policies and best practices.
• Coordinate proposal budgets, documentation, submissions, and startup activities.
• Support post-award grant financial management and administration.
• Review and coordinate complex financial activities including travel, contracts, and journals.
• Assist training of new staff and provide direction on grants issues.
• Collaborate with university partners to ensure compliant research administration.

Skills

Grants administration

Data analysis

Excel

Microsoft Office

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

Position Information

EEO Statement

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 Notice of Nondiscrimination

Working Title

Grants Specialist - NIC Business Center

Department

NE Innovation Campus Business Ctr-3028

Description of Work

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, with a focus on pre-award grant support, 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.
• Supporting sponsored research through post-award grant financial management and administration.
• Reviewing and coordinating complex financial activities, including travel, contracts, journal entries, accounts receivable, capital assets, and other financial transactions.
• Supporting unit leadership in budget analysis, preparing reports and identifying potential areas of concern.
• Providing direction to other staff on grants-related issues.
• Assisting with training new staff members.
• Collaborating with university partners to deliver exceptional service and promote effective, compliant research administration.

This position is located on UNL’s Innovation Campus in Lincoln, NE. Following an initial training period of up to six months, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with up to two (2) days per week remote. 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 certified as a Family Friendly Workplace. 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
• 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.

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.

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

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Job Type

Full-Time

Work Location

Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? 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)

• * Please detail your experience with SAP or large integrated finance or human resources systems.

  (Open Ended Question)