Principal Grant Finance Administrator

University of California, Riverside; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 84,100 - 154,700; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Riverside is seeking a Principal Grant Finance Administrator. This role involves management of administrative, financial, and technical aspects related to grant activities. The incumbent will oversee proposal submissions and post-award financials, ensuring compliance and alignment with institutional policies.

Additionally, this position offers the flexibility to work remotely most of the time, with potential on-campus visits as needed. A strong background in financial management and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing grants and contracts.
• Strong understanding of sponsor guidelines and institutional policies.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial and administrative aspects of contracts and grants.
• Coordinate proposal submissions and ensure alignment with guidelines.
• Manage financial reporting and budget trends across projects.

Skills

Financial management

Budget development

Proposal preparation

Problem-solving

Autonomy in complex financial transactions

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Priority Application Deadline: 07/01/2026

Overview

Job ID: 37560228
Category: Research and Development
Organization: Research Innovation & Economic Development
Department: Research & Economic Dvlpmt
Location: Main Campus - UCR
Salary: $84,100 - $154,700
Date Posted: June 16, 2026
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Schedule: 8AM - 5PM
Full/Part Time: Full-time(100%)
Level of Supervision: Direction
Personnel Program Code: Professional & Support Staff
Other Information: Qualifies for Employee Referral Bonus: No; UC Internal Job: No

Position Information

Reporting to the Financial & Administrative Officer, the Principal Grant Finance Administrator will have primary oversight for management of administrative, financial, and technical aspects related to the contract and grant activities for assigned Principal Investigators (PIs) within various units under Research and Economic Development (RED), including both pre-award proposal preparation and post-award financial analysis and management. In the pre-award phase, the incumbent plays a critical role in proposal submissions, ensuring alignment with sponsor guidelines, institutional policies, and unit objectives. This includes coordinating large-scale funding opportunities that involve both multi-investigator and multi-institutional proposals. The role requires working closely with PIs to provide clear, strategic guidance on the full range of proposal components, developing detailed and comprehensive budgets, and securing necessary internal approvals. The incumbent must exercise strong independent judgment and advanced problem-solving skills to navigate the complexities of multiple stakeholders, varying sponsor requirements, and high-stakes, high-complexity proposals. In the post-award phase, the incumbent independently manages financials across multi-institutional collaborations, overseeing complex budget management, trend analysis, and preparing comprehensive financial reports that track spending patterns, capture statistics, and ensure proper reconciliation of costs across projects within assigned portfolios. The incumbent proactively resolves financial issues, provides data-driven recommendations, and ensures compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements. The role requires a high degree of autonomy in managing complex financial transactions, and the incumbent may also guide less experienced staff in navigating grant financial tasks. In addition, the incumbent will provide support with general RED Research Centers and other RED unit reporting needs. This position may have the ability to work remotely a majority of the time, with the ability to come to campus as needed. The frequency of in-person work may vary and/or change as departmental needs fluctuate. The full salary range for the Principal Grant Finance Administrator is $84,100 - $154,700 annually. However, the expected pay scale for this position is up to $110,000 annually. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs. Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.