Research and Grant Administrator

University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 58,200 - 61,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

ECO Pass for local transit

Job summary

A leading educational institute in Boulder, Colorado, seeks a Research and Grant Administrator to provide research administration services. The successful candidate will manage financial aspects of grants, ensure compliance with federal regulations, and support Principal Investigators in the funding process. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. This role offers a salary range of $58,200 – $61,500, along with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• Understanding of federal and state sponsor regulations and university fiscal policies.
• 1 year of relevant financial management experience.
• Experience with grants and contracts is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a knowledge base of procedures and policies.
• Interact regularly with PIs to ensure financial management.
• Facilitate preparation and submission of requests to OCG.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365

Proficiency in Google Drive

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Advanced degree (master’s) preferred

Tools

Google Sheets

Excel

Job description

Research and Grant Administrator

College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), CU Boulder invites applications for two positions that provide professional research administration services to A&S Principal Investigators, research personnel, and departmental staff. The role interacts with CU’s Procurement Service Center, Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG), and Campus Controller’s Office (CCO) to administer current awards and coordinate award proposals.

Job Summary
These positions require an understanding of federal and state sponsor regulations, university fiscal policies, and the administrative processes for grant and contract proposals. Candidates must synthesize information to help investigators navigate campus and federal processes, set priorities, manage time effectively, and meet firm timelines.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a knowledge base of university, federal, state, and funding agency procedures and policies.
• Explain sponsored projects funding mechanisms (grants, contracts, sub‑contracts, fixed‑price contracts, gifts) to department administration and faculty.
• Interact regularly with PIs to ensure financial aspects of awards are proactively handled and advise on complicated or unusual projects.
• Maintain knowledge of OCG and CCO workflow for award setup, modifications, extensions, and enforce award‑specific terms and conditions.
• Oversee project start‑up, review award documents, maintain financial projections, reconcile accounts, and provide monthly reports to PIs.
• Provide oversight on personnel expenses, sub‑award invoicing, and cost‑share requirements.
• Facilitate the preparation and submission of requests to OCG for extensions and modifications, and work with CCO and departments to facilitate award closeouts.
• Assist departments with research finance‑related actions and develop improved procedures and systems for grants and contracts management.
• Participate in university trainings and represent the department and college at meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 1 year of relevant financial management experience (accounting, business administration, HR, non‑profit operations, or government proposal development).
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and Google Drive; advanced proficiency in Google Sheets or Excel.
• Analytical, problem‑solving, and independent as well as team‑oriented skills.
• Excellent communication, confidentiality, and responsiveness.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (master’s) from an accredited university.
• 2 years of relevant financial management experience in a non‑profit, HR, business administration, or accounting environment.
• Experience with grants and contracts, including Uniform Guidance or FAR.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) and/or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) certification.

What We Offer

Annual salary range: $58,200 – $61,500. Benefits include medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition assistance, an ECO Pass for local transit, and participation in the CU Advantage program.

Application

• Current resume.
• Cover letter detailing how your background aligns with the responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements.

Apply by January 6, 2026 through CU Boulder Jobs. Email submissions are not accepted.

CU Boulder is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.