Senior Contracts and Grants Specialist

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Wichita (KS); Hybrid; USD 55,052 - 67,285; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle of Higher Education, Inc. seeks a senior pre‑award administrator to support grant and contract applications. You will develop, implement and oversee pre‑award functions, ensuring compliance with sponsor and university guidelines and federal, state and university rules.

You will join a team enabling Wichita State University and partners to advance research and community impact across Kansas, the US and beyond by delivering robust proposal development and award administration.

Qualifications

• Experience with complex contracts and grant proposals.
• Proficient in negotiation, proposal and budget development.
• Strong writing, analytical and communication abilities.
• Ability to multi-task and coordinate with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Writes, reviews, and negotiates contracts, grants and sponsored awards.
• Assembles and submits complex proposals for the University.
• Provides guidance on proposal development, funding policies, and regulations.
• Researches and ensures compliance with laws, policies, and regulations in grant lifecycle.
• Advises leadership on conflicts of interest and time management.
• Produces reports, proposals, and analyses for various agencies.
• Collects and prepares required documentation for proposals and contracts.
• Develops and reviews budgets for sponsored awards.

Skills

Negotiation

Proposal development

Budget development

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Databases

IT tools

Job description

Department: Office of Research

Campus Location: Remote

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Position range begins at $61,169/year and is commensurate with experience.

Work Schedule: Typically, 8:00AM – 5:00PM, Monday – Friday. Overtime as needed to meet deadlines; work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”.

Job Information

In this senior-level role, you will provide comprehensive pre‑award support for primarily grant and contract applications submitted on behalf of Wichita State University. This position will be responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of pre‑award grant and contract functions, including ensuring all applications comply with sponsor and University guidelines, and State and Federal rules and regulations. In this role, you will be part of a team that makes it possible for Wichita State and our industry partners to conduct research and projects that will improve and change the community of Wichita, health, education, and technology for Kansas, the US and possibly the world.

Job Summary

Writes, reviews, and negotiates complex contracts pertaining to grants, sponsored research, service activities and other initiatives. Facilitates complex grant proposal development and fund sourcing as well as campus training efforts. Researches and interprets regulations, guidelines, and standards and oversees the processing of complex contracts and/or grants.

Essential Functions

• Writes, reviews, and negotiates complex contracts, grants, and other sponsored awards.
• Reviews, assembles, and submits complex proposals on behalf of the University.
• Delivers education and guidance to faculty, research staff, departments, and administrators in development of competitive proposals and award administration of projects as well as funding policies, rules, and regulations.
• Researches and facilitates compliance with University, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations in the daily operations of the contract and/or grant lifecycle.
• Advises leadership regarding potential conflicts of interest and time and dispute resolutions.
• Assists with the production of reports, proposals, and analyses for the University and for federal, state, educational, and other funding and regulatory agencies.
• Collects and prepares required documentation for proposals and contracts.
• Develops and reviews budget pertaining to the sponsored awards.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in proposal development, research compliance, or contract drafting at a university, government agency, or complex organization.

Required License/Certifications/Training

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Pre‑Award Research Administrator (CPRA)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency in negotiation and contract negotiation techniques sufficient to deal with high-level business, industry, scientific and/or government officials or proficiency in proposal and budget development experience.
• Computer proficiencies to include word processing, spreadsheet, database, internet, and other forms of electronic communication.
• Ability to multi‑task, work cooperatively as part of a team and maintain high output when working autonomously.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to multi‑task with a common-sense approach to prioritizing.
• Advanced grammar and writing, excellent verbal, interpersonal, analytical and communication skills.

Physical Requirements

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.