Senior Grants Administrator

University of South Carolina

South Carolina

On-site

USD 78,000 - 118,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health and Life Insurance

Retirement Programs

Paid Tuition

13 Paid Holidays

Professional Development Opportunities

Job summary

The Senior Grants Administrator at the University of South Carolina provides comprehensive research administration support to faculty, doctoral students, research staff, and academic leadership within the Arnold School of Public Health. The role primarily handles complex pre‑award activities, advises on sponsor and institutional requirements, and supports post‑award financial administration.

The position works closely with principal investigators, central research administration, and external

Qualifications

Thorough knowledge of USC policies and procedures.
Ability to coordinate administrative functions, maintain efficient business and accounting practices.
Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

Pre-Award Grant Administration: manage grant prep, review, routing, and submission for multiple ASPH units; advise on sponsor requirements and budgets.
Post-Award Support and Account Reconciliation: monitor and reconcile sponsored project accounts; ensure compliance.
Funding Opportunity Research: identify relevant funding opportunities; match with program priorities.
Policy, Training, and Grant Administration Support: update policies; develop training materials and resources.

Skills

Policy knowledge

Coordination

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Discretion/confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree

4+ years experience

Job description

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

We are only accepting applications submitted by September 14, 2026.

The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:

Health and Life Insurance
Retirement Programs
Paid Tuition
13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
Professional Development Opportunities

Anticipated Hiring Range Salary commensurate with qualifications.

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time

Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 37.5

Work Schedule

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis

12 months

Job Search Category

Fiscal Accounting

About USC

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four‑year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in‑person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Veterans' Preference Statement

The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.

Posting Summary

Logo Posting Number STA00664PO26

Job Family Business Operations

Job Function Proposal Development

USC Market Title Grants Proposal Administrator

Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/212045

Job Level P4 - Professional Business Title (Internal Title)

Senior Grants Administrator Campus Columbia

Work County Richland

College/Division Arnold School of Public Health Department ASPH Office of Research

State Pay Range G11 USC Market Range MRJ - $78,441 $98,051 $117,662

Anticipated Hiring Range Salary commensurate with qualifications.

Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time

Hours per Week 37.5 Work Schedule

Benefits for FTE Positions

Benefits for FTE Positions The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time‑limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

Position Description Advertised Job Summary

The Senior Grants Administrator provides comprehensive research administration support to faculty, doctoral students, research staff, and academic leadership within the Arnold School of Public Health. The position is primarily responsible for managing complex pre‑award activities, advising departments on sponsor and institutional requirements, supporting post‑award financial administration, identifying external funding opportunities, and developing training resources related to sponsored projects.

The position serves as a grants administration resource for multiple ASPH units. The Senior Grants Administrator works closely with principal investigators, departmental administrators, central research administration offices, and external sponsors to ensure that proposals and awards are accurate, compliant, timely, and aligned with university and sponsor policies.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job‑related field and 4 or more years of job‑related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job‑related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials

Certified Research Administrator, knowledge of USC policies and procedures, proficiency with USCeRA, Peoplesoft Finance, and HCM .

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Research Administrator, knowledge of USC policies and procedures, proficiency with USCeRA, Peoplesoft Finance, and HCM .

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Thorough knowledge of USC policies and procedures.
Ability to coordinate administrative functions, maintain efficient business and accounting practices, multitask, and meet multiple deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
Must possess strong analytical and communication skills and demonstrate the ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, initiative, and confidentiality when handling complex administrative and financial matters.

Job Duties

Pre-Award Grant Administration Manages the pre‑award grant preparation, review, routing, and submission of grant applications for multiple ASPH units. Advises faculty and research staff on sponsor requirements, develops proposal budgets and supporting documents, enters applications into University and sponsor systems, and coordinates submissions with central research administration and external funding agencies. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 60%
Post-Award Support and Account Reconciliation Oversees post‑award activities for ASPH units as needed. Monitors and reconciles sponsored project accounts, reviews expenditures for compliance, resolves financial discrepancies, and prepares monthly expense reports for active research awards as needed. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20%
Funding Opportunity Research Identifies and communicates relevant grant, fellowship, and research funding opportunities to faculty, doctoral students, and research staff. Searches resources such as Grants.gov and sponsor websites, reviews eligibility and application requirements, and matches funding opportunities with research interests and program priorities. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10%
Policy, Training, and Grant Administration Support Reviews and updates grant‑related policies and procedures. Develops training materials, tutorials, guides, and resources for pre‑award and post‑award staff. Communicates procedural updates, support consistent grant administration practices, and performs other grant‑related duties as assigned. Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10%

Position Attributes

Employees in Safety‑Sensitive or Security‑Sensitive positions will be subject to pre‑employment and post‑employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No Hazardous weather category Non‑Essential

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date Job Open Date 08/31/2026

Job Close Date 09/14/2026

Open Until Filled No

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law.

Supplemental Questions

* Do you have at least a Bachelor's Degree in a job-related field and 4 or more years of job-related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience?
- Yes
- No

Required Documents