Senior Grants & Contracts Specialist (Pre-Award)

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Missouri-Columbia is seeking an experienced pre-award research administrator to manage complex grant and contract proposals in a fast-paced academic environment. The role partners with faculty, coordinates with internal teams, and ensures sponsor compliance throughout the lifecycle.

The position requires strong budgeting, PeopleSoft grants module proficiency, excellent communication, and the ability to work independently or in a team while meeting tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• 3+ years grants and contracts or related research administration experience preferred.
• Familiarity with federal, state, university and sponsor regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and facilitate complex proposals for grants and contracts.
• Budgeting including cost-share and justifications.
• Ensure compliance and complete sponsor-required forms.
• Enter proposals into PeopleSoft and generate ePSRS routing.
• Coordinate with internal/external collaborators and grant staff for sub-recipient requirements.
• Review proposals for Dean fiscal approval and post-submission budget revisions.
• Assist with award setup and required documentation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Excel

Word

PeopleSoft Grants Module

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Time management

Independent work

Problem solving

Positive attitude

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

3+ years grants/contracts or related research administration experience

Tools

PeopleSoft Grants Module

Job description

Hiring Department

Dean of Engineering

Job Description

The MU College of Engineering Research Office seeks an experienced and motivated pre-award research administration professional to join our team and play an instrumental role in the growth and success of the college. The College of Engineering has a robust research culture, and the goal of growing significantly in the coming years. The Research Office is critical to this effort.

The person in this position will work directly with faculty; work under strict deadlines; manage a variety of tasks and projects; and handle sensitive information. The primary responsibilities include the following:

• Prepare and/or facilitate the preparation of complex proposals for grants and contracts. This may include the following
• Budget, including cost-share
• Budget justification
• Compliance documentation
• Completing sponsor-required forms
• Interpreting sponsor guidelines to ensure compliance
• Entering the proposal into PeopleSoft, and generating and routing the ePSRS
• Communicate and coordinate with collaborators from inside and outside the institution, and their grant staff to fulfill sub-recipient requirements
• Liaise with the Office Sponsored Programs
• Review and provide dean fiscal approval on all proposals involving engineering investigators
• Assist with post-submission requests for budget revisions, supporting documentation, etc.
• Assist with award setup
• Help train and mentor grants and contracts staff
• Maintain and establish research administration processes and procedures, and best practices
• Provide information regarding grant policies to faculty, staff, students
• Maintain knowledge of existing laws, policies and procedures necessary to comply with Federal, State, University and sponsor regulations concerning grants and contracts

Traits necessary in this fast-paced environment:

• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Proficient in Excel, Word, PeopleSoft Grants Module
• Detail-oriented
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Self-directed, customer focused, and personable
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Positive attitude

Shift

Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm with occasional evening or weekends for special projects. This position requires consistent and dependable onsite attendance.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary

Preferred Qualifications

• Research administrator certification
• Minimum of five years of grants and contracts or related research administration experience
• Minimum of five years of experience with PeopleSoft Grants Module

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary range: $53,976 to $58,000/year

Grade: GGS-9E

University Title: Business Services Consultant

Salary commensurate with education and experience. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

• MU Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.