Senior Grants & Contracts Strategist

UMass Chan Medical School; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School is seeking a Grant and Contract Specialist III to lead complex financial and administrative functions in support of departmental research activities. The role emphasizes pre- and post-award administration, budget development, and regulatory compliance, collaborating closely with laboratory leadership.

Responsibilities include advising PIs, preparing budgets, ensuring sponsor compliance, and supervising junior staff while coordinating with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting or equivalent experience.
• 5-7 years of relevant job experience, preferably in an academic environment.
• Ability to analyze financial documents at account and summary levels.
• Grants management experience with pre- and post-award emphasis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and enterprise financial products.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-award administration, advising on sponsor guidelines and submissions.
• Ensure compliance with NIH and other regulations.
• Develop and manage the division's annual budget and forecast variances.
• Monitor funds for equipment, personnel, and major purchases.
• Coordinate with grant accounting on deposits and cost transfers.
• Manage funding sources and report variances.
• Provide high-level fiscal analysis for Sr Administrator and PI.
• Oversee post-award grants and contracts administration.
• Mentor and train junior staff.
• Monitor regulatory and compliance requirements for sponsored research.
• Prepare reports for federal and sponsoring agencies.

Skills

Budget management

Pre-award administration

Post-award administration

Financial analysis

Regulatory compliance

Grants management systems

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Admin/Finance/Accounting

Equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Access

Job description

The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School is seeking a Grant and Contract Specialist III to lead complex financial and administrative functions in support of departmental research activities. The role emphasizes pre- and post-award administration, budget development, and regulatory compliance, collaborating closely with laboratory leadership.

Responsibilities include advising PIs, preparing budgets, ensuring sponsor compliance, and supervising junior staff while coordinating with