Position Number:S85580-20190212-2 Title:Contract and Grant Specialist Department:Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Category:Professional/Managerial Job Family:Research Administration Website:https://research.cc.lehigh.edu/ORSPtoolbox# Posting Date:02/12/2019 Summary:

A Contract and Grant Specialist in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs plays a key role in the University's goal of excellence in research by providing a supportive environment for proposal review and submission; providing oversight, management and appropriate stewardship of sponsored funding; maintaining a broad interface with sponsors and the research and educational communities, interpreting, implementing and monitoring government and sponsor mandates as they effect the management of grants and contracts. A Contract and Grant Specialist functions with broad latitude using individual judgment and independent action and requires continuous education in the field of research administration.

Accountabilities:

1. Administers, coordinates and facilitates proposal preparation and submission through direct counsel with researchers, authorized institutional representatives and sponsors
   • Directs budget development for single-investigator and large multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary project proposals.
   • Manages and secures proposal subcontractor budgets and certifications.
   • Develops comprehensive budget justifications.
   • Reviews sponsor guidelines for specific submission requirements, including cost sharing, and counsels faculty
   • Coordinates with other University administrative offices to facilitate decisions regarding indirect cost rates (overhead) and any other deviation or exception from University policies.
   • Edits and proofreads proposals.
   • Coordinates with investigator and authorized institutional officials to ensure proposal submission is in compliance with sponsor guidelines and Lehigh University policies and is submitted on time.
   • Tracks proposal status and provides additional information requested by sponsors.
   • Coordinates with Environmental Health and Safety and Risk Management to comply with University policies and government mandates.
   • Recommends standardized agreements, including materials transfer and confidentiality agreements, to faculty.
   • Develops and maintains relationships with external personnel such as government administrators, subcontractors, and collaborator representatives.
   • Directs and advises authorized institutional representatives regarding legally binding documents.
   • Authorized to approve and sign as Lehigh's authorized institutional representative for proposals requesting up to $500,000 in direct costs per submission. Authorization is granted after approximately one year of on-the-job training.
   • Coordinates and documents cost sharing commitments with faculty and internal/external sources.
   • Responds to requests for research-related data.
   • Delegates duties as appropriate to support staff in the course of daily operations.
2. Negotiates and accepts funded project terms and conditions.
   • Serves as liaison with outside consultants, sponsor representatives, and partner organizations.
   • Negotiates with sponsors to determine final terms and conditions.
   • Implements and secures cost sharing commitments from internal/external sources.
   • Counsels faculty and the research community with respect to the terms and conditions regulated funded projects.
   • Advises personnel of collaborating organizations on subcontract requirements.
   • Finalizes and executes subcontract agreements.
   • Responds to requests for research-related data.
   • Interprets university policies, government regulations, and sponsor terms and conditions and advises Faculty and the research community.
   • Coordinates with Environmental Health and Safety and Risk Management to comply with University policies and government mandates.
   • Directs and advises authorized institutional representatives regarding legally binding documents.
   • Authorized to approve and sign as Lehigh's Authorized Institutional Representative for awards of $500,000 in direct costs or less after approximately one year of on-the-job training.
   • Negotiates revised budgets with sponsor in collaboration with Faculty and the research community.
3. Monitors and authorizes funded project financial and compliance activities from project inception through closeout, including audit, if applicable.
   • Authorizes and produces source documents to establish new project accounts.
   • Counsels faculty and research community with respect to the implementation of the terms and conditions regulating funded projects, including allowable use of research funds and prior approval requirements.
   • Communicates sponsor financial requirements to research accounting and assists with accounts receivable resolution as needed.
   • Monitors and documents cost-sharing commitments from internal and external sources.
   • Reviews and approves expense transactions and reallocations for validity and availability of funds.
   • Reviews and analyzes current and projected budgetary needs, makes recommendations for changes, and prepares reports.
   • Reviews and resolves research fund deficits, discrepancies, and problems.
   • Maintains project files to comply with record retention requirements.
   • Directs and coordinates closeout of research projects.
   • Provides information to internal and external auditors.
   • Assists in and provides documentation for resolution of cases involving alleged misconduct in science.
   • Provides information of University financial systems and processes and responds to requests for research-related data.
   • Develops and maintains relationships with external personnel, such as government administrators, subcontracts and collaborator representatives.
   • Interprets University regulations and government mandates and advises faculty and research community.
4. Maintains broad interface with federal/state sponsors, industry and the research and educational community at large
   • Serves as liaison with outside consultants, sponsor representatives and partner organizations.
   • Assists investigators in interpreting the University's accounting system.
   • Confers with individuals and groups on financial accounting topics.
   • Coordinates meetings with departmental administrators on research "hot topics".
   • Confers with Office of Technology Transfer regarding intellectual property, confidentiality and regulatory issues.
   • Monitors, evaluates and disseminates changes in government regulations and analyzes impact on University policies.
   • Maintains broad knowledge and keeps current of the research administration field.
   • Interprets government mandates and University regulations
   • Organizes and participates in semi-annual new Faculty research orientation program.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Computer Science or related degree
2. Certified Research Administrator designation preferred
3. One to three years related work experience
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
5. Excellent writing ability and organizational skills
6. Solid analytical, decision making and problem solving skills
7. Solid computer skills with experience using word processing and spreadsheet software
8. Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, county and national criminal background checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance. Based upon the requirements of the position Lehigh may also request credit history reports, motor vehicle checks and professional license/certification verification

Special Considerations:

• This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for University
• Periods of high volume/workload may be required; extended hours are dependent upon workload and deadlines

FTE:100% Grade and Hiring Minimum:8-40 Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salary adjustments for internal candidates comply with University policy. For more information contact Human Resources. Required Documents Message:Cover Letter, Resume