Search #: 495317
Work type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Grants and Contracts

JOB SUMMARY

In support of initiatives for tremendous research growth, the Office of the Vice President for Research, Sponsored Program Services (SPS), is actively recruiting to expand capacity and fill multiple current and anticipated Post-Award Grants and Contracts Specialist positions.

Responsibilities will include account set-up for awarded projects; processing financial and accounting transactions; assuring sound fiscal oversight and financial compliance; serving as representative/liaison between faculty/researchers, department administrators, and sponsors; providing direct support and guidance to faculty in the financial administration of grants and contracts; creating detailed monthly financial reports for analysis and projection of expenditures.

The ideal candidate for this position will be an energetic, self-starter, who can work effectively independently, and also cooperatively as a member of a specialized team. Preferred candidates will have experience in sponsored research administration in a university or comparable organizational setting.

Sponsored Program Services (SPS) assists faculty with the administration of sponsored program activities to reduce administrative burdens on researchers and department staff. Our goal is to help faculty win more grants and provide comprehensive pre-and post-award services, including:

Pre-Award Activities:

Post-Award Activities:

Faculty Services (Pre-Award and/or Post-Award) Activities:

Other Activities:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interpret award documents to ensure proper set up of accounts, and compliance with financial obligations.
• Create/generate financial reports (i.e. monthly financial transaction reports) for analysis, projection, and action, to assist with the management of sponsored projects.
• Provide timely and accurate post-award transactional support for faculty research portfolios, including commitment management, cost transfers, and other grant-management-related tasks.
• Assist with completion of administrative portions of progress reports to sponsors.
• Serve as the university liaison with the sponsor in the negotiation of changes to sponsored research commitments, budget adjustments, changes in scope, and project extensions;
• Provide direction, training, and assistance to principal investigators and department staff in financial award management.
• Work closely with stakeholders to monitor and evaluate subrecipient entity activity and mitigate associated risk.
• Serve as a resource to both internal and external colleagues. Keep abreast of laws, regulations, external and internal policies, and procedures governing the administration of grants and contracts.
• Exercise sound judgment in clarifying and resolving issues of concern.
• Maintain complete records and documentation.
• Contribute to the ongoing improvement of workflow, current practices, business processes, and policy.
• Participate in office-wide projects that ensure the institution is compliant with sponsor obligations and requirements;
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or another related field for consideration.
2. At least four years of experience in a complex business organization, industry, or governmental/regulatory agency involving accounting, budgeting, contracting, or related work.
3. Working knowledge of federal laws and regulations regarding grants and contracts; or equivalent translatable experience.
4. Experience with developing budgets, performing financial transactions, and preparing financial reports in a timely and accurate manner.
5. Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Effective time management, follow-through, and organizational skills.
7. Customer-service orientation and experience working with a diverse constituency.
8. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume, and deadline-driven environment.
9. Ability to problem-solve and maintain professional composure while working under the pressure of internal and external deadlines.
10. Ability to adhere to work schedule during business hours of operation with schedule flexibility to ensure that deadlines can be met.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Knowledge of OMB Circulars A-81 (Uniform Guidance) and/or the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
2. Ability to interpret technical contract language applicable to sponsored research and understand its implications.
3. Experience with electronic research administration systems (such as grants.gov, Fastlane, eRA Commons).
4. Experience working in an institution of higher education.
5. Experience working in a high volume, high production, and/or sponsored-research intensive environment.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

Full-time positions include an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement, as well as employee and tuition waivers at the University of Connecticut. Salaries typically start at the minimum of the salary band and range to the mid-point for progressively experienced candidates. Positions are anticipated to be based on the main UConn Storrs Campus. Employees are currently telecommuting until directed to return to campus or as an otherwise authorized condition of employment.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #495317 and upload a resume and cover letter that illustrate how applicants (1) satisfy the education and experience requirements, and (2) effectively demonstrate how the qualifications required for the position are satisfied and contact information for three (3) professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Employment of successful candidates will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on December 31, 2021.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. The diversity of students, faculty, and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians, and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical links to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural, and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities, and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Advertised: May 28 2021 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Dec 31 2021 Eastern Standard Time