Contract & Grant Specialist I, II, III or Senior

Mississippi State University•Starkville, MS

64d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides administrative and technical guidance and support to faculty and staff seeking outside funding for research, public service, and special sponsored institutional projects. Researches and interprets relevant regulations, guidelines, and standards. Prepares and reviews proposal budgets and oversees the processing of contracts and grants.

Requirements

Contract & Grant Specialist I - Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. One year of relevant experience.
Contract & Grant Specialist II - Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. Three years of relevant experience.
Contract & Grant Specialist III - Bachelor’s Degree in a related field. Five years of relevant experience.
Senior Contract & Grants Specialist - Master’s Degree and a Professional Certification related to Research Administration (CRA, CPRA, CFRA, or PMP). Five years of relevant experience.
Mathematics, spreadsheet, database, and word processing skills mandatory.
Knowledge of grant funding policies and procedures and applicable local, state, federal and university regulations.
Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
Attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Three years’ experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance (OMB Circulars) and standard cost accounting.
Ability to analyze budgetary line items for compliance with budget guidelines.
Ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Information research skills.
Database management skills.
Organizing and coordinating skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Ability to provide technical advice and information to faculty and staff in area of expertise.
Knowledge of federal, state and/or community funding sources and mechanisms.

Responsibilities

Assists Principal Investigators (PIs) and staff in the development, preparation, and submission of grant and contract proposals.
Ensures all applications comply with agency and university guidelines.
Assists PI with adherence to funding agency requirements (budget requirements, bio sketches, current & pending support, other required forms, cost sharing obligations, etc.) for consistency, accuracy, and completeness.
Coordinates with PI and pre-award and/or post-award support staff at collaborating institutions to secure necessary subaward documents for proposals.
Ensures proposals are entered and routed in a timely manner for further review.
Monitors proposal and award (non-financial/financial) status and advises PI on requirements and deadlines associated with reports, research protection and protocols.
Advises the PI and assists with budget adjustments, modifications, and revisions necessary to meet the sponsor requirements.
Assists PI with navigating search tools and communicates funding opportunities and proposals.
Stays informed of sponsor updates and changes relative to grants administration.
Work with other contracts and grants staff, departments, and faculty to ensure timely submission of Hatch, Hatch Multistate, Animal Health, and competitive NIFA project initiations and annual report of accomplishments.
Knows policies and procedures applicable to assigned duties.
Provides guidance, training, and support for departmental staff.
Performs similar or related duties as assigned or required.