Contracts and Grants Specialist (0097116T)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), Office of Research Services (ORS) - Contracts & Grants is seeking a Contracts and Grants Specialist. This is a temporary, 11-month position that is annually renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance and/or availability of funding. The specialist will assist faculty and staff in preparing sponsored program proposals, reviewing them for compliance with solicitations, governmental laws, rules, regulations, and institutional policies. They will also review and recommend acceptance of award agreements, modifications, and related documents, and act as the institutional liaison for post-award changes. The role involves interpreting regulations such as OMB's Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), negotiating terms with sponsors, and providing advice on post-award administration. Additionally, the specialist will conduct training, draft correspondence, maintain proposal and award data, and participate in system testing.

Requirements

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in any field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for extramural proposals and award administration; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of extramural proposal and award administration as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable governmental laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with extramural proposal and award administration.
Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in related field or Juris Doctorate.
Knowledge of methods, procedures, and techniques involved in extramural proposal preparation and submission at higher education institutions and/or non-profit organizations.
Experience in legal issues facing institutions of higher education, including by not limited to, extramural award administration, intellectual property, copyrights and disclosure of information.
Knowledge of UH, governmental laws, rules and regulations, policies and procedures and practices relating to extramural proposal and awards.
Knowledge and experience with federal and/or UH electronic research administration systems.

Responsibilities

Assists faculty and staff in the preparation of major sponsored program proposals to extramural sponsors.
Reviews, identifies, and determines whether all aspects of the proposal and budget are in compliance with the funding solicitation, applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations, and sponsor and UH policies.
Accepts delegated authority to act as the UH's authorized organizational representative to sign and submit proposals and to review and authorize post-award proposal modifications.
Reviews and ensures conformance to required institutional certifications such as lobbying, debarment, etc. and sign such certifications on behalf of the ORS Director.
Reviews and recommends acceptance and/or rejection of extramural award agreements, modifications and related documents.
Consults with PI's other relevant UH personnel to understand the needs of the program and resolve any questions or issues related to the terms and conditions of sponsored contracts, grants, cooperative, or other agreements.
Interprets applicable rules and regulations for extramural awards, including but not limited to, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations and the Uniformed Guidance (2 CFR 200).
Identifies and determines whether financial, technical and legal award terms are acceptable to UH and in compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations, and UH policies.
Ensures that the PI/relevant UH personnel are aware of and understand terms unacceptable to the UH that are deemed non-negotiable by extramural sponsors, such as indemnification, jurisdiction and choice of law.
Drafts or provides alternate provisions to unacceptable terms and negotiate such terms with extramural sponsors.
Drafts extramural award agreements, modifications or related documents as may be required.
Reviews requests for post-award changes and acts as institutional liaison with extramural sponsors for post-award changes that require institutional oversight, and signs any necessary certifications on behalf of the ORS Director where covered by delegated authority.
Provides advice, recommendations and alternative solutions to UH personnel on post-award administration, including interpretation of extramural sponsor guidelines, applicable governmental regulations, and UH policies.
Follows up with appropriate UH personnel to ensure compliance with award requirements, e.g., required reports.
Keeps abreast of current policies, procedures, regulations, directives and governmental statutory or other requirements affecting extramural proposals and awards.
Conducts training for ORS staff, UH investigators and others on extramural proposals and awards, and related matters, including but not limited to, rules and regulations, and UH policies and procedures.
Drafts correspondence for ORS Director or others on matters pertaining to extramural awards.
Maintains up-to-date pending and completed proposal, award and post-award project data for all workload assignments, and upon request, provides periodic reports of individual workload status and progress for administrative and institutional use.
Participates in testing of institutional systems related to extramural proposals and awards, and reports on testing results clearly and in a timely manner.
Other duties as assigned