Grant & Contract Administrator III

University of New Hampshire

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

As a member of the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration Pre-award Compliance team, the Grant & Contract Administrator III is a senior pre-award specialist responsible for managing complex research proposal submissions from intake through final submission. This role provides advanced guidance to faculty and staff on sponsor requirements, develops and reviews budgets, ensures full compliance with institutional and sponsor policies, and coordinates all components of the proposal package. The GCA III serves as a key resource for faculty and staff, independently handling high-volume, high-complexity submissions and ensuring timely, accurate delivery to sponsors. Please note this position is a hybrid option-only position. There is a requirement to come to the office located at UNH’s main campus in Durham, NH.

Requirements

Master's degree in field related to finance or business and three years of experience in sponsored programs administration, including proposal submissions, or Bachelor's degree in field related to finance or business and five years of similar related experience.
Working knowledge of sponsor, government, and organization regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret policy, assess risk, and resolve issues independently.
Demonstrated experience preparing and submitting proposals.
Excellent communication, organizational and time management skills.
Proficiency in using Excel.
Must feel comfortable working on various platforms (e.g., Cayuse, Workday).
Supervisory ability

Nice To Haves

Certified Research Administrator

Responsibilities

Manage end-to-end preparation, review, and submission of complex proposals, including multi-PI, multi-institution, center-level, and limited-submission applications.
Interpret and apply sponsor guidelines, FOAs, and institutional policies to ensure compliant and competitive submissions.
Develop, review, and revise detailed proposal budgets, budget justifications, and supporting documentation.
Coordinate with PIs on the required materials and resolve issues prior to submission.
Ensure timely submission through sponsor portals (e.g., Grants.gov, Research.gov, NIH ASSIST).
Conduct comprehensive compliance reviews for all proposal components, including budget accuracy, cost principles, effort commitments, subrecipient documentation, and regulatory requirements.
Identify and mitigate compliance risks related to sponsor terms, institutional policies, and federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, agency-specific rules).
Ensure adherence to internal deadlines, routing procedures, and institutional approval workflows.
Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and laws related to sponsored programs within the context of the institution's goals, priorities, and practices.
Communicate proactively and collaboratively to maintain positive, service-oriented relationships.
Mentorship and support to junior GCAs.
Support team culture by modeling critical thinking, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving.
Proven ability to successfully collaborate with, and gain consensus among, a diverse constituency including internal and external stakeholders, in different geographic locations and with sometimes distinct needs.
Effective listening skills and ability to maintain confidentiality and professionally represent the institution.