Grant & Contract Officer

Northeastern University•Boston, MA

2d•Remote

About The Position

Northeastern University’s Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) supports faculty, investigators, and college administrators in the administration of research and sponsored programs. The Grant & Contract Officer reports to the Associate Director and serves as a primary contact and resource for faculty, department staff, and funding agencies, offering guidance on University and sponsor policies and regulations. The role partners with faculty, University staff, and funding agencies to coordinate information and support sponsored programs throughout their lifecycle. The officer advises on proposal development and submission, reviews applications for compliance with sponsor and University requirements, reviews and processes awards, and provides non-financial post-award administration. The position also interprets award terms and regulatory requirements, coordinates with University offices and external agencies, and supports the University research community through expertise, training, and resources. The role requires analytical and creative problem-solving skills and the ability to manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. NU-RES supports remote work; remote locations and schedules are determined by operational needs in consultation with team members and in accordance with University policies.

Requirements

At least 2 years of relevant experience in research administration in an academic or nonprofit setting.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Sound judgment and the ability to exercise discretion to resolve ambiguity and promote effective solutions.
Commitment to providing professional, timely, efficient, and courteous customer service to the University research community.
Ability to manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.
Knowledge of government grant regulations and agency policies.
Familiarity with customary policies and procedures of an institution of higher education.
Experience using Grants.gov, NSF Research.gov, NIH eRA Commons, or ASSIST.

Responsibilities

Advise and assist researchers and administrative staff with proposal submission, including federal regulations, agency requirements, internal policies and procedures, and budget development.
Review proposals to federal, state, and local government agencies, private foundations, and industry or corporate sponsors for compliance with sponsor and University requirements before authorized signature or release.
Review notices of award and analyze terms and conditions of federal and non-federal sponsored awards.
Negotiate awards on behalf of the University in conjunction with the Associate Director.
Monitor compliance with funding-agency award terms and conditions from acceptance through closeout.
Collaborate with University legal counsel, the Office of Institutional Compliance, and other University offices as needed.
Provide non-financial post-award administration throughout the life of an award.
Review and process sponsored awards and ensure timely entry into University systems.
Interpret federal and non-federal rules and regulations, export-control clauses, and intellectual property rights related to sponsored awards.
Support progress-report submissions, advance-account requests, no-cost extensions, scope-of-work changes, key-personnel changes, and annual or final progress reports.
Serve as a liaison with funding agencies and coordinate between NU-RES units, faculty, and department administrators.
Develop expertise in research administration and serve as a point of contact for the University research community.
Participate in professional development, training, workshops, and development of customer resources.
Participate in special projects assigned by NU-RES.