Grants and Contracts Officer (Research and Sponsored Programs Administration Professional III)

California State University System•Fullerton, CA

47d

About The Position

The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) works with other units throughout campus to seek external support for faculty research, scholarship, creative activity and institutional projects that support the educational and service mission of the university. ORSP staff assist with proposal development (Office of Research Development), proposal submission, contract negotiation (Office of Grants and Contracts), and post award support (Office of Sponsored Programs), and help to assure that research and sponsored programs are conducted in accordance with the highest ethical and regulatory standards (Office of Research Compliance). We seek an exceptional individual to join our team as the Grants and Contracts Officer (Research and Sponsored Programs Administration Professional III). The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness. Under the general direction of the Associate Director of Grants and Contracts and functioning as part of the Office of Grants and Contracts (OGC) team under the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the Grants and Contracts Officer provides high-quality support and customer service to faculty, staff, and funding agency sponsor representatives. Serves as the primary contact for selected colleges or campus units in preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and University policies. Provides advice and assistance to faculty, administrators, and staff with all aspects of proposal preparation, including but not limited to interpretation and clarification of sponsor guidelines, budget development, and review, completion of required forms, assurances and certifications, collection of necessary or pertinent data, and compilation of and review of proposal components for consistency and compliance with sponsor guidelines. Identifies areas of risk and/or concern prior to proposal submission and ensures timely submission of accurate proposals. Coordinates the campus approval processes for proposals via Cayuse S2S, and other pertinent pre-award documents. Serves as primary administrative contact and liaison between the University and sponsors at the proposal stage. Identify and serve as liaison in matters involving Conflict of Interest, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Biosafety, and Responsible Conduct of Research for assigned departments and units. Drafts, reviews, analyzes, negotiates, and recommends grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other agreements for acceptance by the CSUF Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) on behalf of the University. Provides training for faculty and staff in all pre-award processes and procedures. Completes registration to appropriate sponsor systems as needed. Issues account for faculty, administrators, and staff to appropriate sponsor systems such as eRA Commons, Research.gov, and other systems as needed. Assists in logistical preparation for various campus-wide events, workshops, and meetings. Serves as the lead in drafting and updating contracts and various other bilateral agreements including, but not limited to, Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs), Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). Secures concurrence of the principal investigator and other University offices as appropriate prior to recommending acceptance of the award to ASC with non-standard terms and conditions. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Working independently under general supervision, performs advanced grants and contracts professional work. Independently facilitates and exercises authority over complex grants and contracts. Demonstrates advanced discernment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Provides regulatory interpretation, technical advice and ensures compliance with federal and state regulations. In collaboration with management, assesses, formulates, and evaluates grants and contracts programs, policies, and procedures. Decision-making is based on grants and contracts best practices; substantial grants and contracts experience; advanced knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local regulations; grant and contract guidelines and standard practices; and university policies and protocols. Work is performed with minimal oversight focused on ensuring alignment with overall objectives. Handles multiple work priorities and may provide lead work direction with accountability for results.
Advanced knowledge and understanding of grant proposal administration, budgeting, and post award practices and administration principles, concepts, processes, and best practices.
Demonstrated competence in applying advanced judgment to resolve difficult and complex problems and issues.
Thorough knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines. Ability to make recommendations for changes based on interpretations.
Advanced analytical and organizational skills to prioritize and manage the fulfillment of a portfolio of grants and contracts and to successfully manage projects within time and budget constraints.
Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, including political acumen to build partnerships and communicate effectively across all employee groups in a diverse environment. Ability to effectively present ideas, deliver training and successfully negotiate agreement on grants and contracts requirements.
Advanced skill in effectively leading, mentoring or overseeing the work of others and training technical, professional staff, and faculty on grants and contracts practices and procedures.
Advanced skill to appropriately use technology and relevant grant management software.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and three years of work experience in a Sponsored Programs Office in a pre-award or post-award capacity at a university, hospital, or research institute.
Extensive experience in reviewing sponsor guidelines/RPF, preparing complex budgets, and compiling and submitting responsive proposals.
Experience in preparing complex budgets involving multiple disciplines and completing federal forms (i.e., SF 424 Research and Related (R&R), R&R budget, assurances, and certifications, etc.).
Experience submitting proposals in eRA systems such as Grants.gov, ASSIST, Research.gov, JustGrants, NSPIRES, etc.
Knowledge of Uniform Guidance, NSF PAPPG, NIH Grant Policy Statement, and other federal and state regulations.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to take initiative and plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations involving numerous and diverse demands.
Expertise in investigating and analyzing problems with broad administrative impact and implications. Ability to anticipate problems, address them proactively, and develop appropriate recommendations leading to solutions.
Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in written or presentation form and use consultative and facilitation skills to gain consensus.
Proficiency in Cayuse S2S, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Sign, Adobe Acrobat DC, and Outlook.
Ability to communicate clearly and establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others.

Responsibilities

Provides high-quality support and customer service to faculty, staff, and funding agency sponsor representatives.
Serves as the primary contact for selected colleges or campus units in preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and University policies.
Provides advice and assistance to faculty, administrators, and staff with all aspects of proposal preparation, including but not limited to interpretation and clarification of sponsor guidelines, budget development, and review, completion of required forms, assurances and certifications, collection of necessary or pertinent data, and compilation of and review of proposal components for consistency and compliance with sponsor guidelines.
Identifies areas of risk and/or concern prior to proposal submission and ensures timely submission of accurate proposals.
Coordinates the campus approval processes for proposals via Cayuse S2S, and other pertinent pre-award documents.
Serves as primary administrative contact and liaison between the University and sponsors at the proposal stage.
Identify and serve as liaison in matters involving Conflict of Interest, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Biosafety, and Responsible Conduct of Research for assigned departments and units.
Drafts, reviews, analyzes, negotiates, and recommends grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other agreements for acceptance by the CSUF Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) on behalf of the University.
Provides training for faculty and staff in all pre-award processes and procedures.
Completes registration to appropriate sponsor systems as needed.
Issues account for faculty, administrators, and staff to appropriate sponsor systems such as eRA Commons, Research.gov, and other systems as needed.
Assists in logistical preparation for various campus-wide events, workshops, and meetings.
Serves as the lead in drafting and updating contracts and various other bilateral agreements including, but not limited to, Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs), Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
Secures concurrence of the principal investigator and other University offices as appropriate prior to recommending acceptance of the award to ASC with non-standard terms and conditions.
Other duties as assigned.