Grants Manager

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY•Springfield, MA

6d•$65,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Grants Manager manages and oversees all post-award activities for externally funded research and sponsored programs at Western New England University. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with institutional policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable federal regulations. The Grants Manager works closely with principal investigators (PIs), the Director of Grants, faculty, and staff, as well as the Finance and Controller’s Offices to ensure compliant management of grant funds from award acceptance through closeout.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s Degree or higher
Experience: At least three years of experience in higher education sponsored programs post-award administration is preferred.
If a candidate does not have direct post-award experience, they should demonstrate a combination of adjacent experiences in administration, higher education, government, research compliance, or other types of related activities, such as working as part of a team and interacting with faculty
General knowledge of research administration principles and federal and state research regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), compliance requirements, and sponsor-specific policies (e.g. NSF, NIH, DOJ)
Experience with research administration systems and enterprise financial management platforms
Ability to review and interpret grant and award agreements for compliance with University policies, as well as identification of key terms and conditions
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills
Ability to coordinate meetings, prepare professional correspondence, and use computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and related software platforms
Ability to collaborate effectively across departments with faculty, administrators, and staff, build strategic relationships, and work effectively as part of a team
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form with a variety of audiences, including University leadership, faculty, staff, federal and state agencies, industry partners, and external stakeholders
Ability to set priorities, exercise sound judgment, and work independently
Excellent time management skills including the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive demands simultaneously.
Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to meet reporting deadlines

Responsibilities

Administering post-award activities for externally funded grants and contracts.
Establishing and maintaining internal controls and procedures to support compliant and efficient grant administration.
Acting as a key resource for PIs and research staff on post-award requirements including interpretation of award terms and conditions, budgeting, fund management, and regulatory requirements
Ensuring post-award activities align with federal, state, and sponsor regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
Coordinating with the Controller’s Office to facilitate timely setup of grant accounts and budgets
Monitoring expenditures to ensure allowability, allocability, and alignment with approved budgets
Ensuring timely and accurate invoicing, financial reporting, and fund drawdowns
Processing and administering both incoming and outgoing subaward agreements
Maintaining accurate, auditable grant records and documentation throughout the grant lifecycle
Tracking, coordinating, and supporting the submission of required post-award financial reports and closeout materials
Ensuring proper reconciliation of accounts at the end of the grant period, including the return of unspent funds if required
Offering regular training and outreach to faculty and staff on post-award responsibilities and compliance
Contributing to collaborative and professional working relationships with faculty, staff and administration involved in sponsored programs
Maintaining current knowledge of federal regulations, sponsor policies and best practices in sponsored programs administration.
Performing other duties and responsibilities as assigned.