Grants Specialist I, Post Award

Rice University • Houston, TX

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Grants Specialist in the Post-Award Department at Rice University is responsible for the financial and administrative management of externally funded research projects from award setup through closeout. This role ensures compliance with sponsor regulations, university policies, and federal guidelines while providing expert guidance to faculty and research staff on financial reporting, budget monitoring, and expenditure control. The Grants Specialist collaborates with principal investigators (PIs), departmental administrators, and funding agencies to facilitate timely invoicing, reconciliations, and audits, ensuring the effective stewardship of research funds. Additionally, this position supports effort reporting, cost transfers, and project modifications, contributing to the university’s commitment to excellence in research administration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• One or more (1+) years of related experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively correspond with faculty, administrators, and external partners including funding agencies.
• Evidence of ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Evidence of problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate with diverse teams, including researchers, finance staff, and external sponsors.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to assist with multiple grant awards, track deadlines, and ensure timely reporting.
• Ability to review and interpret complex regulations and sponsor requirements with guidance, ensuring compliance and accurate financial management.
• Strong working knowledge of Excel

Nice To Haves

• Experience in research, clinical trial, or department administration
• Experience using research administration systems, including, but not limited to, federal government portals such as FedConnect, eRA Commons, PMS, Research.gov, Grants.gov, and eGMS

Responsibilities

• Participating in award setup, monitoring financial activity, interpreting and adhering to award terms and conditions, cost principles, and applicable regulations
• Monitor end dates and provides feedback to all stakeholders regarding status of accounts and availability of funds
• Financial reports, labor and cost distributions, budget and obligations, ad-hoc reporting for internal stakeholders
• Ensure that federal regulations, sponsor guidelines, Rice University policies, and department procedures are observed and followed
• Effectively assess and complete post-award activities for the sponsored programs community, plan, coordinate, and process post-award transactions
• Work collaboratively and effectively with the sponsored programs community
• Conduct clear and concise communications supporting the sponsored programs mission
• Manage sponsored projects post-award activities utilizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent initiatives, facilitating interdisciplinary teamwork
• Serve as a post-award resource to the sponsored programs community on federal, industry, state, and non-profit awards as assigned
• Participate as a team member on selected projects
• Effectively fosters own personal and professional growth through a variety of educational and professional strategies
• Maintain accurate records of assigned sponsored program activities

Benefits

• health_insurance
• dental_insurance
• vision_insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level