Grants Specialist I

UPMC

About The Position

The Western Psychiatric Hospital Office of Grants and Contracts (OGC) is seeking a Grants Specialist I to join a diverse group of research administrators serving the University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychiatry. The department’s faculty conduct mental health research, and the OGC manages the department’s fiscal operations and supports faculty in research grant administration. This role manages and monitors budgets and expenditures for funded sponsored projects in accordance with University and sponsor regulations. It prepares financial reports, analyzes accounts and forecasts, supports award compliance, and serves as a resource to investigators and staff on sponsor policies and regulations. The position involves regular interaction with sponsors, pass-through entities, subrecipients, and University of Pittsburgh and UPMC staff and departments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
One year of experience working with grants management in an academic setting, or experience working in finance, accounting, or budget management.
Act 34 clearance.

Responsibilities

Manage and monitor budget and expenditure activities for funded sponsored projects in accordance with University and sponsor regulations.
Produce monthly grant financial reports with expense projections using the department’s financial software system.
Review and analyze accounts to identify projected balances, potential deficits or issues, burn rates, upcoming deadlines, and accurate payroll distributions.
Prepare budget adjustments, expense transfers, account forecasts, effort reports, account closeouts, and effort distributions, with explanations sufficient for internal and external audit requirements.
Maintain confidentiality of classified and sensitive information.
Ensure compliance with financial and administrative award terms and conditions.
Stay current on institutional, agency, University, and UPMC procedures and requirements concerning grants management.
Manage multiple responsibilities amid interruptions and unforeseen changes while maintaining attention to detail and work quality.
Work independently and as part of a team.
Respond to inquiries in a timely manner using effective interpersonal communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills when addressing questions or concerns from faculty, staff, and students.
Serve as a resource to research investigators and staff on sponsor policies and regulations for administering award funds, and assist with resolutions when necessary.
Prepare account activations when needed.
Maintain direct daily contact with sponsors, pass-through entities, subrecipients, and various University of Pittsburgh and UPMC staff and departments.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.