Grants Specialist (Two Positions)

James Madison University • Harrisonburg, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

In an effort to foster the development of a grant-seeking culture at JMU, the Office of Sponsored Programs-Administrative Services (OSP-AS) is seeking two Grants Specialists to coordinate all aspects of pre-award proposal presentation, pre-award budgeting, pre-award compliance review, and post-award non-financial grant management in accordance with university, state, federal, and funding agency rules and regulations.

A Grants Specialist is responsible for (1) those tasks related to the evaluation and review of grant/contract proposal(s) for correct format and compliance requirements; (2) those tasks involved in projecting and analyzing complex budget projections to ensure conformity with the technical proposal and adherence to federal, state, and university policies; (3) those tasks involved in funding application package review for accuracy, evaluation of academic and fiscal issue involved in proposed projects, facilitating sign-off on proposals, contracts, and closeout reports ensuring all guidelines are met, research potential funding resources, and interpreting complex guidelines; (4) those tasks involved in award processing including reviews of incoming award documents, negotiation and resolution of issues with sponsors, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and university controls in the administration of grants, contracts, and subawards.

Requirements

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, including written and oral communication and the ability to write and speak effectively and compose and edit essential documents for clarity and content
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, including the ability to create complex spreadsheets and generate reports
• Experience using databases and Internet search capability
• Ability to organize and prioritize large volumes of work with attention to detail and work effectively and independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to maintain detailed, accurate records and files
• Must be customer service oriented

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing budgets, activity based cost allocations and financial analysis.
• University and Sponsored Programs experience, including knowledge of federal regulations regarding the management of grants and contracts
• Prior experience with electronic research systems
• Familiarity with the pre-award process
• Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)

Responsibilities

• Proposal Development and Submission: A Grants Specialist plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth of external funding at James Madison University by ensuring funding proposals are developed, reviewed, and submitted efficiently and effectively in accordance with University policies and procedures and sponsor guidelines. This position involves close collaboration with faculty and staff serving as principal investigators (PIs) across the campus, utilizing various communication methods to effectively liaise between stakeholders. A Grants Specialist must possess exceptional adaptability and flexibility to balance competing priorities and be able to work in a continuously evolving deadline driven environment.
• Award Negotiations, Award Setup, and Funding Notifications: A Grants Specialist plays a pivotal role in the compliant stewardship of external funding at James Madison University by ensuring sponsored awards are efficiently negotiated, received, and managed in accordance with university procedures and sponsor guidelines. A Grants Specialist must possess exceptional attention to detail and organization to ensure a smooth transition between proposal and award.
• Post-Award Administrative Functions: A Grants Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal regulations and university controls in the administration of grants and subawards. This includes supporting the process of award negotiation, coordinating prior approval requests, preparing subaward agreements, performing subrecipient monitoring duties, and facilitating administrative closeout activities. Additionally, they must maintain well-organized project files that are easily accessible for maximum responsiveness to sponsor and principal investigator inquiries.
• Other Administrative Activities: A Grants Specialist will stay updated on rapidly changing regulations, system implementations, and funding opportunities, while providing proactive support to PIs and stakeholders. They will also collaborate closely with other offices, such as the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance, the Office of Research Development, and Sponsored Programs-Financial Administration, to share information and provide comprehensive service.

Benefits

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed