Research Grants Analyst

Chapman University Careers•Irvine, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Grants Analyst works in Schmid College, supporting natural sciences faculty with proposal preparation and coordinating pre-award and post-award activities for grants and contracts. The role assists with grant development, proposal and budget preparation and review, and provides guidance on funding agency regulations and Chapman University administrative and fiscal policies. It also supports non-financial post-award actions, including progress reports, rebudgeting, no-cost extensions, and other prior-approval requests, as well as data entry, account reconciliation, and general administrative support. The position may also work with Sponsored Projects Services leadership and staff. Chapman University describes its in-person workforce as important to collaboration, departmental relationships, service to colleagues, and the student experience. Schmid College is part of a university that achieved R2 status in 2019, reflecting a growing profile of basic and applied research.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least three years of experience working in an administrative environment; experience at a nonprofit organization with research functions, such as a higher-education institution, laboratory, or research center, is preferred.
Knowledge of best practices in research and sponsored-programs administration.
Strong understanding of the Code of Federal Regulations, including Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards; Federal Acquisition Regulations; and Federal Demonstration Partnership general and agency-specific terms and conditions.
Excellent computer skills with word-processing, spreadsheet, and presentation applications; Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Professional are preferred.
Knowledge of extramural sponsors and agencies, including federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industries.
Ability to prioritize duties amid interruptions, distractions, and fluctuating workload.
Ability to learn, understand, and interpret grant and contract requirements, policies, and procedures, and apply them appropriately.
Organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple projects while maintaining composure and a positive attitude when multitasking.
Strong working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to problem-solve and find creative solutions in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an administrative environment at a nonprofit organization with research functions, such as an institution of higher education, laboratory, or research center.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite software and Adobe Professional.

Responsibilities

Track proposals from notice of intent through submission and monitor progress to support timely submission.
Assist with grant development, including keeping forms current and ensuring they comply with sponsor and University guidelines, procedures, and policies.
Organize grant documentation and reports.
Read and analyze sponsored-project opportunity guidelines, including federal and non-federal solicitations, to support proposal preparation.
Assist principal investigators with preparing grant proposal budgets.
Work with the Office of Research to resolve issues and submit proposals on time.
Respond promptly to inquiries, needs, and issues, and follow through on them.
Assist with the workflow and execution of service agreements and contracts.
Research and identify funding opportunities and notify principal investigators.
Interpret and monitor grant funding policies, regulations, and procedures, maintaining current knowledge and complying with sponsor requirements and University fiscal policies.
Prepare and monitor quarterly budget status, expenditure, and projection reports for principal investigators.
Guide principal investigators on appropriate spending, forecast potential projection issues, and recommend courses of action.
Work with University departments to reconcile and resolve budgetary matters.
Facilitate hiring, extra pay, academic-year effort, and course-release processes.
Prepare, submit, and track administrative paperwork for research-funded positions in coordination with Human Resources and operations.
Assist principal investigators with establishing and maintaining subawards and subcontracts.
Develop and maintain databases for tracking grant awards, budgets, projections, and related information.
Respond to inquiries and requests for post-award financial management assistance, including audit-related matters.
Ensure proper accounting and accurate posting of expenses.
Monitor subrecipient invoices for errors throughout the life of projects.
Complete journal entries and cost transfers, ensuring expenses are posted to the correct accounts.
Schedule and coordinate meeting and event logistics, including catering, room reservations, and setup.