Research Support Specialist - Grants & Finance (Remote Opportunity)

University of Massachusetts Amherst•Amherst, MA

62d•Remote

About The Position

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. The Research Support Specialist - Grants & Finance serves as a critical resource within the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement (VCRE) Office, with specialized expertise in research accounting, budgeting, and procurement. The Research Support Specialist supports the financial and operational needs of large-scale research awards and addresses complex issues related to award support across the University.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (preferably in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field).
Five (5) years of experience in research accounting, budgeting, procurement, or financial management within a higher education or research-intensive environment.
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification (at hire or obtained within 18 months of hire).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive mindset.
Proven ability to manage complex financial and operational scenarios.
Expertise in federal and state grant regulations, institutional policies, and compliance.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
Proficiency in financial software, accounting systems, and research management tools.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPA, or relevant field).

Responsibilities

Anticipates and supports new large-scale awards.
Collaborates with Principal Investigators (PIs), research administrators, and support staff to prepare for the financial and administrative demands of newly awarded, large-scale research projects.
Provides preemptive guidance on budgeting, financial planning, and procurement strategies to ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor guidelines.
Acts as a liaison between the VCRE office and campus stakeholders to facilitate efficient set-up and early-stage management of major awards.
Develops forecasting tools and resource allocation plans to anticipate financial needs and potential challenges for large-scale research projects.
Supports resolution of incidents and complex issues related to post-award financial management by providing guidance and problem-solving expertise.
Performs in-depth analysis of financial, procurement, and compliance concerns related to ongoing research projects and implements corrective actions as needed.
Coordinates with relevant college and department level staff, as well as individual PIs to ensure prompt resolution of issues and facilitate communication between stakeholders.
Serves as a subject matter expert in research accounting, budgeting, and procurement, offering guidance to staff across the campus on best practices and institutional policies.
Supports training initiatives and workshops for College-level post-award support staff to enhance campus-wide capabilities in research financial management.
Provides recommendations to the AVCRSS for process improvements, policy updates, and tools that enhance post-award support effectiveness.
Ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies in all areas of research accounting, budgeting, and procurement.
Collaborates with internal auditors and compliance officers to review and refine procedures.
Assists in preparing reports, data analyses, and presentations for senior leadership.
Performs other duties as assigned.