JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Associate Dean of Research and Scholarship, and under the supervision of the Director of Finance and Administration, the Grants and Contracts Specialist has administrative responsibility for all phases of grant- and contract-related issues and other related duties. This position will work with principal investigators (PIs) on grant opportunities, grant submissions, grant renewals, grant management, and the development of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), Data Use Agreements, and subcontracts with partners and community agencies as part of the grant and contract formation/submission process. This will include federal, state, local, and private grant opportunities. This position will serve as a liaison between faculty, grant sponsors, and the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR). Candidates seeking remote working opportunities in accordance with authorization and the University's Alternate Work Arrangements policy are welcome to apply.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Serves as the primary resource for providing guidance and oversight on issues related to fiscal, administrative, and regulatory management of a portfolio of grants, contracts, and sponsored programs from award receipt through closeout.
2. Monitors and reviews proposed grants and contracts for compliance with applicable University policy and state regulations; assists University administration in certifying that such policies and regulations have been met.
3. Serves as the primary liaison between faculty and staff at the School of Social Work, and various service units within OVPR, such as IRB, Sponsored Program Services (SPS), etc., with issues pertaining to pre-award, post-award, and contractual issues.
4. Assists PIs with preparing budgets, budget justifications, scopes of work, and all internal paperwork before sending to OVPR Pre-award. 
5. Obtains approvals necessary for sponsored grants, contracts, subcontracts, and other agreements. 
6. Serves as fiscal officer on all grant accounts. Prepares monthly status reports for PI's using University accounting systems. 
7. Reviews PI expenditure requests to ensure they are allowable and funds are available, consulting with SPS Pre- and Post-Award as needed.
8. Works with PI and SPS Post-Award on budget amendments and adjustments.
9. Manages all grant administration procedures. Processes all paperwork for all grants, including multiple grants with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and the Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Interfaces and communicates with all social work staff including DMHAS Research Division Staff and OEC staff (who are located off-campus) to coordinate the efficient completion of appointment letters and other grant-associated personnel change and hiring activities.
10. Ensures compliance with requirements such as effort reporting.
11. Reviews monthly status reports with PIs. Ensures that appropriate accounts are charged and/or credited for expenses in compliance with the terms of externally funded grants and contracts (post-award monitoring) and provides regular updates to investigators on the status of those accounts. 
12. Coordinates with SPS Pre- and Post-Award to fulfill funders' post-submission requests, such as Just-in-Time requests, RPPRs, fiscal and programmatic reporting, and award closeouts.
13. Maintains knowledge of and communicates to PIs with regard to applicable policies, statutes, regulations, and procedures formulated by the University, state and federal government, granting agencies, and various private foundations and industries; maintains up-to-date reference file.
14. Supports in facilitating and managing internal funding mechanisms at SSW and the University.
15. Works closely with School of Social Work Finance and Administration staff to coordinate in the areas of Travel, Purchasing, Hiring, etc.
16. Performs other related duties as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate field and four years relevant experience in a business organization or governmental agency involving accounting, budgeting, and contracting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in pre- and/or post-award management (e.g., federal and non-federal grants)
• Thorough knowledge of federal laws and regulations regarding grants and contracts.
• Working knowledge of budget/accounting spreadsheet software (Excel).
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills, including the ability to identify and resolve administrative problems.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Writes and presents information in a clear and concise way.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of Kuali Financial System or a similar online financial system.
• Knowledge of Core-CT Payroll system or a similar online payroll system. 
• Working knowledge of State of Connecticut statutes pertaining to grants/contracts.
• Experience developing and maintaining effective working relationships with partners, including funders, internal colleagues, and other stakeholders. Experience partnering with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision.
• Skill in exercising initiative, resourcefulness, and sound judgment with an ability to solve problems and make decisions. Ability to prioritize ongoing and new tasks.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position that is funded by the University of Connecticut, School of Social Work located at the Hartford Campus. With the expectation to travel on-site as needed, remote work modalities may be considered in accordance with University Alternate Work Arrangements policy and authorization. Compensation will range from $68,000 to $78,000 annually (full-time equivalent) depending on experience. A generous benefits package is provided that includes health, retirement, paid time off, and other benefits. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497858 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on October 6, 2023. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee's unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

 The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.