Job Description

Job Duties:

Grants & Research Development (Pre- and Post-Award) – 50%

Pre-Awards – 40%
Support development and submission of new, large, and complex sponsored proposals, including coordination with central offices (e.g., SPA/Research Development Office (RDO))
Consult on sponsored budget development in collaboration with investigators and finance staff
Review and edit proposal narratives and supporting materials for clarity, compliance, and competitiveness
Provide proposal strategy support, including interpretation of sponsor solicitations and alignment with institutional priorities



Post-Awards – 10%
Assist with proposal amendments, revisions, and sponsor-requested changes
Sponsored Projects Finance & Post-Award Support -30%

Conduct monthly grant financial reporting and monitoring
Develop sponsored budget forecasts and analyze variances
Maintain Sponsored Financial Reporting (SFR) invoicing and billing records
Serve as liaison between SFR and department staff during billing, closeout, and audit-related activities
Coordinate award closeout processes and documentation
Perform departmental effort coordination (depending on experience)
Facilitate new NOGA meetings and provide onboarding support for new awards
Research Development & Strategic Support (NRRI/Research and Innovation Office (RIO)) –
10%

Identify and evaluate funding opportunities aligned with NRRI and institutional research priorities
Conduct targeted funding opportunity analysis and horizon scanning to inform proposal planning
Support strategy development and project management for large or multi-investigator proposals
Assist with coordination of proposal teams and timelines across investigators and administrative units
Support partnership development activities related to sponsored projects, as appropriate
Training, Consultation, and Process Improvement – 10%

Develop and deliver training related to sponsored projects administration, proposal development, and financial management
Provide consultation to investigators and research staff on proposal submission strategies and post-award requirements
Contribute to process documentation and continuous improvement efforts related to grants and sponsored projects
Professional Development: Training and Skill Development through University and Agency courses
Physical/Environmental Demands:

Office environment / no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree plus two years of related experience, or a combination of education and experience totaling six years.
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively with researchers and administrative staff
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records
Ability to work independently with moderate supervision, applying established procedures and professional judgment to resolve routine to moderately complex issues
Proficiency with standard office software and electronic document or submission systems
Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in a higher education or research administration environment
Experience with both pre-award and post-award sponsored projects administration
Familiarity with University of Minnesota systems and processes (e.g., SPA, SFR, effort reporting, MN-GEMS or similar systems)
Experience supporting large or complex proposals, including coordination across multiple investigators or units
Experience with grant financial monitoring, forecasting, or closeout activities
Experience providing guidance or training to faculty or research staff related to sponsored projects
Experience supporting grants and contracts administration, including proposal preparation, submission, or post-award support
Knowledge of sponsored project policies and compliance requirements (institutional, state, and federal)
Experience assisting with budget development or review for sponsored projects
Ability to interpret sponsor guidelines and ensure proposals meet compliance and deadline requirements