Contract and Grant Specialist

: Job no: 502786 Work type: Exempt Staff Full-time Location: Partial Remote, Bethlehem Categories: Administrative Services, Research

A Contract and Grant Specialist in a university's Office of Research supports research excellence by facilitating proposal submission, managing sponsored funding, interfacing with sponsors and research communities, and ensuring compliance with mandates. The role demands autonomy, sound judgment, and ongoing education in research administration. The Lehigh community takes seriously our commitment to antiracism and The Principles of our Equitable Community.

This position is a Grade: 9-40 with an approximate salary range of $54,390-$66,190 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications

Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family friendly benefits package which includes but is not limited to Health Care, Retirement and Educational benefits. Information can be found on our website at

Position Number: S82410

1. Administers, coordinates, and facilitates proposal preparation and submission through direct counsel with researchers, authorized institutional representatives and sponsors

• Directs budget development for diverse project proposals, from single-investigator endeavors to complex multi-institutional projects

• Manages subcontractor budgets and ensures compliance with relevant certifications, fostering financial transparency and accountability

• Develops meticulous budget justifications, aligning expenditures with project objectives and sponsor requirements

• Reviews sponsor guidelines meticulously, providing expert counsel to faculty on cost-sharing obligations and other submission prerequisites

• Coordinates with university administrative units to navigate indirect cost rates and deviations from institutional policies, ensuring financial integrity

• Edits and proofreads proposals rigorously to uphold quality standards and enhance their competitiveness in the funding landscape

2. Negotiates and accepts funded project terms and conditions

• Acts as a primary point of contact for external consultants, sponsor representatives, and partner organizations, fostering productive relationships

• Negotiates terms and conditions with sponsors, striving for favorable outcomes while adhering to institutional policies

• Ensures the implementation and documentation of cost-sharing commitments from internal and external stakeholders, promoting financial transparency and accountability

• Provides expert guidance to faculty and researchers on project terms and conditions, facilitating compliance and successful project execution

• Advises collaborating organizations on subcontract requirements, ensuring alignment with project objectives and sponsor expectations

• Facilitates the finalization and execution of subcontract agreements, overseeing the process from negotiation to signature

3. Monitors and authorizes funded project financial and compliance activities from project inception through closeout, including audit, if applicable

• Authorizes and generates source documents, facilitating the establishment of new project accounts with accuracy and efficiency

• Provides expert guidance to faculty and the research community on the implementation of project terms and conditions, ensuring compliance with regulations and maximizing the effective use of research funds

• Facilitates communication of sponsor financial requirements to research accounting, offering support in resolving accounts receivable issues as they arise

• Vigilantly monitors and records cost-sharing commitments from various stakeholders, maintaining transparency and accountability in project finances

• Conducts thorough review and approval of expense transactions and reallocations, verifying their validity and ensuring funds availability

• Analyzes current and projected budgetary needs meticulously, offering recommendations for adjustments and preparing comprehensive reports for stakeholders' decision-making processes

4. Maintains broad interface with federal/state sponsors, industry, and the research and educational community at large

• Provides support to investigators, aiding in the comprehension and utilization of the University's accounting system to ensure accurate financial management of research endeavors

• Coordinates meetings with departmental administrators to address emerging research topics and promote collaboration and synergy within the academic community

• Collaborates with the Office of Technology Transfer to address intellectual property, confidentiality, and regulatory issues, ensuring alignment with university policies and legal requirements

• Monitors and evaluates changes in government regulations, disseminating relevant updates and analyzing their impact on university policies and procedures to ensure compliance and adaptability

• Maintains a broad and up-to-date knowledge base of the research administration field, staying abreast of developments and best practices to provide informed guidance and support

• Provides interpretation of government mandates and university regulations, offering clarity and guidance to stakeholders on compliance requirements and implications

• Participates in the annual new faculty research orientation program, contributing expertise and support to facilitate a smooth transition for new faculty members into the research community

Special Considerations

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist at [email protected]

The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor

Variable Shifts/Schedule

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business or other suitable field or the equivalent combination of education and experience

One to three years related work experience

Highly developed oral and written communications skills

Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations relating to contract or grant agreements

Experience in monitoring contract or grant budgets

Experience managing and maintaining software packages

Strong working knowledge of both Windows and MAC platforms

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.

Advertised: March 28, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time Applications close: