Contract Administrator - Office of Sponsored Programs - Wake Forest University School of Medicine (WFUSM)

Full-time, benefits-eligible position. Remote; Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

About the role

Provides administrative support for research-related activities at the institution; ensures proposals are submitted in a timely manner; tracks approval process, follows up on grants/contracts signature and set-up of awards; ensures efficient data management; and provides guidance on grant and contract parameters while being trained on the daily operations of the Academic Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). Administratively supports a diverse and complex portfolio of awards that include federal, non-federal, and international funders. Works independently, anticipates and resolves problems, and updates supervisor on the status of proposals and awards/grants. Uses independent judgment and problem-solving skills to ensure compliance with sponsor and donor regulations, School and University policies, and departmental procedures.

Responsibilities

• Supports faculty members and department administrators in the various stages of the grant and/or contract life cycle.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of institutional cost policies and multiple funding agency guidelines (federal, state, private foundations, and associations) and applies these policies to budgets for the various stages of the grant and/or contract life cycle.
• Demonstrates understanding of all systems and applications utilized for storage and retrieval of data.
• Understands the negotiation, documentation, and financial grants management process related to each stage of the grant and/or contract life cycle.
• Reviews financial information to ensure budgets and terms agree with grant or contract documentation and compliance with institution and granting agency requirements; provides assistance to stakeholders involved in the various stages of the grant and/or contract life cycle. Consults with supervisor as appropriate.
• Develops understanding of appropriateness of consultation with institutional management and/or Legal Department related to contract language, financial, and post-execution monitoring of agreements.
• Provides support and guidance to stakeholders for grants and/or contracts entered into by the institution. Demonstrates attentive care to stakeholders in the research community.
• Develops knowledge and understanding to fulfill reporting requirements of grants and/or contracts awarded. Demonstrates a basic understanding of concepts and principles of contracts and grants, with a strong desire and motivation to gain additional knowledge and expertise.
• Represents and promotes the institution’s research activities at meetings.
• Develops positive working relationships with stakeholders and provides needed support during the grants and/or contracts life cycle.
• Assists and supports the formulation and implementation of policies and procedures relating to the administration of grants and/or contracts.
• Maintains knowledge of existing laws, policies, and procedures necessary to comply with Federal, State, and University regulations concerning grants and contracts.
• Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills

• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with a large and diverse constituency, including senior leadership, faculty, support staff, granting agencies, and vendors.
• High degree of conscientiousness to actively seek and identify opportunities to contribute to and achieve goals.
• Maintains a sense of purpose, value, and ownership of work and takes responsibility for performance with high effort/commitment levels.
• Adaptability to remain flexible and open to new ideas and encourage others to value change.
• Persistence toward solutions and goals in changing circumstances and identifies ways to incorporate new practices into existing framework.
• Strong decision-making/problem-solving skills to proactively identify and evaluate the root cause of problems. Recognizes issues or opportunities and determines whether action is needed. Breaks down complex problems into their fundamental parts and takes charge of a group when necessary to facilitate either action or a decision.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply laws, regulations, and policies.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities/deadlines.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Highly goal-oriented, self-motivated, and ability to work independently as well as with guidance when appropriate.

Competencies

• Grants Administration
• Accountability
• Federal and departmental policies and procedure knowledge
• Federal accounting procedure and process

Pay

$28.55 – $42.85 per hour.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs.
• Health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability).
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Base compensation listed within the pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training.
• Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate’s job.
• Incentive pay for select positions.
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.

Note: Eligibility for programs listed above may depend on FTE or status (e.g., full-time, part-time, per diem, temporary, etc.).

Work Environment

Clean, well-lit, comfortable office environment.