Contracts and Grants Specialist

We are seeking a Contracts and Grants Specialist to join the Department of Neurology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine. The Department of Neurology provides comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and care for patients with neurological disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and migraine. Our services include in-patient and consultative care, a Comprehensive Stroke Center, a Level 4 Epilepsy Center, a 22-bed Neuro-Critical Care Unit, and a busy outpatient practice. We also offer state-of-the-art rehabilitation services. Faculty members are actively engaged in research, receiving grant funding from the National Institutes of Health and the Veteran’s Administration to study genetics in stroke, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease, new brain imaging modalities in multiple sclerosis, biomarkers, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Many faculty serve as lead investigators in clinical trials for new therapeutic approaches.

About the role

This role involves applying specialized knowledge to resolve significant matters on behalf of management using independent judgment, discretion, creativity, and analytical thinking. You will contribute to the development and evaluation of goals and objectives, ensure legal and policy compliance, and may supervise, mentor, or coordinate the work of others. The position requires intermediate-level knowledge and the ability to interpret guidelines to make decisions. You will independently anticipate needs and resolve non-routine matters, with supervision available for unusual situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide contract and grant preparation review to understand application requirements and prepare submission guidelines.
• Work with management to identify priorities for gathering and processing documents, developing contract requirements with quantifiable specifications and measurable performance criteria.
• Review application forms, contract templates, correspondence, and selected agreements for compliance.
• Develop timelines and checklists to meet submission deadlines.
• Act as the point of contact for UMB parties, sponsors, and sub-contractors to ensure short- and long-term milestones are met, safeguarding the integrity of grant or contract administration.
• Navigate the subcontract process through University systems and ensure partnerships comply with University standards.
• Collaborate with the principal investigator (PI) and management to develop project plans by interpreting policies and procedures.
• Reconcile budgets based on sponsor-approved budgets, providing current and historical budget data, and addressing potential ledger variances.
• Prepare and review financial status reports and invoices, organizing closeout procedures with faculty and ensuring all results are submitted to the sponsor.
• Act as the point of contact and advisor to the PI on all financial transactions, such as travel, purchasing, or subcontracting.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and sponsor guidelines and requirements.
• Review applications for funding and process grant and contract budgets in line with University and federal policy.
• Maintain and track required training documents to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three (3) years of experience in accounting, budget, contract, grant, or research administration.
• Completion of a 12-credit Research Administration graduate certificate program can substitute for one (1) year of relevant experience.
• Financial disclosure reporting required by the State of Maryland Ethics Commission.
• Additional related experience or formal education may substitute for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis (30 undergraduate college credits = one year of related experience).

Skills

• Knowledge of position requirements, applicable regulations, and laws.
• Proficiency in using applicable technology and systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and independently.
• Commitment to UMB’s Core Values: Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package prioritizing wellness, work/life balance, and professional development.
• Retirement program (selection required upon hire).
• Generous paid leave: over 4 weeks of vacation accrued annually, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave days, and unlimited sick time accrual.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Professional learning and development programs.
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school.
• Flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable).

Pay

Hiring range: $79,908.57 - $83,500.

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily within the State of Maryland.