Contracts & Grants Specialist III

About the role

The Contracts & Grants Specialist III provides comprehensive oversight of all financial activities related to extramural programs supporting research, instruction, and outreach at Auburn University.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and provides guidance to faculty and staff in the identification, development, review, and submission of extramural proposals and sponsored program activities, ensuring compliance with sponsor, federal, state, and University requirements.
• Provides administrative oversight throughout the award lifecycle by monitoring award requirements, coordinating modifications and change requests, facilitating reporting activities, supporting project closeout, and ensuring timely fulfillment of sponsor obligations.
• Interprets and applies sponsor, federal, state, and University policies and regulations governing sponsored activities while providing guidance on compliance matters and coordinating with appropriate institutional offices.
• Reviews and coordinates sponsored program agreements, amendments, subcontracts, invoices, and related transactions to ensure compliance with contractual, financial, and institutional requirements.
• Serves as a primary resource and liaison for faculty, staff, sponsors, and administrative units by providing consultation, problem resolution, and customer-focused support related to sponsored programs administration.
• Develops and delivers training; assists with the development and maintenance of policies, procedures, guidance documents, and resources; monitors changes in the regulatory environment; and supports continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen compliance, service delivery, and research administration operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (no specific field required) and 4 years of experience in the administration of contracts and grants.

Substitutions Allowed

• For Education: When a candidate has the required experience but lacks the required education, they may normally apply additional relevant experience toward the education requirement at a rate of two (2) years of relevant experience per year of required education.
• For Experience: When a candidate has the required education but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement at a rate of one (1) year of relevant education per year of required experience.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Contract Type: Continuing