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 are allowed for education or experience as follows:

• For education: Additional relevant experience may substitute at a rate of two (2) years of experience per year of required education.
• For experience: Additional relevant education may substitute at a rate of one (1) year of education per year of required experience.

Benefits

• Life-changing impact through research, instruction, and outreach.
• Culture of excellence with a commitment to collaboration and innovation.
• Generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a supportive work/life balance culture.
• Southern charm and vibrant community in the Auburn/Opelika area, with easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• Inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Contract type: Continuing