Grants Administrator II - Office of Sponsored Programs and Research

Provides research administration duties including proposal submissions, budget development, post-award management, effort review, report submission, closeout guidance, and financial oversight. Guides the research community and associated LU administrative offices on regulations governing sponsored program administration and compliance. Monitors and provides oversight related to federal, state, industry, and private foundation regulations for sponsored program administration in alignment with LU institutional policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates awarded grant administration activities and ensures timelines are met.
• Disseminates relevant information to LU staff, faculty, and administrators.
• Interprets and ensures compliance with agency rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Assists Principal Investigators (PI) in award compliance.
• Assists with grant orientation for new PIs and deans on policies, forms, and procedures required for managing sponsored projects.
• Coordinates and submits requests for No Cost Extensions, Carryover, budgeting requests, changes in scope, and other award modifications; ensures compliance with sponsor guidelines and University policies.
• Assists with the preparation of technical and financial reports for funding agencies in conjunction with the PI and/or Contracts and Finance.
• Communicates regularly with PIs regarding budget and expense adjustments, including purchasing reports, burn rates, salary, reclass requests, and expense allowability.
• Creates and reviews time and effort reports; manages bi-annual effort certification process for assigned units.
• Assists with Just-In-Time (JIT) requests as needed.
• Reviews and prepares quarterly reports; assists with annual reporting requirements.
• Maintains a calendar of reporting deadlines and provides closeout reminders to PIs for sponsored programs.
• Develops educational materials and resources to guide PIs and LU staff on sponsored programs guidelines and policies.
• Informs PIs of compliance issues regarding grantor agency regulations and disallowances; assists in correcting discrepancies and monitors corrective actions.
• Closes out funded projects consistent with funder requirements and university processes.
• Assists in pre-award activities, including development, preparation, and submission of grant and contract proposals.
• Participates in discussions of standard policies and procedures with Legal, Contracts, and/or Finance.
• Maintains necessary records, files, reports, databases, and resource materials pertinent to Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) activities.
• Works with the Research Ethics Office to ensure compliance protocols receive appropriate review and approval.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in research administration or a related field.
• Four-year college degree; Master’s degree preferred.
• Relevant research administration certifications preferred.

Skills

• Well-developed communication skills, both verbal and written, to convey clear, well-articulated information.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills, including competency in Excel and relational databases.
• Proficient with grant budgeting, accounting, and financial systems preferred.
• Proficient with research administration software.
• Ability to reason, analyze information, and apply judgment to solve routine and complex problems.
• Ability to comprehend complex regulatory language.

Working Conditions

• Climate-controlled office setting with moderate noise levels.
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
• Regularly required to hear and speak for effective oral communication.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, climb stairs, handle materials, reach overhead, kneel, or stoop.
• Regularly lifts 10 or fewer pounds.
• Occasional travel to local and campus locations.
• Use of personal or LU vehicles for travel; valid Virginia driver’s license, acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance required.