Grants and Contracts Manager, Campus Grants Management Team (Remote)

Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a leading research university with over 40,000 employees and international programs in more than 150 countries. This position is with the Campus Grants Management Team (CGMT), a dynamic unit providing cradle-to-grave grant management services for identified departments, dedicated to high-quality customer service and compliant award management.

About the role

This remote position manages and oversees a portfolio of complex grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with sponsor and university guidelines. The role includes supervising a team of Grants and Contracts Administrators, providing guidance to Principal Investigators (PIs), and handling both pre-award and post-award activities. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrate strong critical thinking, and possess advanced analytical skills.

Remote workers must reside in one of the following states or districts: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington State, Washington, DC, Alabama, Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, or Wyoming.

Responsibilities

• Lead Sponsored Research Administration Pre-Award Activities (30%)
  • Advise Principal Investigators (PIs) regarding administrative requirements for proposal submissions.
  • Develop proposal budgets and budget justifications, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
  • Prepare, coordinate, and review proposals for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
  • Monitor compliance with sponsor and university guidelines, including Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs.
  • Review sponsored project submissions through institutional systems to ensure compliance.
  • Track proposal status and communicate deadlines to faculty.
  • Coordinate subcontract activities with collaborating organizations.
• Manage Complex Grant Portfolios Post-Award Activities (30%)
  • Manage complex sponsored projects involving multiple investigators and disciplines.
  • Develop project management plans to support successful execution.
  • Perform monthly financial reconciliations for assigned awards.
  • Proactively communicate with faculty regarding financial and compliance matters.
  • Process cost transfers, salary redistributions, rebudgets, and no-cost extension requests.
  • Monitor and reconcile subrecipient budgets and ensure receipt of required reports.
  • Maintain financial documentation in accordance with institutional retention requirements.
  • Manage cost-sharing commitments and ensure proper allocation and documentation.
  • Oversee compliance with budget, reporting, and sponsor deadlines.
  • Coordinate establishment and monitoring of subrecipient agreements.
  • Address project overdrafts in accordance with university procedures.
  • Ensure accurate recording and management of award revenue.
  • Close out sponsored projects in compliance with sponsor and university requirements.
  • Utilize tools and systems to monitor compliance with Duke policies.
  • Prepare reports and analyses for senior leadership as requested.
• Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team (40%)
  • Partner with the Senior Manager to ensure staff receive appropriate training and support.
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for grants and contracts guidance and policy interpretation.
  • Act as a key contact for faculty regarding team service delivery and performance.
  • Monitor team performance metrics and implement improvements where needed.
  • Recommend personnel actions including hiring, promotions, transfers, and performance evaluations.
  • Supervise Grants and Contracts Administrators and support their professional growth.
  • Complete performance management activities and collaborate on performance improvement efforts.
  • Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, communication, learning, and professional development.
  • Lead a team of at least two direct reports while maintaining an active grant portfolio.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of relevant grants and contracts administration experience and/or leadership experience.
• Successful completion of Duke's Research Administration Academy (RAA) within 12 months of hire.
• Successful completion of Advanced Grants Management (AGM) within six months following RAA completion.
• Maintenance of required certifications through continuing education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research administration education and/or certification (e.g., Certified Research Administrator (CRA)).
• Advanced knowledge of grants and contracts administration.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills.
• Experience supervising, mentoring, and developing grant administration professionals.
• Knowledge of federal, non-federal, and international sponsored research administration.
• Understanding of research compliance, internal controls, effort management, and sponsored project accounting.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and sound independent judgment.
• Adaptability and agility in evolving regulatory and technological environments.
• Commitment to exceptional customer service and collaborative partnership.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Remote work flexibility within approved states.
• Professional development and certification opportunities.
• Collaborative and mission-driven work environment.
• Opportunities to support world-class research and innovation.
• Comprehensive medical and dental care programs.
• Generous retirement benefits.
• Family-friendly and cultural programs.

Pay

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $69,087.00 to USD $118,608.00. Factors considered include scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, and market considerations.