Grants Manager A/B

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world‑renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly‑regarded schools offering undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach. As an employer, Penn has been nationally recognized, most recently named one of America’s Best Large Employers by Forbes in 2023. The campus provides a beautiful urban setting with easy access to educational, cultural, and recreational activities, making Philadelphia an ideal place to live and work.

Job Description Summary

The primary purpose of this role is to support the research activities of the Renal‑Electrolyte & Hypertension Division within the Department of Medicine. Under limited supervision, the Grants Manager will manage sponsored program funds from pre‑award through post‑award, working closely with Principal Investigators on proposal development, budget development, and related pre‑award requirements for a diverse sponsor portfolio. The position also handles post‑award processes, including monitoring charges, reconciling accounts, and preparing monthly financial reports. The Grants Manager consults with research faculty on budgets and proposals, ensures compliance with sponsor and university policies, and provides full accounting and financial management services, including payroll processing, effort reporting, and financial reporting. Grants Manager B works more independently, manages more complex grants (including clinical research and multi‑subcontract projects), and contributes to financial analysis and division‑wide initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage pre‑ and post‑award activities for a diverse sponsor portfolio within the Renal‑Electrolyte & Hypertension Division.
• Set up and close out accounts, monitor and review all sponsored project expenditures, and project fund forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor guidelines and OMB Uniform Guidance; advise Principal Investigators on financial issues.
• Maintain salary grids, assist with payroll allocations, and prepare effort reports.
• Oversee multiple monthly pre‑award proposal submissions, including budget development and coordination with investigators.
• Participate in specific projects such as the annual budget submission and development/implementation of standard operating procedures for the Department of Medicine.
• Handle pre‑award activities for patient‑oriented clinical trials (federal and non‑federal), including Prospective Reimbursement Analysis, Research Billing Number setup, advance account paperwork, invoicing startup, tracking initial payments, and related tasks.
• Establish study‑specific patient tracking logs for coordinators and grant managers.
• For Grants Manager B: work more independently, manage more complex grants (training grants, program projects with multiple subcontracts), engage in financial analysis, and contribute to broader division initiatives.

Qualifications

• Grants Manager A: Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of relevant experience (or equivalent); experience with NIH and other federal granting agencies; proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Adobe, and Business Objects; strong critical‑thinking, analytical, verbal, and written communication skills; working knowledge of Uniform Guidance; solid organizational and time‑management abilities; familiarity with UPenn sponsored research policies preferred.
• Grants Manager B: Bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years of grant and contract administration experience (or equivalent); Master’s degree preferred; greater grants‑management experience than level A; strong computer skills (Excel, Access) and familiarity with Ben Financial and Business Objects or similar financial software preferred.
• Both positions: strong organizational, data‑management, and documentation skills; attention to detail; ability to work independently and cooperatively; excellent interpersonal skills; highly motivated with a strong work ethic; ability to multitask under deadline pressure; flexibility and a positive contribution to a dynamic business environment; awareness of grant submission coordination in a research setting.

Pay

Salary range: $65,628.00 – $88,000.00 annually, based on qualifications, experience, skills, and education.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
• Generous retirement plans (Basic, Matching, Supplemental) with a variety of investment options.
• Substantial paid time off for vacation, personal needs, and illness.
• Long‑Term Care Insurance with simplified enrollment for new hires.
• Wellness and work‑life resources, including health and wellness programs.
• Professional and personal development resources.
• Access to university resources such as libraries, athletic facilities, arboretum, art galleries, and cultural events.
• Discounts and special services for arts, entertainment, transportation, and mortgages.

Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Perelman School of Medicine.