Grants & Research Specialist

The Ford School is committed to providing a positive and inclusive work environment, including flexible work opportunities. This position will generally be expected to work in the office 2-3 days per week and is a one-year term-limited role with the possibility of extension, dependent on operational needs.

About the role

The Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy is looking for a Grants & Research Specialist to join our Business Office. Your primary responsibility will be to manage the pre-award and post-award grant administration processes for faculty research. You will report to the Financial Lead Manager. The Ford School is one of the nation's foremost policy schools, housed at one of the world's great public universities. We are a community dedicated to the public good, inspiring and preparing leaders grounded in service, conducting transformational research, and collaborating on evidence-based policymaking to address pressing challenges.

Responsibilities

• Pre-award activities (30%):
  • Assist departmental faculty and researchers with proposal submissions through U-M's eResearch proposal management system and direct sponsor grant portals
  • Prepare budgets and other required sponsor forms according to solicitation requirements and in compliance with Ford School and University guidelines, timetables, and deadlines
  • Assemble required subaward/subcontract materials for submission, including coordinating with other collaborating institutions, departments, schools, and U-M Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) to ensure timely submission to sponsors
• Post-award activities (60%):
  • Set up, track, and manage financial activity for assigned sponsored and non-sponsored projects, including sub-accounts, subcontracts, and cost-sharing activities, while ensuring compliance with University and sponsor guidelines
  • Review and reconcile monthly financial activity and prepare financial reports
  • Work with department and central offices to resolve financial, HR, and payroll issues as they arise
  • Monitor and manage due dates for narrative and financial reports (annual, final), coordinating with faculty and actively assisting as needed
  • Assist faculty with preparing post-award change requests including rebudgeting and extensions
  • Review and process financial status reports, Uniform Guidance reports, and all required project closeout activities
  • Serve as a resource for information on federal, university, and school policies and best practices for procurement activities, travel and expense reporting, data use agreements, and human subjects institutional review board (IRB) processes
  • Identify potential compliance-related issues and offer suggestions for handling before escalating larger issues
• General activities (10%):
  • Perform other duties and provide ad hoc reporting as requested
  • Participate in training opportunities to maintain a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience
  • Represent the Ford School to other units, administrators, and outside entities

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3+ years of demonstrated experience with financial and budget management related to grants and contracts
• Advanced level proficiency in Excel and MS Office suite
• Knowledge of federal funding guidelines

Benefits

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Paid parental leave